THE BMO RADAR: NEW WORKS IN PROGRESS
The BMO Radar is back! From August 25–30, we’re inviting you to an exciting week of readings, workshops, and more—and every event is FREE! Come on down to the Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre and join us for staged readings of four new plays, along with a variety of brand-new events geared towards meaningful conversations about play development and the writing process.
Play Readings
Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre
Each evening of the BMO Radar features a script reading by professional actors of a new work in progress, followed by a moderated discussion with the playwright(s) where the audience is invited to ask questions, share observations and discuss the play—we want to know what you think!
Playwright Residency (in partnership with Touchstone Theatre)
As part of the BMO Radar and in partnership with Touchstone Theatre, the Arts Club Theatre Company is welcoming playwright Justin Neal in a month-long creative residency. Justin will be given writing space, access to studios, and dramaturgical consultation on his new projects. Justin is a past participant of our Emerging Playwrights Unit and we are thrilled to have him back with us.
Playwrights Cafe
Mon, August 25–Sat, August 30, 2025
BMO Theatre Centre Atrium
1–5 pm
Every afternoon from August 25–30, we’re converting the lobby of the BMO Theatre Centre into a café for playwrights. Part writing room, part coffee shop, part hang out, the Playwrights Café provides local playwrights with a place to gather, do some writing, and connect with each other. Come hang out with us, and make sure you stick around for the readings after!
Playwrights! Please bring printed copies of the pages you’d like read—one for each actor in your scene, plus one extra (e.g. if your scene features 5 characters, bring 6 copies). We cannot guarantee printing on-site.
Playwrights Roundtable
Sat, August 30, 2025
Studio B, BMO Theatre Centre
2–4 pm
Post-reading discussions mostly focus on the script and its development—this panel is an opportunity to hear playwrights talk about their careers, artistic processes and writing practices, and share a bigger picture of what goes into writing plays. Featuring the playwrights from this year’s readings, as well as other local writers, this extended conversation is open to the public.
Playwrights Cafe
Mon, August 25–Sat, August 30, 2025
BMO Theatre Centre Atrium
1–5 pm
Every afternoon from August 25–30, we’re converting the lobby of the BMO Theatre Centre into a café for playwrights. Part writing room, part coffee shop, part hang out, the Playwrights Café provides local playwrights with a place to gather, do some writing, and connect with each other. Come hang out with us, and make sure you stick around for the readings after!
Playwrights! Please bring printed copies of the pages you’d like read—one for each actor in your scene, plus one extra (e.g. if your scene features 5 characters, bring 6 copies). We cannot guarantee printing on-site.
The BMO Theatre Centre is located at 162 West 1st Ave, in the heart of Olympic Village. It’s best known for the Arts Club’s Olympic Village Stage, but it’s also home to our rehearsal halls, office space, and so much more. The BMO Radar takes place all over the building—check below for directions to each of our locations:
The Olympic Village Stage—Enter through the glass doors facing 1st Ave. The doors to the theatre are directly past the entrance.
Atrium—Enter through the glass doors facing 1st Ave. and turn left. The atrium is an open space that serves as the lobby for the Olympic Village Stage.
Studio B—Walk past the theatre entrance on West 1st Ave. until you reach the glass door marked with BMO Radar signage. This door is locked, but a member of staff will be available on the day of the event to let you in.
