Theatre Beyond Words is excited to announce the return of our annual Wednesday Salon Series! Shows start at 7pm on First Wednesday of the Month! Featuring new, exciting work by Niagara-based playwrights on the first Wednesday of each month! Feb. 1 ~ Tom Schmor March 7 ~ Maja Bannerman April 4 ~ Justin Pleau May 2 ~ Michael Kositsky Arrive early to dine and drink at our new venue! (Wednesday, February 1) The Substitute Speaker A short story/monologue by Tom Schmor About the Play While visiting his home town, Ian, a fun-loving, middle-aged man stops by his old high school. During his short stay, an unfortunate circumstance pressures him to replace the speaker at the school assembly. Ian jumps at the chance to vent decades of pent up emotions as he discusses the relationships, fashions and habits of today's youth. He also throws in his feelings on the educational system. Knowing this is his once in a life-time opportunity, he adds his own brand of humour and makes his points without concern about consequences. To his surprise, being blunt and honest endears him to his audience. About the Playwright Tom, a native of St. Catharines, is a photographer and operator of Art Works Photography. He began taking photos in the 1960’s with a borrowed Pentax SLR camera, venturing to places such as New York and the Mosport racetrack. Since then Tom has traveled to more than thirty countries and his photos have appeared in various publications, brochures and post cards. In the 1970’s he contributed both articles and photos for Expedition, a magazine dedicated to Central American travel. More recently, he participated in art fairs at the Pumphouse Gallery in Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Grimsby Festival of Art, a juried art show. He has also been involved with promoting renewable energy and worked in marketing for a local company selling solar hot water heaters. He is on the board of Climate Action Niagara, a local group that is taking steps to improve the environment.