neXt Company Theatre Has Closed

neXt Company Theatre
5 Leawood Court
St. Catharines, ON L2T 3R5
Phone: 905.687.8057
Fax: 905.688.7738

neXt Company Theatre was a fully incorporated, not-for-profit, charitable organization.
This was their website.
Content is from the site's 2012-2014 archived pages.

Get Involved in a Production

Are you looking for experience in Dramatic Arts Production? Or simply passionate about dramatic arts and want to be involved in exciting projects that add value to your community? Whatever your reasons, we'd like to hear from you!

Our productions are staged on a primarily volunteer basis, although part of our mandate is to support the arts professionals we work with as much as we can.

There are lots of opportunities to be involved:

• Producer
• Set Design
• Costume Design
• Lighting
• Musical Direction / Musicians
• Choreography
• Stage Manager
• Front-of-House
• Marketing
• Sponsorships

Artistic Team circa 2012

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  Daniel Abadie, Artistic Director

  Daniel Abadie is originally from Argentina.    He has worked as an International Stylist, Choreographer, Actor and Director.   He attended Brock University's Music and Theatre programs and has worked with Opera Ontario, Opera Hamilton, the Budapest Opera House, Gypsy Theatre, Bluewater Summer Playhouse, The Queen St. Theatre and many more.
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  David Fancy, Artistic Director

  David Fancy teaches in the Department of Dramatic Arts at Brock University where he has served as Head of Department. David's background involves five years of professional music theatre in Dublin, Ireland; an Enbridge PlayRites award; having his playwrighting featured at the Lincoln Centre for the Arts in NYC; extensive experience as an acting trainer and director; publications in international theatre journals on Deleuze and performance; and a lifelong commitment to collaborative creation, frequently involving minoritized or marginalized communities.
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  Billy Arthur, Artistic Associate

  Billy Arthur is a graduate of Brock University's Theatre program.    He has worked both on and off the stage. He has been a usher, house manager, concession manager, crew, hang/focus lights, stage manager, lighting operator, costume designer, and professional actor.    Billy has appeared in roles at The Shaw Festival, Blue Water Summer Playhouse, and theatres across toronto and the niagara region.Billy Arthur, Artistic Associ...

2013 Productions

Cabaret comes to Niagara

Posted Sep 20th, 2013
Niagara This Week - St. Catharines, By Pieter Van Hiel

The cabaret is a quintessentially European form of entertainment. An evening of song, dance, performance and ribald comedy, they are places where people from all walks of life can relax and enjoy something out of the ordinary. Cabaret-style entertainments exist in North America, but are far less common. In October, Niagara residents will get the chance to sample the delights of a night at the cabaret, combined with fine Niagara wines, at the appropriately named Cabaret Sauvignon.

The four-night show, hosted by Rockway Vineyards in St. Catharines, presents the talents of neXt Company Theatre and the Zacada Circus. The show will include everything from torch song performances to contortionists and much more. Shelly Traver of Rockway said the cabaret nights would appeal to locals and tourists alike.

People can see a professional cabaret in Niagara, in St. Catharines. You don't have to go outside of the city. I think it'll help draw people in to the area, and I think it'll be great for local people to see the talent we have, she said.

Zacada Circus provides many of the Cabaret performers. Zacada is a Stoney Creek business founded by two former Cirque de Soleil performers. In addition to training performers, Zacada provides circus style entertainment for corporate and public events. Owner and director Kosta Zakharenko said Niagara has rarely seen anything like the Cabaret Sauvignon.

I believe this is something this region needed very badly. I myself am from Europe, and if you want to see something like this you don't have to search for it, he said. Here, we're bringing something new. Cabaret is not new, but it's new for this area.

Zakharenko said Zacada has collaborated with neXt Company in the past, and the cabaret is the result of ideas fired by past partnerships.

We did some corporate events and a flash mob and other projects. There has been collaboration between the companies for a long time, and that's when the ideas start to

neXt Company is providing the dramatic performers for the cabaret, including singers and actors. Artistic director David Fancy promised performances in the best traditions of the cabaret.

The person who comes to this is a person who likes to entertained. They like some music, they like some dancing, but they also like something cheeky and inventive, but they also want something unexpected, like a contortionist at the table beside them, he said.

Fancy said both neXt and Zacada had worked hard to present a uniquely Niagara experience. The performances have been specially catered to the Niagara audience, with subtle and not-so-subtle call outs to Niagara's landscape and culture.

We're always looking for some unique that expresses Niagara's identity. We want to do high quality work, but we want it to be homegrown, he said. We have themed songs like ˜Wine Don't You Love Me?' We have songs about the casino, songs about migrant workers. We have a woman singing a song about her lover, and sh'ss comparing him to a grape that not's ripe yet.

The show is about 20 songs long, with slapstick and comic presentations between. Cabaret Sauvignon runs at Rockway Vineyards on Oct. 2 to Oct. 5, starting at 6 p.m. The show includes a three-course dinner. Tickets are $75 per person, or $560 for a table of eight.

2012 Productions

The Rocky Horror Show (St. Catharines 2012)

Dates: February 16-25, 2012

Location: Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre, St. Catharines, Ontario

Photography | Doug Wilson GREATSHOTS.PRO

The Cast

Brad Majors | Billy Arthur

Janet Weiss | Genna Giampaolo

Dr. Frank-N-Furter | Daniel Abadie

Riff Raff | Paul Lewis

Magenta + Trixie | Carrie Kirkpatrick

Rocky | Adam Sassi

Columbia | Tamera Broczkowski

Dr. Everett V. Scott/Eddie | Louisa O'Keane

The Criminologist + Narrator | Rosemary Drage Hale

Daniel Abadie and Billy Arthur appear with the permission of the Canadian Actors' Equity Association.

Production Team

Producer | Leo Rodrigue

Assistant Producer | Lisa Matheson

Director | Daniel Abadie

Artistic Associate | Billy Arthur

Stage Manager + Lighting Design | Stacy Warford-Graham

Choreographer | Melanie Ash

Hair + Makeup | Monica Abadie

Costume Design | Billy Arthur + Daniel Abadie + Rod Philpott (Alien Costumes)

Costumes | Genna Giampaolo + Maureen Rodrigue + Christine Nolan

Set Design | Daniel Abadie + Billy Arthur

Dance Captain | Genna Giampaolo

Vocal Coach | Melissa Shriner

Music Direction | Laurel Broczkowski + Melissa Shriner

Sound Technician | Rya Ossinger + James Masswohl

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to commonly asked questions about our production of The Rocky Horror Show.

Q:  What theatre is the show at?

A:  The show is at the Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre at the corner of James and King in downtown St. Catharines 101 King Street, Second Floor.

Q:  What type of seating?

A:  General seating, no reserved seats, other than possibly for groups larger than 25 please contact us.

Q:  What age group is this show appropriate for?

A:  This show is recommended for adult 18+ audiences, with the suggestion that parents accompany teenagers. It is not recommended for younger audiences.

Q:  Will there be audience participation? Will we be able to throw things?

A:  Yes, there will be audience participation; however you need to buy the grab bags at the show, for $5 or $8 per couple for two grab bags. All proceeds from the sale of grab bags will go to AIDS Niagara.

Q:  Can we bring our own grab bags?

A:  No, please buy them at the show the bags will have everything you need!

Q:  Are there discounts for groups?

A:  Buy 7 tickets and get the 8th ticket free.

Q:  Are there any dinner theatre packages available?

A:  The Office Tap & Grill on James St. in downtown St. Catharines is offering a Rocky Dinner Theatre Package for $20 -- With your choice of appetizer, main course and dessert. Reservations required. Book today by calling The Office at 905.984.4440.

Q:  Can we dress up?

A:  Absolutely, yes.

Q:  Is there a bar at the show?

Y:  There will be a bar with beer, wine, soda and water.

Q:  Is the theatre wheelchair accessible?

A:  Not really, but we can carry the chair and the indivdual up separately to the second floor. The theatre is not designed with accessibility ramps, unfortunately.

Funds raised for AIDS Niagara: $1,335

We Love Our Supporters & Sponsors!

These organizations give generously to support the work of neXt Company Theatre, providing much needed resources to help us collaborate with the Niagara community to develope relevant, timely, engaging theatre.

SterlingForever.com Helps Fund This Season's Programs

In addition to a generous grant, this sponsor also donated some very special products to raise funds via our grand auction. We have 2 very special Crescent Sterling Silver Rings in stock for you to bid on! These are among the most popular sterling silver rings featured in their webstore and will very likely attract a lot of attention, since they have been promoted on their Facebook and Twitter accounts for the past year. Don't miss out!

We love them and we think you should love them, too! Please click on the logos of the sponsors of the recent Rocky Horror Picture Show 2012 in St. Catharines to find out more about each organization.

Auction of Original Rocky Memorabilia

T-shirt and poster generously donated by John Nolan.

Two items from the original production of The Rocky Horror Show at the Kings Road Theatre, London, England will be auctioned by neXt Company Theatre to support its charitable arts work.

The t-shirt and poster shown below are from the show which opened in 1973 and ran until 1979 before tranferring to the West End theatre district to The Comedy Theatre. John Nolan (his wife Christine is on the neXt Company Theatre Board of Directors) worked on the show as the Company and Stage Manager. The items have had only one owner (John) and are in pristine condition.

We interviewed John to hear some of the stories about his crazy time with the original cast and the story behind the t-shirt and poster.

That Woman / Sex Tragedy

Contemporary Western society is screwed up about sex. On the one hand, prudery reigns: simple conversations about sexuality are for many people still cringeably difficult, even among family and friends. On the other,  a multi-billion dollar porn industry booms, often involving the exploitation of women and girls. David Fancy's new play,That Woman/Sex Tragedy, locates itself right at the heart of this contradiction. It's a funny, disturbing story about four people trying to negotiate their relationships to sex, pleasure, love, and procreation and to each other. But it's also an angry indictment of how societal hypocrisy about sex can ruin lives. Savvy use of technology adds further depth and variation to Monica Dufault's already bravura multi-character performance. This is a timely, sophisticated, political entertainment that deserves a broad audience.

- Karen Fricker, Theatre Critic for Variety (US) and  Lecturer in Contemporary Theatre, Royal Holloway, University of London (UK)

This riveting and intensely entertaining production explores the reality of sex in an online world. Readily available porn and suburban sex toy parties serve as the backdrop for a complex exploration of identity and sexuality for three people: a Man, a Woman, and ˜That' Woman. A central tragic event viewed through the eyes of these characters played in a bravura performance by Monica Dufault pushes the audience to an unavoidable and shocking conclusion.

An intelligent use of video designed by video artist Donna Szoke and a soundscore by the Motion Ensembles' WL Altman work in concert with a stark design by David Vivian, lighting by Chris Penney and costumes by Roberta Doylend to make for a compelling theatrical experience.

The Artists

That Woman/Sex Tragedy, written and directed by David Fancy, enacted by Monica Dufault, is brave work. Few plays take us from belly-laugh to gut-wrench, fewer still present so honest a representation of sexual desire. Dufault, playing all parts female, male, parent, child astounds; Fancy, realizing his script with diversely inventive stagecraft, delights and instructs. Theatric, not graphic, here is a ˜sex play', both hilarious and horrific, that is truly ˜adult entertainment'.  
Terrance Cox, Poet & Author

Bravo for David Vivian's non-traditional and creative design for That Woman/Sex Tragedy presented by neXt Company Theatre that heightened the audienc's relationship to the characters in this unforgettable new play.
Jane Gardner, General Manager, Carousel Players

A splendid play, and Monica does a fine job: brave and funny and sad.
Peter Feldman, Founding Member, The Open Theatre

General Technical Specs

An innovative scenographic, videographic and auditory response to the performance venue sets the stage for the visceral quality of That Woman/Sex Tragedy. The production requires limited scenic elements and technical support that is consistent with most theatre inventories. That Woman/Sex Tragedy will succeed in unique and original venues that are ripe for rediscovery as well as newer venues in need of exploration.

More detailed information available upon request.

More Background On NextCompanyTheatre.com

A Bold Presence in Niagara’s Cultural Scene

neXt Company Theatre stood as a beacon for socially conscious and contemporary performing arts in St. Catharines, Ontario during its vibrant tenure from the early 2010s. Although its operational window was brief, its legacy and impact resonate through the Niagara region’s creative community. As a fully incorporated not-for-profit and charitable organization, the company operated from 5 Leawood Court in St. Catharines, embodying an unwavering commitment to community engagement, mentorship, and the documentation of local culture and history.

Ownership, Organizational Structure, and Vision

Serving as a model of nonprofit arts leadership, neXt Company Theatre’s incorporated and charitable status underlined its commitment to transparency and service to the public good. Its founders and leadership included seasoned artists, educators, and administrators with a dual background in academic and professional theatre. By combining real-world production experience with robust educational practices, the company offered a framework for artist training and community-based theatre-making that set it apart from traditional commercial ventures.

At its core, the mission was clear: “to passionately create socially conscious new work, document Niagara’s culture and history, produce unique musical theatre, mentor emerging artists and technicians, and help train the next generation of stage actors.” This holistic vision put equal weight on powerful storytelling, educational outreach, and community connection.

Proximity and Influence in St. Catharines

St. Catharines, the Niagara region’s largest urban center, has long been celebrated as a vital arts and leisure destination in the province. neXt Company Theatre enhanced this stature through its home base at the Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre—one of the city’s most storied and artistically significant venues. Located downtown, the theatre offered a central and accessible gathering point for audiences from throughout the Niagara Peninsula. Proximity to Brock University and other educational institutions fostered partnerships, scholarship, and the regular involvement of theatre students and faculty in productions and workshops.

Programming: Documentary Theatre and Original Works

neXt Company Theatre was acclaimed for its pioneering approach to documentary theatre. This methodology positioned live performance as a tool for illuminating real life narratives, amplifying local voices, and encouraging critical reflection among audiences. Productions frequently tackled contemporary issues with both sensitivity and artistic innovation, including mental health, sexuality, refugee experiences, and migrant worker life.

Among its memorable productions were original works such as “That Woman/Sex Tragedy,” which garnered praise for its sophisticated examination of sexuality and social hypocrisy, and “Growing Together: A Celebration of Niagara’s Migrant Workers,” which foregrounded the vital contributions and untold stories of newcomers to the region. The company also staged events like cabaret evenings, interactive performances, and community collaborations that blurred the line between audience and participant.

Mentorship, Training, and Community Roots

Mentoring emerging artists was not an afterthought at neXt Company Theatre—it was central to its programming. The company developed hands-on educational schemes for actors, directors, playwrights, and technical specialists, integrating mentorship and real-world stage experience. By inviting up-and-coming artists and technicians into every aspect of production, from rehearsal to technical design, the theatre functioned as a living classroom. Alumni of these initiatives have gone on to work elsewhere in Canadian theatre, education, and beyond.

Achievements and Awards

Although the company’s scale was local by design, its productions did not go unnoticed. neXt Company Theatre received community awards and earned positive coverage in local press for its artistic bravery and innovation. Reviews from respected critics, general managers from peer theatre organizations, and local cultural leaders all lauded the company for creative set design, powerful storytelling, and a fearless willingness to engage with challenging social topics.

A notable commendation came for the scenographic and technical excellence displayed in “That Woman/Sex Tragedy.” Artistic peers praised the theatre for “heightening the audience’s relationship to the characters” and making “unforgettable” theatre that was both brave and emotionally resonant.

Audience and Community Engagement

The company cultivated a diverse and passionate audience base, ranging from students and academics to local families and longtime arts supporters. The community focus went deep: events were often designed not only as performances but as sites of dialogue and collaboration, such as forums, talkbacks, and group workshops. Audiences were encouraged to participate in post-show discussions, and productions frequently addressed issues of direct significance to local residents.

Collaboration with other arts groups and nonprofit organizations was common, expanding the theatre’s outreach and impact. Through fundraisers, joint productions, and ticketing partnerships with local businesses and charities, neXt Company Theatre became more than just a stage: it was a creative catalyst for St. Catharines and the Niagara region.

Media Coverage and Critical Reception

Local press and theatre enthusiasts provided strong and consistent support for neXt Company Theatre’s work, placing its productions alongside the best in Niagara’s cultural programming. Media coverage frequently highlighted the theatre’s innovative use of venue spaces, especially its knack for transforming historic or unusual environments into settings for memorable performances.

Noteworthy was the recognition from local press and national theatre reviewers who cited neXt Company Theatre for its inventive dramaturgy and ability to make complex social issues theatrically compelling. Artistic directors from peer companies and respected educators publicly endorsed its contributions, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in regional theatre innovation.

Social and Cultural Significance

The impact of neXt Company Theatre extended well beyond traditional theatre patrons. Its focus on inclusion, mentorship, and local storytelling fostered a sense of ownership and pride in the Niagara arts community. By championing documentary theatre and bravely tackling contemporary issues, the company influenced public dialogue in St. Catharines and helped to set an agenda for theatre as a force for positive community and cultural change.

Many consider neXt Company Theatre’s work foundational for later developments in Niagara’s cultural sector, inspiring both professional and amateur artists to see the stage as a platform for dialogue, education, and activism.

Specific Examples and Detailed Insights

• Production Innovation: The company’s technical approach allowed for portable sets and minimalistic staging—a necessity that was transformed into an artistic strength. The use of multimedia and creative lighting schemes heightened the emotional resonance of live performance, even in unconventional or intimate venues.

• Community Storytelling: “Growing Together” was developed through engagement with local migrant workers, blending interviews and research into a heartfelt theatrical celebration accessible to all ages.

• Educational Outreach: By partnering with Brock University and local schools, the company delivered workshops and artist previews, making the professional theatre process accessible for aspiring creatives.

• Inclusivity Initiatives: Regular collaborations with other theatre groups, such as AIDS Niagara, brought wider social issues to the stage and fostered real-world action—such as fundraising and public information campaigns.

• Audience Experience: Attendees frequently reported a heightened sense of participation and investment in both the stories told and the broader mission of the company. Post-show feedback sessions and interactive installations were common features.

Challenges and Closure

Like many ambitious arts organizations, neXt Company Theatre faced practical challenges common to the nonprofit sector, including fundraising, audience development, and the recruitment and retention of young artists. Despite these hurdles, its closure is remembered not as a defeat but as a concluding chapter to a distinct period of artistic risk-taking.

Former members, alumni, and local theatre historians continue to celebrate the deep cultural residue left by the company, often citing its lasting lessons for community engagement and fearless theatrical experimentation.

Legacy and Lasting Influence

Although neXt Company Theatre has ceased operations, its influence continues to shape Niagara’s performing arts scene. Alumni frequently credit their time at the theatre as foundational for their later careers in arts administration and production. Its approach to documentary theatre and its mentorship model have been emulated by successor organizations and continue to influence discussions about the role of theatre in community life.

Current cultural programming in St. Catharines often references the innovative spirit and community-driven focus of neXt Company Theatre. Arts festivals, grassroots companies, and civic initiatives in Niagara carry echoes of its deep-rooted commitment to social consciousness and artistic collaboration.

neXt Company Theatre’s story is one of visionary idealism, fearless artistic experimentation, and tangible contributions to the cultural and social fabric of Niagara. As a model for not-for-profit theatre in mid-sized Canadian cities, the company’s example holds lessons for artists, administrators, and audiences alike: that meaningful theatre is less about permanence than about impact, less about spectacle than about honest storytelling, and always about the relationship between stage, audience, and community.