Archived Artist Talks
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Unscripted
TAP's speaker series featuring professionals in the arts, from performers, to musicians, writers, and filmmakers. In our intimate setting we come together to share an open, personal and sometimes emotional discussion between our guests, moderator, and audience members. Previously Talk and Gawk, the Unscripted Series includes the Speaker Edition, the Film Edition and the Music Edition.
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The Exchange
With no moderator, The Exchange puts two artists head-to-head in dialogue to expose common threads, ideas, challanges or differences in their creative process and careers. Bringing two artists together and providing an opportunity for impromptu creation or performance is always sure to delight and inspire.
Wyn Geleynse
5/22/2025
Unscripted: Speaker Edition
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A visit with Governor General's Award recipient Wyn Geleynse at TAP Centre for Creativity. Watch Wyn talk about his artistic practice and portraits of his community. This Unscripted conversation was led by Josh Lambier, Artistic Director of Words Literary & Creative Arts Festival, who expertly guided the dialogue and moderated a short audience Q&A.
Dave Lapp and Chester Brown
5/06/2025
The Exchange: Two artists head-to-head in dialogue
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This was a first for the Ting Comic and Graphic Arts festival and TAP. We put two artists head-to-head in dialogue to inspire with insights into each creator's process, creative industry, and the breadth of all things comics.
Dave Lapp has been teaching cartooning at the Art Gallery of Ontario for over twenty years. He is the author of four graphic novels, Drop In, Children of the Atom, People Around Here, and The Field which has been nominated for a Doug Wright award.
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Chester Brown is the author of seven books and is best known for the non-fiction graphic novels Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography (2003) and Paying for It: A Comic-Strip Memoir About Being a John (2011). In the early 80's he moved to Toronto and began to self-publish his work in photocopied mini-comics under the title Yummy Fur which launched him as a full-time cartoonist.
Fables, Parables, and Apologues
2/08/2025
Unscripted: Speaker Edition with Anita Kunz, Eric Drummond, Yana Litus and Daniela Astone
We explored allegory and visual narrative with artists Anita Kunz (Toronto, ON), Daniela Astone (Florence, Italy), Eric Drummond (London, ON), and Yana Litus (London, ON). Discover how each artist works within traditional and contemporary foundations of creative expression. This Unscripted conversation was led by Josh Lambier, Artistic Director of Words Literary & Creative Arts Festival, who expertly guided the dialogue and moderated a short audience Q&A.
Tom Wilson and Shane Belcourt
12/03/2024
Unscripted: Film Edition with Tom Wilson and Shane Belcourt
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This was a free community screening of Beautiful Scars, a Canadian documentary film directed by Shane Belcourt and released in 2022. Starring Juno Award-winning musician Tom Wilson and based in part on his 2017 memoir of the same name, the film depicts his exploration of the Mohawk heritage that was hidden from him by his adoptive parents, including his process of reconnecting and building a relationship with his birth mother after learning about this secret in his 50s. The film premiered at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and received a Canadian Screen Award nominations (Best Biography or Arts Documentary Program or Series, Best Direction and Best Picture Editing in the Documentary Program) at the 11th Canadian Screen Awards in 2023.
Following the screening we moved into conversation with Tom and Shane . Our interviewer was Josh Lambier, Artistic Director of Words Literary & Creative Arts Festival.
Lido Pimienta
11/29/2024
Unscripted: Music Edition with Lido Pimienta and Shad
This Colombian-born interdisciplinary artist, curator, Polaris Prize Winner (2017), and Grammy Nominated musician graced us with a live musical performance, and followed up with a conversation about her musical career, her personal roots, and more.
The conversation portion of this event was led by Shad (Juno-Award Winner, and prior host of CBC Radio One’s talk show Q).
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Enjoy this special acapella performance of Magic by Shad accompanied by Lido.
Rory Taillon
10/03/2024
Unscripted: Music Edition with Rory Taillon
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Heavier than folk, but not quite rock, Ottawa-based musician Rory Taillon took us on an emotional rollercoaster with a performance of explosive highs and devastating lows. Singing in choirs and choral groups in his youth, this classically trained vocalist has taken these experiences and combined them in a somber atmosphere of looping guitars and drums.
After the performance, we dove into conversation with Rory and TAP Director Sandra De Salvo.
The Pairs
05/29/2024
Unscripted: Music Edition with The Pairs
Featuring a performance followed by conversation with London’s own award-winning harmonic folk trio Noelle Frances Coughlin, Renée Coughlin, and Hillary Watson. The musicians to discussed their creative process, their working relationship as three songwriters/lead vocalists, and the projects the trio have in the works.
Our interviewer for the conversation was Ryan Soulliere. Ryan is the associate producer for CBC London’s flagship show, London Morning. He also curates the very best music for the program, utilizing his community connections to shine a spotlight on homegrown talent.
Joe Haidar and Rob McCallum
5/03/2024
Unscripted: Speaker Edition with Joe Haidar and Rob McCallum
We were excited to be joined by Award-winning director Rob McCallum and Disney animator Joe Haidar to be screening their films, “Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe” and “Animated American”.
Following these screenings, we dove into a conversation led by Whitney South, where both directors shared their artistic inspirations, collaboration, and so much more industry insights.
Misha Bower
11/23/2023
Unscripted: Music Edition with Misha Bower
A blend of music and storytelling, Meetings was set in a shifting support group context where Misha plays a series of characters confiding to their peers—the audience. For each character, she performed a monologue and song that crystalize a unique moment of personal disclosure. Misha was accompanied by Pete Hurst, partner and local sound technician who rarely puts himself on the other side of the mixing desk.
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Meetings highlighted human journeys threaded with addiction, trauma and loss. It has a dynamic emotional tone that is automatically tender, but searches equally for vulnerability and the unexpected comedy so central to the art of coping.
The Unscripted conversation was led by Josh Lambier, Artistic Director of Words Festival.
Ron Hawkins
09/29/2023
Unscripted: Music Edition with Ron Hawkins
As lead singer/multi-instrumentalist and main songwriter of Canada’s legendary Lowest of the Low, Ron has enjoyed many accolades through the years. In 1996, 2000 and again in 2005, Chart Magazine honoured the group’s 1991 debut album, Shakespeare My Butt, with spots in the top 10 of the Top 100 Canadian Albums of All Time. In 2000 and again in 2015, Ron was voted Songwriter of the Year by NOW Magazine’s reader’s poll. Also in 2000, Ron received Toronto’s 102.1 The Edge’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2008 The Lowest of the Low was inducted into the Canadian Indie Rock Hall of Fame and awarded gold records for Shakespeare My Butt.
After the solo performance, Ron dove into conversation with Cory Crossman, Music Industry Development Officer for the City of London. This was a chance for folks to learn more about Ron's creative process, his experience in the music industry, and his perspective on how the industry has changed and continues to change.
Subversives | the History of Lowest of the Low
09/28/2023
Documentary Screening and talk with Simon Head
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Lowest of the Low is a Canadian Band that has been together for over 30 years. They had the record of most independent albums sold until Barenaked Ladies outsold them in the early 1990's. This is a story of how a band that stuck to their guns flying the Indy flag until the major labels came calling in the mid-nineties. It's a story of tenacity and the will to create art without the corporate fingers in the pudding. This film was directed and produced by Simon Head, the manager of Lowest of the Low. Simon began his career in the music scene touring with bands in the early 90's. He has worked with bands such as Sum 41, The Descendants, SNFU, and more.
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This event will be hosted by Lydia Claire Wilton, lead vocalist and guitarist in Nameless Friends
Magic Daffodils
08/17/2023
Unscripted: Music Edition with Magic Daffodils ​
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Featuring a live performance and conversation between three generations of experimental musicians from the London Ontario region: Art Pratten, Alex Schmoll, Richard Moule, Cailen Dye, Bernie Koenig, Warren Pratten.
Jamming together for over 2 years, this was the first public performance for the Daffodils.
The members have a rich history in experimental music spanning over 70 years: the Nihilist Spasm Band, performing locally and abroad, working as faculty in the music industry, hosting experimental music radio shows, and organizing improv music events.
Toronto based journalist, author, and producer Liisa Ladouceur led the conversation. Liisa has covered music and culture for over 30 years but also brings experience as a past Polaris Music Prize Board of Director, cultural influencer and music columnist for distinguished publications such as, Alternative Press, SOCAN's Words & Music, SPIN Magazine.
Dollirium
07/26/2023
Unscripted: Speaker Edition with Anthony Veilleux, Sarah Legault, Jacqui Gallant
As part of the Dollirium exhibition we featured in our gallery, we were joined by Anthony Veilleux, Sarah Legault, and Jacqui Gallant for an Unscripted: Speaker Edition. We explored how these artists use their artistic vision and skill sets to create charismatic characters with endearing stories. We also chatted about why they searched out other like-minded unusual art doll creators and developed opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and community.​
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The Unscripted conversation was led by Josh Lambier, Artistic Director of Words Festival.
hackedepicciotto
07/22/2023
Unscripted: Music Edition with Alexander Hacke and Danielle de Picciotto
Danielle de Picciotto moved from New York to Berlin in 1987, to become the co-initiator of the Berlin Love Parade, a collaborator of the Ocean Club; Monica Werkstatt with Gudrun Gut; member of cult band Crime & The City Solution and Alexander’s partner in crime.
Alexander Hacke is an original member and bass player of Einstürzende Neubauten. The artist couple, married in 2006, has creatively collaborated on international projects for two decades.
The Unscripted conversation was led by Timothy Glasglow, station manager at Radio Western, musician, recording engineer for Sonic Youth and celebrated electronic genius.
Jason McLean
05/04/2023
Unscripted: Speaker Edition with Jason McLean
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We were joined by 2023 Ting artist Jason McLean and Josh Lambier, Artistic Director of Wordsfest as they dove into the rich history of cartooning, comics, zines and graphic illustration by artists and creative industry in Southwestern Ontario. The conversation included insights into artistic collaboration, industry innovation and the pulse of London’s creative scene.​
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The Unscripted conversation was led by Josh Lambier, Artistic Director of Words Festival.
D.S Berrick and Derek Laufman
05/03/2023
Connect on TAP with Dan Brown
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Connect on TAP is a networking event for creatives working in all disciplines and art enthusiasts. In this special “Ting edition”, Dan Brown, former columnist of the London Free Press moderated a conversation with two Ting Artist Alumni – DS Barrick and Derek Laufman. Brown will talk to both about creating, self-publishing and crowdfunding comics.
Eric Drummond, Art Pratten, and Steve Tracy
10/27/2023
Unscripted: Speaker Edition
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We were joined for an evening of Unscripted with artists Eric Drummond, Art Pratten and Steve Tracy. We discussed their passions, creative process and studio practice and the importance of mentorship, collaboration and creative community. ​
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The Unscripted conversation was led by Brian Lambier, London-based visual artist, musician, music co-ordinator, and curator.
Anita Kunz Original Sisters: 365 Portraits of Tenacity and Courage
11/06/2022
In partnership with Wordsfest, this talk was hosted by Veronica Antipolo.
About the exhibition:
This collection featured 365 original illustrated portraits and stories of courageous women who have greatly influenced future generations and changed history. Searching for inspiration during the uncertainty of the pandemic, Anita Kunz (OC DFA) researched hundreds of women from all backgrounds and cultures, and inspired by the ways in which these women shaped our world she committed their stories to paper.
Derek Laufman and Michael Walsh
05/02/2019
Unscripted: Speaker Edition
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For the Ting edition of Unscripted, we were joined by Derek Laufman and Michael Walsh. Derek has is a freelance illustrator/designer who has worked for Marvel, Warner Bros., Disney Publishing, Hasbro and Mattel. Michael is an Eisner and Shuster nominated comic-book creator whose clients include Marvel, DC, Titan and Archie Comic. This Unscripted took place on May 2nd, 2019.
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The Unscripted conversation was led by Diana Tamblyn, London-based visual artist and graphic novelist.
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Camille Inston and Kim Solga
03/14/2019
Unscripted: Speaker Edition with Camille Intson and Kim Solga
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This special night of Unscripted featured a unique art exhibition and performance by Camille Intson. Prior to the Unscripted conversation, audiences were invited to our theatre space to view Camille’s cumulative installation Objects: London, Portrait of a City. This interdisciplinary project considered the material conditions of memory in relation to place through intimate collections of items, and their respective stories, collected and curated by the artist throughout her time as a London resident. Camille was the student writer in residence at Western and studio resident at TAP.
The evening ended with an in-depth conversation with Camille and Kim that explored the creative process from the perspectives of both artists and educators, including storytelling, performance, and theatre. The Unscripted conversation was led by Josh Lambier, Artistic Director of Words Festival.
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Jordan Morris and Rob McCallum
01/23/2019
Unscripted: Speaker Edition
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We were joined in the New Year for an Unscripted conversation with film artists Jordan Morris and Rob McCallum. We delved into the world of filmmaking, and learned about their creative experiences from working in the industry.
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Armed with infectious positive energy and a deep love of pop culture, Rob McCallum has spent the last 20 years making documentaries on the coolest subjects imaginable: cartoons, action figures, video games and music. He's garnered three Emmy-nominations for his writing and directing skills, won numerous awards for his films and raised over $500,000 via crowdfunding initiatives.
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The Unscripted conversation was led by Josh Lambier, Artistic Director of Words Festival.
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Jordi Mand
09/29/2018
Unscripted: Speaker Edition with Jodi Mand
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As one of Canada’s emerging playwrights, with her play Brontë: The World Without made it’s world premiere at the Stratford Festival. There was plenty to talk about with Jordi and it was a great conversation for all those emerging artists out there who are developing new work - no matter what creative discipline.​
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The Unscripted conversation was led by Josh Lambier, Artistic Director of Words Festival.
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Keira Loughran
07/06/2018
Unscripted: Speaker Edition with Kiera Loughran
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TAP was excited to welcome Keira Loughran to Unscripted, where she shared her perspective and experiences in play development and bringing works to the stage. ​
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The Unscripted conversation was led by Josh Lambier, Artistic Director of Words Festival.
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Britta Johnson
05/25/2018
Unscripted: Speaker Edition​
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TAP was thrilled to welcome composer and writer Britta Johnson -one of Canada's emerging voices in musical theatre.
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Britta Johnson is a Toronto-based composer, lyricist and writer. Her writing credits include: Life After (Canadian Stage/Musical Stage Company), Alligator Tears (Blyth Festival), Big Box Story (Stratford Festival special presentation).
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The conversation was led by Keith Tomasek, award winning writer and podcaster.
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Anne Marie Caicco, Lil Malinich, and Sookie Mei
07/21/2018
Unscripted: Speaker Edition​
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This special anniversary edition of Unscripted featured performances directed by Justin Quesnelle and reunited the company’s founders Anne Marie Caicco, Lil Malinich, and Sookie Mei, who starred in the original plays. The performances were followed by an Unscripted panel discussion highlighting Theatre Soup’s history, as well as the contributions of artists and audience members through including them in the dialogue.
The conversation was led by Rod Keith, co-founder and General Manager of DuffleBag Theatre.
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