SOLO SHOW Workshop

This 3 hour intensive includes:

• Exploration of form and storytelling structure
• Exercises designed to help gather stories
• Analysis of pre-existing works

The exercises and subjects in this workshop are curated to engage:

• Theatre artists
• Comedians
• Writers
• Storytellers
• Creatives

Participants are expected to have some level of performing or writing experience, whether professional, amateur, or student. The goal of the workshop is to empower creators to approach the development of their own practice while demystifying the art form. Everyone’s got a story to tell - let’s find yours!

All registration fees go to supporting BATESON & SHAW’s upcoming show, and are offered at three different price points geared towards desired contribution:

• General Admission: $20
• Arts Supporter: $35
• Arts Champion: $50
• Can’t afford the workshop? Message [email protected] to discuss alternative options!
• Can’t make the workshop and want to support us anyway? [We accept e-transfers too!] [Support us directly without having to learn ANYTHING! - message us and we'll tell you how!]

About the instructors:

Devin Bateson is a Hamilton, Ontario based performance artist creating genre-blurring solo shows. His award-winning production Men Love Horsies: The Musical received Best In Fest, Critics’ Pick, and Best In Venue at the Hamilton Fringe Festival and was selected to perform at SF Sketchfest. His debut solo show, The Midshipman’s Handbook premiered at the Hamilton Fringe, earning strong reviews, and later appeared at Toronto Sketchfest. His work spans live performance, music, comics, and handmade media. His music has been featured on SiriusXM Comedy and the television series This Is The Thing. He also produces limited-edition cassette tapes for himself and other artists, which he distributes internationally. His comics have appeared in The Gutter, The Oatbag, and Because Design Matters Magazine. In addition to his artistic practice, he has developed community-based projects and taught film and comedy through organizations including the Art Gallery of Hamilton and the Factory Media Centre.

Justin Shaw is a theatre artist who fuses standup and storytelling to create solo shows, and has been described as a “slightly caffeinated Stuart McLean.” His work has been shared across Canada, having been presented and commissioned by the Charlottetown Festival, Blyth Festival Theatre, Theatre Aquarius, and Here For Now Theatre, with development of his work featured on Bell FibeTV1’s “Tales From Island Boy.” Shaw’s touring shows have included THE 70 MILE YARD SALE, A CREATURE IS STIRRING, HAVE JOKES, WILL TRAVEL, MIDNIGHT BABY, and THE WRESTLING PLAY. As a comedian, he’s been featured on Just For Laughs Toronto, CBC Laugh Out Loud, Hubcap Comedy Festival, and his album MOSTLY CLEAN was featured on Sirius XM Comedy Club’s Best of 2025 Festival. He is a graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada (Acting 2017) and was the Artistic Director of the 2026 Toronto International Storytelling Festival.

The ALERT Resident Company program is a customized training opportunity for early career producers and companies/collectives with one or more works-in-development, culminating in a public presentation at the Hamilton Fringe Festival. HFTco, with support from the incite foundation for the arts and the Hamilton Community Foundation, is proud to work with Bateson & Shaw with Associate Producers Rebeca Costa and Colina Philips as this year’s ALERT Company-in-Residence.

SOLO SHOW WORKSHOP Saturday June 132:00pm-5:00pmThe Cotton Factory270 Sherman Ave N, Hamilton, ON

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Cotton Factory, 270 Sherman Avenue North, Hamilton, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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