Hamilton Cold Reads: Neechie Edish
***CALL FOR EMERGING ACTORS & WRITERS***
Deadline for Submissions: JULY 8TH, 2026
HFTco is thrilled to announce Hamilton Cold Reads: Neechie Edish, part of the upcoming Neechie Boulevard event happening on Saturday July 18th, 2026, at 1:30-3PM in Hamilton on King William St between James St N and Hughson St N.
How Does Hamilton Cold Reads: Neechie Edish Work?
Based off of our successful Frost Bites event, Hamilton Cold Reads: Neechie Edish is a showcase for new and in-progress scripts - Indigenous Style! Directed by the well established theatre professional Nicole Joy-Fraser, this is an event designed to foster a collaborative, supportive and community-focused environment. A place to celebrate Indigenous joy and creation by engaging with the inner workings of script development!
Writers submit a short script a maximum of 15 minutes - plays, film scenes, TV scripts, sketches or a series of character based poems! If your piece is selected, please arrive half an hour before the event starts (1pm) to cast your piece from a pool of eager and talented actors who show up ready to rock. That’s right - actors are cast on the spot just before the event! It’s informal, spontaneous and a ton of fun! All selected pieces will be read aloud by the actors in front of a live audience, giving writers the chance to hear their work brought to life while receiving valuable real-time feedback.
Fun Fact! Sisters of 78' - A show in Aquarius's 2026/2027 season was a part of our Frost Bites: Hamilton Cold Reads Event
Whether you're an Indigenous Canadian writer, an actor (of any background), or an eager audience member, Hamilton Cold Reads: Neechie Edish gives you an inspiring space to meet likeminded people and share new ideas from Indigenous artists in and around town.
We’re looking for the following:
1. WRITERS – Got a short bit of a script you want to see come to life on stage? We’re looking for fresh, dynamic scripts from Indigenous Canadian writers to be read aloud by actors in front of a live audience. Submissions can be short plays, film scenes, television scripts, web series episodes, or any other narrative-driven work. Pieces must be between 7 to 15 minutes max.
Submission Guidelines (Writers)
- Please fill out this form
- Scripts should be 7-15 minutes in length; it’s a good idea to read your scene aloud with all stage directions and TIME IT!
- Scripts over 15 minutes will not be considered
- Scripts should be submitted as a PDF
- Selected writers will be expected to arrive at the event at 1pm on July 18th to meet with actors and cast their piece
- If you aren't selected, come anyway! It's a great space to meet like minded people and make connections
2. ACTORS – Looking for a fun and inclusive space to meet theatre community members? We’re looking for emerging actors to join us as on-stage readers for the evening. No preparation is required—just bring your energy, your sense of play, and your love for storytelling! Selected scrips may have diverse casts so everyone's welcome to apply!
Submission Guidelines (Actors)
- Please fill out this form
- Actors should be prepared to arrive at the event at 1pm on July 18th to meet with the director and writer to take part in the casting process
- Please note: RSVPing to be a reader does not guarantee an onstage role
- Showing up means a guaranteed chance to engage with the Indigenous Theatre Community
Free to apply - selected artists will receive a Hamilton Fringe goodie bag!