Chris Tolley
@christolley.bsky.social
Dad. Power nap professional. Co-host & producer of CBC’s PlayME podcast. President of the Playwrights Guild of Canada. Political junkie & two-time candidate for Canadian Parliament. christolley.ca
Excited to announce a workshop with my friend Anusree Roy—top Canadian playwright turned successful US TV writer!
Learn TV writing, series development, and insider insights into writer's rooms.
Online every Saturday, May 24–June 21, hosted by PlayME.
Spots limited!
www.playmepodcast.com/courses
Learn TV writing, series development, and insider insights into writer's rooms.
Online every Saturday, May 24–June 21, hosted by PlayME.
Spots limited!
www.playmepodcast.com/courses
May 14, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Excited to announce a workshop with my friend Anusree Roy—top Canadian playwright turned successful US TV writer!
Learn TV writing, series development, and insider insights into writer's rooms.
Online every Saturday, May 24–June 21, hosted by PlayME.
Spots limited!
www.playmepodcast.com/courses
Learn TV writing, series development, and insider insights into writer's rooms.
Online every Saturday, May 24–June 21, hosted by PlayME.
Spots limited!
www.playmepodcast.com/courses
Happy World Theatre Day, everyone!
The PGC asked me to write a WTD message on behalf of the Playwrights Guild of Canada. This year, our work has never been more urgent...
playwrightsguild.ca/world-theatr...
"This year, World Theatre Day arrives as both a wake-up call and a rallying cry..."
The PGC asked me to write a WTD message on behalf of the Playwrights Guild of Canada. This year, our work has never been more urgent...
playwrightsguild.ca/world-theatr...
"This year, World Theatre Day arrives as both a wake-up call and a rallying cry..."
March 27, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Happy World Theatre Day, everyone!
The PGC asked me to write a WTD message on behalf of the Playwrights Guild of Canada. This year, our work has never been more urgent...
playwrightsguild.ca/world-theatr...
"This year, World Theatre Day arrives as both a wake-up call and a rallying cry..."
The PGC asked me to write a WTD message on behalf of the Playwrights Guild of Canada. This year, our work has never been more urgent...
playwrightsguild.ca/world-theatr...
"This year, World Theatre Day arrives as both a wake-up call and a rallying cry..."
I can’t believe it’s been 7 years! 🤯
PlayME is back & this year’s lineup is absolutely stellar.
"As the trade war rages on, CBC’s PlayME stays true to its mandate of platforming Canadian writers" - Intermission Mag
#PlayME #canada #CBC
Great article w/ @lauramullin.bsky.social
is.gd/sQWHDY
PlayME is back & this year’s lineup is absolutely stellar.
"As the trade war rages on, CBC’s PlayME stays true to its mandate of platforming Canadian writers" - Intermission Mag
#PlayME #canada #CBC
Great article w/ @lauramullin.bsky.social
is.gd/sQWHDY
CBC's PlayME keeps to mandate of platforming Canadian writers
“I think all five of these shows really help us plant a stake in saying who we are as Canadians,” says PlayME co-creator Chris Tolley.
www.intermissionmagazine.ca
March 12, 2025 at 3:14 PM
I can’t believe it’s been 7 years! 🤯
PlayME is back & this year’s lineup is absolutely stellar.
"As the trade war rages on, CBC’s PlayME stays true to its mandate of platforming Canadian writers" - Intermission Mag
#PlayME #canada #CBC
Great article w/ @lauramullin.bsky.social
is.gd/sQWHDY
PlayME is back & this year’s lineup is absolutely stellar.
"As the trade war rages on, CBC’s PlayME stays true to its mandate of platforming Canadian writers" - Intermission Mag
#PlayME #canada #CBC
Great article w/ @lauramullin.bsky.social
is.gd/sQWHDY
Our system is so screwed up. Libs have twice the vote % of NDP but have half the seats. The PCs have more than three times the number is seats as the the NDP but from only 13% more votes. It makes no sense.
February 28, 2025 at 2:44 AM
Our system is so screwed up. Libs have twice the vote % of NDP but have half the seats. The PCs have more than three times the number is seats as the the NDP but from only 13% more votes. It makes no sense.
Noticed some holidays missing from Google Calendar? Google removed events like Pride Month & Black History Month, saying it’s focusing only on public holidays. Interesting to see which ones made the cut. Read more: ‘Google Calendar removed events...’ by Jay Peters. #GoogleCalendar #DiversityMatters
February 26, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Noticed some holidays missing from Google Calendar? Google removed events like Pride Month & Black History Month, saying it’s focusing only on public holidays. Interesting to see which ones made the cut. Read more: ‘Google Calendar removed events...’ by Jay Peters. #GoogleCalendar #DiversityMatters
A friend is teaching a 5-week voice acting workshop for PlayME, and I wanted to spread the word. Dee, a top casting and voice director (Hotel Transylvania, etc.), is leading it—an amazing chance for actors to level up their skills.
Let me know if you’re interested, and I'll get the info to you.
Let me know if you’re interested, and I'll get the info to you.
February 20, 2025 at 11:17 PM
A friend is teaching a 5-week voice acting workshop for PlayME, and I wanted to spread the word. Dee, a top casting and voice director (Hotel Transylvania, etc.), is leading it—an amazing chance for actors to level up their skills.
Let me know if you’re interested, and I'll get the info to you.
Let me know if you’re interested, and I'll get the info to you.
Songwriting meets storytelling in PlayPEN! ✍️🎶
Kevin Wong leads a deep dive into how musicals work—structure, lyrics & melody. If you write, compose, or both, this is for you! Apply by Feb 24.
A PlayME series where top industry artists teach comedy, writing & more. Apply now.
#ComedyWorkshop
Kevin Wong leads a deep dive into how musicals work—structure, lyrics & melody. If you write, compose, or both, this is for you! Apply by Feb 24.
A PlayME series where top industry artists teach comedy, writing & more. Apply now.
#ComedyWorkshop
February 18, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Songwriting meets storytelling in PlayPEN! ✍️🎶
Kevin Wong leads a deep dive into how musicals work—structure, lyrics & melody. If you write, compose, or both, this is for you! Apply by Feb 24.
A PlayME series where top industry artists teach comedy, writing & more. Apply now.
#ComedyWorkshop
Kevin Wong leads a deep dive into how musicals work—structure, lyrics & melody. If you write, compose, or both, this is for you! Apply by Feb 24.
A PlayME series where top industry artists teach comedy, writing & more. Apply now.
#ComedyWorkshop
Turn your cringiest moments into comedy gold!
Aurora Browne (Baroness Von Sketch Show) leads PlayPEN's workshop, ME, IRL: a PlayME workshop on turning awkward life moments into hilarious sketches. Learn from top industry artists in comedy, writing & more. Apply now—spots fill fast!
#ComedyWorkshop
Aurora Browne (Baroness Von Sketch Show) leads PlayPEN's workshop, ME, IRL: a PlayME workshop on turning awkward life moments into hilarious sketches. Learn from top industry artists in comedy, writing & more. Apply now—spots fill fast!
#ComedyWorkshop
February 18, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Turn your cringiest moments into comedy gold!
Aurora Browne (Baroness Von Sketch Show) leads PlayPEN's workshop, ME, IRL: a PlayME workshop on turning awkward life moments into hilarious sketches. Learn from top industry artists in comedy, writing & more. Apply now—spots fill fast!
#ComedyWorkshop
Aurora Browne (Baroness Von Sketch Show) leads PlayPEN's workshop, ME, IRL: a PlayME workshop on turning awkward life moments into hilarious sketches. Learn from top industry artists in comedy, writing & more. Apply now—spots fill fast!
#ComedyWorkshop
Musical Stage creates some of the most innovative theatre I've seen. This is a great opportunity! ✨ The Musical Stage Company is searching for our next Artistic Director. Lead Canada’s top musical theatre company and shape its future on the global stage! Apply by Feb 21
Link 👇 #Theatre #artsjob
Link 👇 #Theatre #artsjob
February 18, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Well, here's a big political shakeup!
A new Pallas Poll has the Conservatives and Libs tied if Mark Kearney steps in as leader.
And the CPC’ 20-point lead has shrunk to just 6% if no leader is specified! What do you think this means for the next election? 👀
#CdnPoli #canada
A new Pallas Poll has the Conservatives and Libs tied if Mark Kearney steps in as leader.
And the CPC’ 20-point lead has shrunk to just 6% if no leader is specified! What do you think this means for the next election? 👀
#CdnPoli #canada
Pallas Federal Poll: CPC Still Lead, But A Carney-led LPC Would Win - Pallas Data
(TORONTO, 7 January 2025) – While the federal Conservatives maintain a substantial but narrowing lead over the governing Liberals, the Liberals led by former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney would…
buff.ly
February 10, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Hey - ready to level up your craft?
PlayME Podcast presents 5-week online intensive courses led by top Canadian artists! From comedy writing - musical storytelling, there’s something for everyone.
📢 More info & sign up: Link 👇
##Theatre #CdnTheatre #MusicalTheatre #VoiceActing #SketchComedy
PlayME Podcast presents 5-week online intensive courses led by top Canadian artists! From comedy writing - musical storytelling, there’s something for everyone.
📢 More info & sign up: Link 👇
##Theatre #CdnTheatre #MusicalTheatre #VoiceActing #SketchComedy
February 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Hey - ready to level up your craft?
PlayME Podcast presents 5-week online intensive courses led by top Canadian artists! From comedy writing - musical storytelling, there’s something for everyone.
📢 More info & sign up: Link 👇
##Theatre #CdnTheatre #MusicalTheatre #VoiceActing #SketchComedy
PlayME Podcast presents 5-week online intensive courses led by top Canadian artists! From comedy writing - musical storytelling, there’s something for everyone.
📢 More info & sign up: Link 👇
##Theatre #CdnTheatre #MusicalTheatre #VoiceActing #SketchComedy
Hey, friends in Victoria - here's an exciting career opportunity at the Belfry Theatre.
Join as a Producer to support Canadian contemporary theatre and make a lasting impact.
Salary: $50K-$55K + benefits. Apply by Feb 20, 2025.
#TheatreJobs #CanadianArts #CdnTheatre
Link 👇
Join as a Producer to support Canadian contemporary theatre and make a lasting impact.
Salary: $50K-$55K + benefits. Apply by Feb 20, 2025.
#TheatreJobs #CanadianArts #CdnTheatre
Link 👇
February 6, 2025 at 5:47 AM
Hey, friends in Victoria - here's an exciting career opportunity at the Belfry Theatre.
Join as a Producer to support Canadian contemporary theatre and make a lasting impact.
Salary: $50K-$55K + benefits. Apply by Feb 20, 2025.
#TheatreJobs #CanadianArts #CdnTheatre
Link 👇
Join as a Producer to support Canadian contemporary theatre and make a lasting impact.
Salary: $50K-$55K + benefits. Apply by Feb 20, 2025.
#TheatreJobs #CanadianArts #CdnTheatre
Link 👇
Calling all directors!
Applications for Directors Lab North 2025 are now open. This is your chance to grow, connect, and explore with fellow directors. Apply by Feb 18, 2025! The Lab runs June 9-15 in Toronto. Don’t miss out!
#TheatreDirectors #CanadianArts #CdnTheatre
Link 👇
Applications for Directors Lab North 2025 are now open. This is your chance to grow, connect, and explore with fellow directors. Apply by Feb 18, 2025! The Lab runs June 9-15 in Toronto. Don’t miss out!
#TheatreDirectors #CanadianArts #CdnTheatre
Link 👇
February 4, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Calling all directors!
Applications for Directors Lab North 2025 are now open. This is your chance to grow, connect, and explore with fellow directors. Apply by Feb 18, 2025! The Lab runs June 9-15 in Toronto. Don’t miss out!
#TheatreDirectors #CanadianArts #CdnTheatre
Link 👇
Applications for Directors Lab North 2025 are now open. This is your chance to grow, connect, and explore with fellow directors. Apply by Feb 18, 2025! The Lab runs June 9-15 in Toronto. Don’t miss out!
#TheatreDirectors #CanadianArts #CdnTheatre
Link 👇
This is an interesting find!
What’s Old is News podcast welcomes Robin C. Whittaker to explore the legacy of Alumnae Theatre Company—Canada’s longest-running women-led theatre. Learn about its history, impact & the role of non-professional theatre.
#CanadianTheatre
🎧 Link 👇
What’s Old is News podcast welcomes Robin C. Whittaker to explore the legacy of Alumnae Theatre Company—Canada’s longest-running women-led theatre. Learn about its history, impact & the role of non-professional theatre.
#CanadianTheatre
🎧 Link 👇
February 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM
This is an interesting find!
What’s Old is News podcast welcomes Robin C. Whittaker to explore the legacy of Alumnae Theatre Company—Canada’s longest-running women-led theatre. Learn about its history, impact & the role of non-professional theatre.
#CanadianTheatre
🎧 Link 👇
What’s Old is News podcast welcomes Robin C. Whittaker to explore the legacy of Alumnae Theatre Company—Canada’s longest-running women-led theatre. Learn about its history, impact & the role of non-professional theatre.
#CanadianTheatre
🎧 Link 👇
1% chance? That’s lower than my hope for the future. Step it up, asteroid!
Astronomers are tracking an asteroid that could hit Earth in 2032
The odds are about 1% that the football field-sized object could hit the Earth, but that makes it the closest call in more than 20 years.
buff.ly
February 3, 2025 at 12:22 PM
1% chance? That’s lower than my hope for the future. Step it up, asteroid!
Here's an opportunity for Alberta Playwrights!
The 60th Annual Alberta Playwriting Competition is now open. It's a chance to have your work recognized and celebrated in the AB literary community. Submissions close on February 15, 2025. Good luck!
Link 👇
#AlbertaPlaywriting #CanadianTheatre
The 60th Annual Alberta Playwriting Competition is now open. It's a chance to have your work recognized and celebrated in the AB literary community. Submissions close on February 15, 2025. Good luck!
Link 👇
#AlbertaPlaywriting #CanadianTheatre
February 2, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Here's an opportunity for Alberta Playwrights!
The 60th Annual Alberta Playwriting Competition is now open. It's a chance to have your work recognized and celebrated in the AB literary community. Submissions close on February 15, 2025. Good luck!
Link 👇
#AlbertaPlaywriting #CanadianTheatre
The 60th Annual Alberta Playwriting Competition is now open. It's a chance to have your work recognized and celebrated in the AB literary community. Submissions close on February 15, 2025. Good luck!
Link 👇
#AlbertaPlaywriting #CanadianTheatre
Trump's Justification for a trade war is to stop the flow of fentanyl from Canada.
Yet U.S. Customs and Border Protection say they seized just 19.5 kg of fentanyl at the northern border last year, compared to a whopping 9,570 at the southwestern one. (CBC) #Cdnpoli
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Yet U.S. Customs and Border Protection say they seized just 19.5 kg of fentanyl at the northern border last year, compared to a whopping 9,570 at the southwestern one. (CBC) #Cdnpoli
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Trump launches trade war against Canada with a 25% tariff on most goods | CBC News
President Donald Trump launched a trade war against Canada on Saturday by imposing a 25 per cent tariff on virtually all goods from the U.S.'s neighbour — an unprecedented strike against a longstandin...
www.cbc.ca
February 1, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Trump's Justification for a trade war is to stop the flow of fentanyl from Canada.
Yet U.S. Customs and Border Protection say they seized just 19.5 kg of fentanyl at the northern border last year, compared to a whopping 9,570 at the southwestern one. (CBC) #Cdnpoli
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Yet U.S. Customs and Border Protection say they seized just 19.5 kg of fentanyl at the northern border last year, compared to a whopping 9,570 at the southwestern one. (CBC) #Cdnpoli
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
I made a grave mistake.
I set up an AI GPT to keep me organized—my friendly assistant. Or so I thought.
This AM, after a Dr. appointment, I checked my AI schedule and found this…
I wanted to time-block my day, not summon the singularity. Send help. Or snacks.
#openai #ai #ProductivityGoneWrong
I set up an AI GPT to keep me organized—my friendly assistant. Or so I thought.
This AM, after a Dr. appointment, I checked my AI schedule and found this…
I wanted to time-block my day, not summon the singularity. Send help. Or snacks.
#openai #ai #ProductivityGoneWrong
January 30, 2025 at 4:55 PM
I made a grave mistake.
I set up an AI GPT to keep me organized—my friendly assistant. Or so I thought.
This AM, after a Dr. appointment, I checked my AI schedule and found this…
I wanted to time-block my day, not summon the singularity. Send help. Or snacks.
#openai #ai #ProductivityGoneWrong
I set up an AI GPT to keep me organized—my friendly assistant. Or so I thought.
This AM, after a Dr. appointment, I checked my AI schedule and found this…
I wanted to time-block my day, not summon the singularity. Send help. Or snacks.
#openai #ai #ProductivityGoneWrong
Here’s a great residency opportunity for artists...
Boca del Lupo’s SLaM Residency Program offers free space & support for creating theatre, dance, audio installations & more. Deadline: Feb 10, 2025.
#CdnTheatre #Playwrights #TheatreResidency #CanadianArts
Link 👇
Boca del Lupo’s SLaM Residency Program offers free space & support for creating theatre, dance, audio installations & more. Deadline: Feb 10, 2025.
#CdnTheatre #Playwrights #TheatreResidency #CanadianArts
Link 👇
SLaM
Boca del Lupo’s SLaM (Succesor, Leadership, and Mentorship) Program
buff.ly
January 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Here’s a great residency opportunity for artists...
Boca del Lupo’s SLaM Residency Program offers free space & support for creating theatre, dance, audio installations & more. Deadline: Feb 10, 2025.
#CdnTheatre #Playwrights #TheatreResidency #CanadianArts
Link 👇
Boca del Lupo’s SLaM Residency Program offers free space & support for creating theatre, dance, audio installations & more. Deadline: Feb 10, 2025.
#CdnTheatre #Playwrights #TheatreResidency #CanadianArts
Link 👇
Think you can write a play in just 24 hours?
The Toronto Fringe’s epic playwriting contest is back. Challenge yourself, win cash prizes, and see your work come to life. Plus, your work could be featured in the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival! Deadline: Feb 5.
#Playwriting #theaTO
Link 👇
The Toronto Fringe’s epic playwriting contest is back. Challenge yourself, win cash prizes, and see your work come to life. Plus, your work could be featured in the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival! Deadline: Feb 5.
#Playwriting #theaTO
Link 👇
January 29, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Think you can write a play in just 24 hours?
The Toronto Fringe’s epic playwriting contest is back. Challenge yourself, win cash prizes, and see your work come to life. Plus, your work could be featured in the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival! Deadline: Feb 5.
#Playwriting #theaTO
Link 👇
The Toronto Fringe’s epic playwriting contest is back. Challenge yourself, win cash prizes, and see your work come to life. Plus, your work could be featured in the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival! Deadline: Feb 5.
#Playwriting #theaTO
Link 👇
I think Obsidian is one of the most exciting theatre companies out there! And guess what? They’re hiring an Associate Artistic Director. This part-time role is your chance to help shape Black voices in Canadian theatre.
#CanadianArts #CdnTheatre
Link to apply 👇
#CanadianArts #CdnTheatre
Link to apply 👇
January 29, 2025 at 2:24 PM
I think Obsidian is one of the most exciting theatre companies out there! And guess what? They’re hiring an Associate Artistic Director. This part-time role is your chance to help shape Black voices in Canadian theatre.
#CanadianArts #CdnTheatre
Link to apply 👇
#CanadianArts #CdnTheatre
Link to apply 👇
Does anyone know why Pollievre still hasn’t received security clearance?
What are people saying?
What are people saying?
This is a no-brainer: a Granny who wants to volunteer at a school lunch program has to get a security clearance.
And yet Pierre Poilievre who lives in a 19-room mansion funded by the taxpayer refuses or can't get a security clearance.
Something stinks here.
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
And yet Pierre Poilievre who lives in a 19-room mansion funded by the taxpayer refuses or can't get a security clearance.
Something stinks here.
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Pierre Poilievre will no longer receive security briefing from top spy agency
The Conservative leader has argued that he won't be muzzled by secrecy constraints that accompany security clearances.
www.thestar.com
January 29, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Does anyone know why Pollievre still hasn’t received security clearance?
What are people saying?
What are people saying?
Show cancellations are never easy, but how they’re handled matters just as much as the decision itself. Would hate to have been that audience! #Theatre
Hearing that tonight’s performance of Just For One Day has been cancelled due to tech difficulties — show was supposed to start 20 minutes ago and audience was allegedly left outside to wait in the snow.
Two Mirvish reps apparently came onstage to apologize after letting people in late. #theaTO
Two Mirvish reps apparently came onstage to apologize after letting people in late. #theaTO
January 29, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Show cancellations are never easy, but how they’re handled matters just as much as the decision itself. Would hate to have been that audience! #Theatre
Weyni Mengesha is stepping down as Soulpepper’s artistic director after transforming the company during its toughest years. She rebuilt its reputation, championed new voices, and brought in a younger, more diverse audience. A true visionary.
#Theatre #ArtsLeadership #Soulpepper
News Link 👇
#Theatre #ArtsLeadership #Soulpepper
News Link 👇
January 28, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Weyni Mengesha is stepping down as Soulpepper’s artistic director after transforming the company during its toughest years. She rebuilt its reputation, championed new voices, and brought in a younger, more diverse audience. A true visionary.
#Theatre #ArtsLeadership #Soulpepper
News Link 👇
#Theatre #ArtsLeadership #Soulpepper
News Link 👇
What a few weeks can do! NDP has fallen to 14% after calling for a snap election, trailing the Liberals by 18 points. Meanwhile, Trump’s moves have unified Canadians, boosting Liberal to 32%, narrowing the Conservative lead to 7 points, weakening majority prospects. #canadapolitics #canpol
January 27, 2025 at 7:17 PM
What a few weeks can do! NDP has fallen to 14% after calling for a snap election, trailing the Liberals by 18 points. Meanwhile, Trump’s moves have unified Canadians, boosting Liberal to 32%, narrowing the Conservative lead to 7 points, weakening majority prospects. #canadapolitics #canpol