photo by Gene Schilling In a city where the rent is too damn high and the arts scene is yearning for a revolution, the Arts Collective Theatre (ACT) in Windsor, is proving that love and passion can conquer all. As they gear up for their 10th anniversary production of the iconic musical RENT, running from October 4-12, 2024, at the Capitol Theatre Windsor, ACT is ready to show the world that there’s “no day but today” when it comes to pursuing your dreams and making a difference in your community.
Founded in 2014, ACT has been a trailblazer in the Windsor-Essex theatre scene, consistently pushing boundaries and championing diversity both on and off the stage. “Since our inception, diversity has been one of our driving values,” says Rabideau, the company’s Artistic Director and Mentor. “We have pushed other companies to do better. When you look at the leaders of ACT, they look like the tapestry of Windsor.”
McAlister, ACT’s Marketing, Fundraising, and Promotions Director & Mentor, echoes this sentiment: “People want to be part of something that looks and represents them – We do that. We have trained a lot of people that have gone on to enhance other companies, whether that be in lighting, sets, or marketing and promotion.”
Over the past decade, ACT has not only elevated their own game but has also raised the bar for community theatre in the region. “Many of the practices that are now commonplace in local theatre were introduced by ACT, setting new benchmarks for others to follow,” Rabideau explains.
From their innovative use of social media and promotional strategies to their commitment to fostering a sense of belonging among their diverse cast and crew, ACT has become a force to be reckoned with in the Windsor-Essex arts community.
But it hasn’t always been easy. Like the characters in RENT, ACT has faced its fair share of challenges and obstacles over the years. “Dreamgirls was a defining moment for ACT,” recalls McAlister. “It was a challenging show, I don’t think our board slept in 2018. We also opened Dreamgirls at the Capitol, our first show on this iconic landmark. We all broke down in tears at the end of Dreamgirls. It was a labour of love, but it helped put ACT on the map.”
Other notable productions in ACT’s history include Hair, which Rabideau describes as “our best show that no one saw,” West Side Story, their first post-pandemic production and a financial victory, and Guys and Dolls, which showcased the company’s ability to breathe new life into a classic musical.
But it’s not just about the big, flashy musicals for ACT. The company has also made a significant impact through their youth program and social justice theatre initiatives. “I’m also so proud of our youth program and our social justice theatre which has had a major impact on the lives of those living in Windsor-Essex,” says Rabideau.
This commitment to using theatre as a tool for social change is evident in ACT’s partnerships with various community organizations, including The Windsor Youth Centre, The Alzheimer’s Society, the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation, and the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, among others.
“We love that we have such strong support from local not-for-profit and charitable organizations,” says McAlister. “I truly believe it is what Windsor does best, it shows how strong our community can be if we all work together to share knowledge and expertise.”
As they prepare to tackle RENT, a show that deals with heavy themes such as addiction, homelessness, and the AIDS crisis, ACT is once again proving their dedication to creating meaningful, impactful theatre. “I thought long and hard about what major musical would be best for ACT to bring to life for our 10th season,” explains Rabideau. “What show would be able to capture the diversity of the organization and celebrate ’10 seasons of love’ – and I knew without a doubt that the show was RENT.”
Set in the East Village of New York City, RENT follows a group of young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. The musical, which won the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, has become a pop cultural phenomenon, resonating with audiences of all ages.
Through the lives of characters like Roger, Mimi, Tom, Angel, Maureen, Joanne, Benny, and Mark, RENT explores themes of love, loss, and the importance of living life to the fullest. As they navigate the physical and emotional complications of HIV/AIDS, grapple with infidelity and relationship troubles, and strive to maintain their artistic integrity in the face of financial pressures, these bohemian friends learn valuable lessons about what truly matters in life.
For ACT, bringing RENT to life on stage is not just about entertaining audiences, but also about sparking important conversations and promoting understanding and acceptance. “ACT’s production of RENT will strongly resonate with audiences in Windsor-Essex due to the striking parallels between the show’s themes and the current challenges faced by the community,” says McAlister.
Rabideau agrees, adding, “We are witnessing RENT play out in real-time with the high costs of rent, inflation, homelessness, drug addiction, and protests in the streets. The local community’s current struggles echo those portrayed in the musical, making it not just a story of the past but a commentary on the present.”
To ensure that their production of RENT is as authentic and impactful as possible, ACT has gone above and beyond in their preparation process. The cast has attended workshops to learn more about the history and current state of the HIV/AIDS virus with Pozitive Pathways, taken part in intimacy workshops with Meaghen Quinn from the University of Windsor, and received voice training with Christine Chemello and movement training with Leslie McCurdy.
“I believe it would be a disservice to the book and composer Jonathan Larson to do this show without a diverse cast,” says Rabideau. “ACT is known for its inclusive casting and production team members, and both Moya and I are proud that this show reflects the Windsor community.”
But putting on a show like RENT is no easy feat, as the cast and creative team can attest. “Many of the cast members are playing multiple roles. It’s a small cast of 17. The ensemble works hard to keep the show moving. A lot is expected of this cast, it’s vocally, physically, and emotionally grueling,” explains Rabideau.
Despite the challenges, the passion and dedication of everyone involved in ACT’s production of RENT is palpable. “I’ve seen the online clips, and you can easily see the passion, ambition, and love for the show – from the way the songs are passionately sung, the smiles on the faces, and the confidence of all involved,” says McAlister.
So, what’s the secret sauce that makes ACT’s performances so personal and passionate? “I think it’s because we love what we do,” says Rabideau. “Moya and I and the whole ACT team work tirelessly to put on the best show possible, and I feel the cast sees that and they work hard to match our energy. I’m never satisfied, I always want more; which is a blessing and a curse.”
This drive for excellence is evident in every aspect of ACT’s production of RENT, from the innovative use of LED screens and a newly built stage to the incorporation of various dance styles like contemporary to help tell the story. “Bryan Hindle, our guest choreographer, and I created some exciting new movements in the show and took it to a whole new level,” says Rabideau.
As they gear up for opening night, the ACT team hopes that audiences will not only be entertained by their production of RENT but also leave the theatre with a renewed sense of love, acceptance, and the importance of living life to the fullest. “I hope audiences will see and feel the message of RENT and they leave the show singing ‘No Day But Today,'” says Rabideau.
McAlister adds, “I also hope the ending of the show will touch people and our community, and they can reflect on the ones we have lost to the HIV/AIDS virus. I also hope there will be a sense of pride that ACT takes chances, and this is reflected in the innovative technology and staging.”
Beyond RENT, ACT has big plans for the future, including expanding their educational programs, fostering new playwrights and directors, and continuing to showcase diverse voices and stories in their upcoming seasons. “We hope to continue to build theatre that supports and educates our community in a positive way,” says McAlister.
Rabideau shares this vision, stating, “Our goals are to bring artists to Windsor to help educate artists locally. We want to continue to develop local talent and create and workshop new musicals and plays and those in development – maybe even get to Broadway. We believe we can help make Windsor a destination for theatre.”
As part of their 10th anniversary celebrations, ACT will be hosting a gala called “The Glow Up” on Saturday, November 9th. “It will be a celebration with performances, dinner, and surprises all night. No one will want to miss this,” says Rabideau.
For those looking to support ACT’s mission and get involved during this milestone year, McAlister encourages local businesses and individuals to consider donating or buying a table at the gala. “We love working with other local community groups, and we are proud of the partnerships and collaborations we’ve made over the last 10 years. Collective is in our name, and we know we would not have made it to our 10th season without all the amazing organizations who’ve supported us along the way.”
As they reflect on the past decade and look ahead to the future, the ACT team is filled with gratitude, pride, and excitement. “We are very proud of our work at ACT,” says Rabideau. “We have not only elevated ACT, but I believe we have elevated community theater/arts in our region.”
McAlister echoes this sentiment, adding, “We want to continue to do what we do best. Bring great theatre to Windsor. Create new works with a social justice focus, encourage artists to develop and create with us, and push theatrical boundaries.”
Looking ahead to their 2025 season, ACT is set to explore the compelling theme of “The Politics of Power,” featuring a captivating blend of world premieres, beloved classics, and new Canadian works that address vital social issues. The season is designed to reflect the turbulent political climate of today, offering audiences stories that inspire, challenge, and spark conversations.
One of the highlights of the 2025 season is the world premiere of “The Price of Freedom,” an original play by Windsor’s own Carlos Anthony, who is also ACT’s first-ever artist-in-residence. The play tells the moving and historically significant story of John Anderson, an enslaved man who fled to Canada in the mid-19th century, contributing to landmark changes in the legal systems of both Canada and Britain. ACT will also launch ACT New Works, a groundbreaking initiative designed to nurture and showcase the creation and development of original musicals, providing a platform for playwrights and composers to workshop and showcase their work in the Windsor area.
Other notable productions in the 2025 season include “Annie Jr.,” the youth edition of the classic musical, as part of ACT’s Youth Creative program, and Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic musical “Evita,” marking ACT’s first foray into the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber. As ACT continues to engage the community through various programs and events, such as the North of 50 program, which promotes intergenerational artistic expression, it’s clear that the company’s commitment to enriching the Windsor-Essex community through theatre remains as strong as ever.
With their production of RENT, their commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and their tireless dedication to enriching the Windsor-Essex community through theatre, Arts Collective Theatre is proving that love and passion can indeed conquer all. As they celebrate 10 years of love, laughter, and groundbreaking theatre, one thing is clear: the best is yet to come for this innovative and inspiring company. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of ACT’s RENT, running from October 4-12, 2024, at the Capitol Theatre Windsor.
