About Queen’s Players Toronto...

Queen’s Players Toronto (QPT) is a not-for-profit organization that produces really, really funny contemporary alt-pop-rock musicals. Our unique style of show draws its origins from comedy cabarets produced at Queen's University since… well… the beginning of time.  (Lorne Greene and Robertson Davies were early members... we’re not kidding!)  QPT was formed by Queen’s alumni in 2004 and is now happily comprised of dedicated individuals from a variety of backgrounds. 

But, as hilarious as the shows are, and as fun as they are to produce, QPT has also always had a very strong charitable component to its mandate.  In fact, to date, QPT has donated almost $60,000 to various charities including our lead charity, the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

Over the past five years, we have produced seven full-scale shows:

1. -ARRESTED HOUSEWIVES (Summer 2009)
   

2. -THE SUPERREAL LIFE (Summer 2008)
   

3. -GREY'S ENTOURAGE (Summer 2007)
   

4. -THE OCSI:TORONTO (Summer 2006)
   

5. -COUNT CHOCULA'S BREAKFAST CLUB (Fall 2005)
   

6. -THE APPRENTICE BRIDE (Summer 2005)
   

7. -OLD SCHOOL AND THE CITY (Fall 2004)
   

We are very honoured to be able to say that each of these shows was completely sold-out.  This is due to the tremendous efforts of our volunteers, the amazing loyalty of our audience and the staggering generosity of our sponsors.  We are a very lucky group to have such strong support!

For additional information about the history of Queen’s Players (both in Kingston and Toronto) check out queensplayers.wikispaces.com.

What makes a Players show unique?

The Script

The script is a mash-up of popular or retro themes and characters often culled from TV shows and Movies.  These characters all meet up and go through a variety of trials and tribulations usually involving a random “bad guy.”  While they tell you this story, they throw in some jokes, partial nudity, local political “humour,” pop culture gags and of course music.  The title of the show will usually give you a clue as to which characters you might see on stage.

The Music

The music is a mix of pop, R & B, rock, soul and rap performed with some snappy dance moves, great harmonies and sex appeal.  A tight band backs up our singers and rocks it out for you all night long.

The Traditions

We have a number of traditions that often require some audience participation.  They are:

1. Every show contains the question “where shall we go, what shall we do?”  This gets a big cheer.
   

2. Every show contains the line “Name of the show!”  This also gets a big cheer.
   

3. Whenever a cast member mentions a song title, the entire audience shouts for them to “SING!”
   

4. When an actor makes a noticeable mistake, the audience often points out how “Seamless” it was.
   

5. We drink during the show.  Some get hammered before the curtain call.  Some get sloshed before the audience sits down.  The audience is welcome to follow suit!
   

6. From time to time, someone on stage might catch your fancy... it is customary to offer this person a drink... during the show!  Please feel free to do this, but please do keep in mind that the cast for the most part is human, and can only drink so much... so please, no beer bongs!  Oh, and for safety reasons, please don’t go on stage... unless you’re actually in the show!
   

Who are we?

The 2009/2010 QPT Board of Directors

Executive:

Peter Higgins - President

Paul Levia - Vice President

Don Duval - Vice President

Members at Large:

Laura Hopkins

Candice Gilliam

Graeme Drinkwalter

Megan Mackeigan

Chris Peressotti

Brian Russell