Under the Bus is teaming up with Roseneath Theatre in November for a workshop of Hanlon McGregor’s play Call Me Papa! Supported by a recommenders grant from the Ontario Arts Council, Hanlon and Mihaly reworked Unexpectedly Trans into a play for young audiences. This show is intended for kids in grades 4-6 but it is family-friendly. If you, your family, or your school would like a sneak preview in November, (or to see a performance in the future) let us know by email underthebuscollective@gmail.com!

This workshop is supported by the Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council.

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Call Me Papa is based on Hanlon McGregor’s play Unexpectedly Trans.

Synopsis: Two siblings have near-opposite reactions when Mom comes out as Papa. Teen-aged Blair is unbelievably supportive, whereas 5-year-old Iris doesn’t want to let go of ‘Momma.’ Aunt Jane is worried about how the transition is affecting Iris. The family struggles at home and at school to find the ‘new normal.’ When Blair comes out as non-binary, Aunt Jane fights with Papa over the children, but Iris and Blair come to Papa’s defence. Iris concludes, “Momma’s gone…but I’ve got the best Papa in the whole world!”

The draft script for Call Me Papa was developed in 2020 by Hanlon McGregor and Mihaly Szabados through the support of the Ontario Arts Council and Roseneath Theatre. Dramaturgy by acclaimed writer Diane Flacks.

The next step, in November 2021, is to mount a one-week workshop of the draft script, with actors, in Roseneath’s studio. In the workshop, we will further develop the songs and characters and develop a way to share the show online.

For more information about this project, check out the video from our recent IndieGoGo fundraising campaign (which is now closed).

If you still want to send a donation, you can e-transfer to underthebuscollective@gmail.com - we might also just mail you something for your trouble, so email us your mailing address too!