Guelph Arts Council

June 26, 2025 I joined the Board of Directors of the Guelph Arts Council.

Nov 22, 2025 "GAC" celebrated it's Golden Anniversary, 50 years!

Jan 8, 2026 the Board reconvenes.

Do you have a pressing issue concerning arts and culture in Guelph that you feel should be brought to our attention?

Of course being a volunteer organization offering an idea is a double edge sword, for the next thing we'll say is "That's a great idea, why not head it up and chair the committee?"

All kidding aside, keep an eye out. We've got some very exciting plans for 2026/27.

Guelph celebrates a Bicentennial in 2027 and while I'll enjoy this one, I may not be around for the next one. 😊

Kit Kat Killer

One day in 2025 I had had enough. Every week I read Adam Donaldson's columns in Guelph Today as well as following his "politico". I began wondering what it would be like to be a Councillor in Guelph, having to face the challenges day in and day out. This sent me to my laptop and my exploration of playwriting.

Kit Kat Killer is still in draft form however the 2026 Guelph Fringe Festival has just announced entries for the 2026 August event are now being accepted and I encourage you to apply. Think of the $25 entry fee as a charitable donation to keep the festival running.

If selected you can easily recoup the participation fee and reward yourself (and collaborators) with the "spoils" knowing that patrons paid money to see your product.

Will Kit Kat Killer see the light of day? We'll find out when the lottery draw takes place sometime near the end of February. DETAILS HERE

The Guelph Fringe Festival is yet another way to celebrate the arts and maybe, just maybe Kit Kat Killer will provide the solution to Guelph's municipal government challenges. 

While I don't take in all the performances, those that catch my eye I try to attend. It's a fun festival. I encourage you to apply.

Happy New Year 2026

First of all THANK YOU to everyone who has enjoyed JayWalking Guelph.  Thank you to everyone who has attended a JayWalking Theatre performance. And thank you to everyone who has booked a show for their community. It has been a great 8 years and here comes 2026.

I just received news that JayWalking Guelph has been awarded an "ACTIVATING ART Community Microgrant" a project of The City of Guelph, The Guelph Arts Council and the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition Looking forward to creating a theatre project that inspires, supports, resonates and connects with the residents of Guelph.

Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears, the charming and delightful one-person show based on Irish tales is coming to the Guelph River Run Centre, Thursday April 9, 2026. Tickets now available!

What's happening with the Scandalous Guelph tour? Is there a remake in the works? We'll see. We're all fascinated by rivers. There are 4 bridges, (The Timber Framers Bridge, Gordon Street Bridge, Gow's Bridge and Edinburgh Bridge) all within walking distance. Let's discover the stories.

Guelph is hosting The Memorial Cup during the Bicentennial. What theatre arts project possibilities lie there?

And speaking of the Guelph Bicentennial, rumour has it that the hugely popular Gwelf Early Days Tour Indoor multi-media version is making a comeback with a special 2027 Bicentennial edition, January 2027 at a theatre new you Guelph!

And on a personal note Jay turns 70, Jan 2, 2026. Let's see what decade 70 uncovers!

Happy New Year!

Christmas

Did you miss Isn't That The Dickens?

Well you can listen HERE

Merry Christmas from JayWalking Guelph

What happened to the Scandal On The Speed River Tour?

 

I've just never been happy with this tour. Audiences love it but as a performer I've not been satisfied. The stories are compelling but not well written.

I think it's also because stories of scandal and crime aren't really my thing. It's the reason I don't do ghost walks. I'm not that into ghosts.

During the creation of Scandal On The Speed River and Scandalous Guelph I would sneak in a poem by John McCrea or a tribute to the river called "To The River Speed" by Thomas Laidlaw. 

There are stories about the river that would be wonderful to experience while standing on the banks of that very river. I just have to uncover them

So I'm going to take some time, research some river lore and see what I come up with. 

Hopefully by the Spring of 2026 I'll launch this, solving the mystery of the tour that has been trying to be heard for so long. After all the river is the reason people have passed through here or settled here, and perhaps sharing stories of the river will rekindle our appreciation for the river and lead to better things.

If you have a story to share about the river, would you share it with me?

Walking Tours

When are the tours and how do I get tickets?

Well, there are no tickets. And you can have a tour whenever you want, any day, any time.

All I ask is you are a group of 4 or more. Admission is $25 per person. A 90 minute street theatre, storytelling, walking tour experience like none other.

Contact me: JayWalkingGuelph@gmail.com OR 519 820-3269.

Tell me when and how many and which tour you want, Gwelf Early Days or The Unfortunate Man.

That's it. I'll let you know where we meet and off we go. Easy.

Everything you need is right HERE

Looking for that special gift?

HOLIDAY GIVING

We all have that someone on our gift list who seemingly has everything.

What to do? What can I get them that's truly special, different and yet something I know they will enjoy?

Here's the answer  👉ANSWER