Stories Of The Alphabet Community (SOTAC) is a youth-inspried mini-parade of storytelling! Travelling along Main Street Newmarket, SOTAC will activate specific locations to portray stories of the Alphabet community. Each activation represents a color of the Pride flag.

2pm Venue - Newmarket Public Library

GREEN - Collaborative Canvas: Discover storytelling through soundscapes and visuals as you pick up a paintbrush (optional) and co-create art inspired by your surroundings. Share your own story through colourful expression with an ending integration into a short play by Dante Amo.

2:30pm

ORANGE - The Prince of Grey Island, written by 17 year old, emerging playwright Dante Amo, inspired by the song “A Gay Disney Prince,” (as we know there are no gay Disney Princes yet.) Written under the mentorship of playwright Hanlon McGregor as a part of Thatz Showbiz's "3 Plays In 30 Days" virtual theatre festival.

CONTENT WARNING: This play contains scenes with instances of homophobia, homophobic violence, strained parental relationships, violence that results in death and premeditated harm. Audience discretion is advised.

3pm Venue - Cardinal Press Espresso Bar

PURPLE - Singlejoy: Join Karina Milech in a local café for challah bread and wine, (aka grape juice) as she guides you through a Jewish Sabbath Dinner. Be prepared to participate in the rituals as Milech shares her experience of being single in a Jewish family. Audiences will be invited to share phrases that have been said to them about their own identity through anonymous creative writing prompts. Some statements will end up in the show!

Note: this venue is NOT accessible.

3:45pm Venue - Parking Lot 240 Prospect St

RED - Home Again - Mosey over to a parking lot as actors perform al fresco! ( in and around a car.) A woman reunites with her high school bestie as they begin to process past trauma during a road trip. Written by Edmonton playwright, Calla Wright, this play deals with strong themes, ages 14+ recommended.

CONTENT WARNING: This play uses strong language and themes. Audience discretion is advised.

4:30pm Venue - Cachet Supper Club

YELLOW - In Conversation with the Alphabet Community at the York Regional Police.

4:45pm

BLUE - I Wish I Were A Penguin: While visiting an aquarium where a pair of male penguins are raising their young, a gay couple is accosted by a woman for holding hands. The woman is called out for her homophobia. In the end, we discover that humans are not only gay, but animals are as well! This piece is presented as an interactive playreading where anyone can read a part alongside the Shadowpath team.

Apollo Saraga wrote this play in 2020 during middle school. They are now an author/songwriter at Earl Haig Secondary School. They are honoured to present this play at SOTAC.

NOTE - A Videographer will follow the route to capture footage. Please let us know if this is an issue for you.

You may attend ALL programming or choose your own creative course.

Though this event is youth-led, ALL AGES are welcome:)

Funders: TD Canada Trust, United Way via CMHA, Junior League of Toronto