May 23, 2019 – OTTAWA (Canada) – The National Arts Centre is delighted to share programming details of its free 50th Anniversary Open House on Sunday, June 2. This unique event, which takes place on the NAC’s actual 50th anniversary, will feature the largest backstage tour in 25 years; music, theatre and dance workshops; pop-up performances by Canadian artists; and activities the whole family can enjoy. The 50th Anniversary Open House is in partnership with Doors Open Ottawa.

“At the National Arts Centre, Canada is our Stage, but at our 50th Anniversary Open House, the NAC will be your stage,” said NAC President and CEO Christopher Deacon. “We invite the public to join us and help us celebrate the 50th anniversary of the NAC, a home for Canada’s most creative artists, and a catalyst for performance, creation and learning across the country.”

BACKSTAGE TOUR (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Enjoy a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the NAC. Beginning on Southam Hall stage (one of the largest in North America), with access to spaces like the scenic shop, the Asper Theatre and backstage dressing rooms, go behind the curtain to explore where creativity, ingenuity and hard work come together to create the magic of the performing arts. No ticket or reservation required. Capacity is limited, participation is first come, first served. Last entry at 3:30 pm.

CHOIR, DANCE AND THEATRE WORKSHOPS (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Here’s your chance to perform on stage at the NAC! Take part in choir and dance workshops, and join us for one of a series of hands-on theatre workshops where you can learn from the pros. All ages and abilities, no experience required. Capacity is limited, participation is first come, first served.

10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Bollywood Contemporary Fusion Workshop (Babs Asper Theatre)

Montreal choreographer Roger Sinha blends contemporary dance with the energy and magic of Bollywood – perfect for anyone who’s ever wanted to be part of an epic dance number.

11:00  - 11:40 a.m.  
From the Turtle's Back: First Nation Storytelling with Brittany Johnson and Emily Séguin (Azrieli Studio, in English)

11:40 a.m.- 12:20 p.m.  
How to Become an Actor in 30 Minutes with Marie-Ève Fontaine (Azrieli Studio, in French)

12:20 - 1 p.m.  
From the Turtle's Back: First Nation Storytelling with Brittany Johnson and Emily Séguin (Azrieli Studio, in English)

12:30 – 2 p.m.
Classic Canadian Songs Workshop (Babs Asper Theatre)

Join an instant choir as Lee Hayes, leader of Ottawa’s 613 Casual Choir, teaches Corey Hart’s Sunglasses at Night and Robert Charlebois’ J’t’aime comme un fou. No musical training necessary - lyric sheets will be handed out, and the songs will be taught by ear. 

1 - 1:40 p.m.  
Fall Down & Get Back Up (and Other Mysteries of Acting) with Kristina Watt (Azrieli Studio, in English)

1:40 - 2:20 p.m.  
How to Become an Actor in 30 Minutes with Marie-Ève Fontaine (Azrieli Studio, in French)

2:20 – 3 p.m.  
Fall Down & Get Back Up (and Other Mysteries of Acting) with Kristina Watt (Azrieli Studio, in English)

2:30- 3:45 p.m.  
Pow Wow Step Groove Workshop (Babs Asper Theatre)

Josée Bourgeois, an Algonquin dancer from Pikwakanagan, leads a high-energy workshop that combines traditional Indigenous dance movements with hip hop and contemporary dance moves.

FREE PERFORMANCES

Enjoy short performances by some of Canada’s best music, dance and circus artists.

Maude Parent and Timothé Vincent from Les 7 doigts (Canal lobby stage, 10:30 a.m.)
Damien Robitaille (Canal lobby stage,12:30 p.m.)
ILAM (Canal lobby stage, 1:30 p.m.)
Maude Parent and Timothé Vincent from Les 7 doigts (Canal lobby stage, 2:30 p.m.)
Kelley McKinlay and Mariko Kondo from Alberta Ballet (Canal lobby stage, 3:30 p.m.)

POP-UP PERFORMANCES

Throughout the day, be delighted by pop-up performances throughout the NAC, by artists such as Silla and Rise, the Bank Street Bon Bons, dancers Josée Bourgeois, Geoffrey Michaël Dollar and Nikita Kamblé-Bagal, musicians from the NAC Orchestra and more.

FREE FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Take in wonderful arts activities for the whole family throughout the NAC.
·Costume Exhibit (Le Salon). See beautiful costumes from classic NAC productions.

DJs and Arts & Crafts (Peter Herrndorf Place). Listen to tracks by DJ Rise Ashen and DJ del Pilar, and make a craft inspired by traditional Indigenous birch bark baskets (while supplies last).
NAC Script Library (Peter Herrndorf Place). Read through scripts from plays that have been presented on the NAC’s stages over the past 50 years.
Dress-up Corner (Rossy Pavilion). Try on costumes from NAC productions. A great photo op!
Archival exhibit (Southam Hall Mezzanine). See photos and memorabilia from the NAC archives.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Share your favourite NAC memories and 50th Anniversary Open House experiences on the NAC’s Facebook page, on Instagram @nac.cna, and by using the Twitter hashtag #NAC50.

FREE PARKING AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Parking at the NAC is free on Sunday. Free parking is also available at Ottawa City Hall and World Exchange Plaza. On foot, using a wheelchair, with a stroller or via public transit use the entrance on Elgin Street. Please see the NAC website for more details.  Le Café will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Equator Coffee will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Food and beverages will be available for sale at our Intermezzo bars. Free wifi is provided by Rogers to patrons all around the NAC. Feel free to make yourself at home and use your device in any of our open areas.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

The NAC’s 50th anniversary events and programs are made possible with support from Gail Asper, O.C., O.M., LL.D. and Michael Paterson, Bonnie and John Buhler, Alice and Grant Burton, Margaret Fountain, C.M., DFA (h) and David Fountain, C.M., Elinor Gill Ratcliffe, C.M., O.N.L., LL.D. (hc). Janice and Earle O’Born, Gail O’Brien, LL.D. and David O’Brien, O.C., and Dasha Shenkman, OBE, Hon RCM.

ABOUT THE NAC
 

The National Arts Centre collaborates with artists and arts organizations across Canada to help create a national stage for the performing arts, and acts as a catalyst for performance, creation and learning across the country. Founded on June 2, 1969, the National Arts Centre is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019 with an array of special programming and activities throughout the year.  A home for Canada’s most creative artists, the NAC strives to be artistically adventurous in each of its programming streams – the NAC Orchestra, English Theatre, French Theatre, Dance and NAC Presents. NAC Indigenous Theatre will begin its first season of programming in the fall of 2019. The NAC’s National Creation Fund invests up to $3 million of privately raised funds every year in 15 to 20 ambitious new works by Canadian artists and arts organizations. The NAC building has recently undergone two extensive renewal projects, generously funded by the Government of Canada, which have re-oriented the NAC to the city; allowed the NAC to become more welcoming and accessible; and returned its performance halls and production facilities to contemporary standards. The NAC is at the forefront of youth and educational activities, offering artist training, programs for children and youth, and resources for teachers in communities across Canada. The NAC is also a pioneer in new media, showcasing the performing arts across the country through the Kipnes Lantern, the largest transparent LED installation in North America; using technology to teach students and young artists around the globe; creating top-rated podcasts; and providing a wide range of NAC Orchestra concerts on demand. The NAC is the only bilingual, multidisciplinary performing arts centre in Canada, and one of the largest in the world.

 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

 

Mary Gordon
Senior Communications Advisor   
National Arts Centre
613 947-7000 x 849
mary.gordon@nac-cna.ca

 

Marion Gerbier
Communications Officer, French Theatre
National Arts Centre
613-947-7000 x 262
marion.gerbier@nac-cna.ca