About Us

The Fountainhead Theatreworks Story

Act 1

In the summer of 1999, John Gerry, Ashleigh Barney and Rick Verrette met to discuss the creation of a new theatre company, with a view toward presenting Driving Miss Daisy, by Alfred Uhry as their first production.

From that first meeting it was agreed that the company mandate would be to offer London theatre-goers a new theatre experience by presenting interesting, well written but, seldom seen “modern classics.” The goal was to provide local actors an opportunity to perform with seasoned actors, directors and artistic staffs to hone their skills and when possible, to work with professionals who would be invited to return to London for a production.

Act 2

That first production of Driving Miss Daisy was a great success and with the support of sponsors, performers, artists and wonderful London audiences it has led to the continued work of Fountainhead Theatre resulting in seven full productions, one student summer production and a staged Play Reading Series finishing in April 2007. During this time the company has also developed a very successful and satisfying relationship with secondary school theatre art’s programs by enlisting students as apprentices to the artistic staff giving them practical experience in the arts.

Act 3

The next goal of Fountainhead will be to develop a multi-production season allowing other directors to work with the company, more opportunities for actors, and greater viewing choices to our audiences. The efforts now are focusing on building a stable financial base from which to move forward. With past support of Siskinds The Law Firm, The London Arts Council and great friends like Jan and Jack Lesser, we feel we are moving toward that goal.

The Epilogue...to be continued

The Company

Artistic Director - John Gerry

John has spent most of his adult life involved in theatre as an actor and director. He was a founding member of London Musical Theatre and performed and directed many of their productions. He has often directed at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre. Since founding Fountainhead Theatreworks he has directed works that have included The Laramie Project, K2, How I Learned to Drive and Angels In America, Parts 1 and 2. In fall 2007 he will direct Albee’s Seascape, and will be directing for Lunch Box Theatre in Calgary in December.

Executive Producer - Ashleigh Barney

Ashleigh’s early training was in vocal music and dance. Her earlier years of theatre work were spent in choral, madrigal and musical theatre productions. Over the past 20 years her time has been spent primarily in the role of Producer and sometimes performer, Artistic Director and Choreographer in Dance and Musical Theatre. Since the founding of Fountainhead Theatreworks in 1999 she has focused on theatre. Ashleigh has been living in London since 1972 with husband Rob. She is currently preparing for the fall production of Seascape by Edward Albee. In Spring 2008 the company will present,
Fat Pig by Neil LaBute

Past Productions

February 2000

Driving Miss Daisy by Alfred Uhry

January 2001

Sylvia by A.R. Gurney

October 2001

Chapter Two by Neil Simon

October 2002

The Laramie Project by Moise Kaufman

September 2003

How I Learned To Drive by Paula Vogel

October 2004

K2 by Patrick Meyers

April 2005

Love Letters by A.R. Gurney

December 2005

Angels In America by Tony Kushner

Part 1 Millennium Approaches

August 2006

The High School Production

Garage Sale by David King

November 2006 - April 2007

The Play Reading Series

Angels In America Part Two

Bus Stop

The Seven Year Itch

You Can’t Take It With You

Harvey

March 2007

Our Town by Thornton Wilder

Future Projects

Fall 2007

Seascape by Edward Albee

Spring 2008

Fat Pig by Neil LaBute

Fall 2008

A "Women in Theatre" series of 3 plays chosen to provide opportunities for women in the roles of author, director and actor.

Spring 2009

First Commissioned Play by successful London Playwright Caitlin Murphy.

Continued relationship with Secondary School Theatre Arts students as apprentices to Fountainhead Theatre’s artistic and production staff positions.

Future Plays as yet unscheduled:

Metamorphoses by Mary Zimmerman

Company by Stephen Sondheim

 

THANK YOU

Fountainhead Theatreworks would like to thank the following companies that have provided much needed and appreciated financial and sponsorship support during the past eight years.

Siskinds the Law Firm, Jan and Jack Lesser, Bob and Heather MacDonald, Noble Concepts, Kathy Ferguson, Old Oak Properties, Peter’s Drive-In Cleaners, The Grand Theatre, London Community Players, ArtSCAPE Magazine, London Arts Council, Mary Margaret Koreen, Gielen Designs, Janice Zolf and The A Channel, Bud Gowan Formal Wear, The Arts Project, Bill Paul - 6X FM Fanshawe Radio, The Little Red Roaster, Rogers Television, Larry Riggin, Art Ender, Goodlife Fitness, Ingrid Blekys, Bob Latham, Ann MacMillan, Rabbi Joel Wittstein, Dr. Desi Brownstone, Art Fidler, Don Fleckser, Francee Ender, Radio Western, Mike Wilmot, Mike Eizenga, Entre Nous Salon, Bernice, Smith and Latham, To all the actors and designers who have worked with Fountainhead Theatre Productions to create works we can all be proud of.

And...a very constant and special thanks to our family and friends without whom we could not practice this art.