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 After Dinner President Cathy introduced our guests Crystal and Brian Hood.
They are the co-founders of Hood & Dagger Productions, a not-for-profit amateur theatre group. Cathy had the pleasure of attending their most recent show, Gossip, "and it was wonderful". The presentation began with an overview of Hood and Daggar Productions, followed by a look at how the organization builds community through theatre. The speakers then outlined future plans, ways the audience could get involved, and concluded with a question-and-answer session. To kick things off, we were shown a short video. A lighthearted challenge was issued: anyone who could identify the filming location would earn bonus points. No one guessed immediately—until the clue came up. The video included scenes from And Then There Were None, which the group staged in the fall. When asked where it was filmed, someone finally guessed correctly: Old Grant’s Mill. A fitting location for a dramatic piece with a mysterious tone. Powered by Volunteers Hood and Daggar Productions is entirely volunteer-driven. Every individual involved — from cast to crew to front-of-house is a volunteer, including the co-founders themselves. The group operates purely for the benefit of the community. In fact, a professional film company that happens to be a fan of the group volunteered their time and services to produce marketing footage—at no cost.  About the Company
Hood and Daggar Productions is a registered not-for-profit organization, officially incorporated in January 2024. Though only a year old, the company has already made a significant impact. Their vision is to build community through community theatre. Their mission is threefold: - To produce high-quality, engaging theatre,
- To create positive, inclusive experiences for cast, crew, and audience,
- And to foster collaboration within the Winnipeg community and beyond.
The Inaugural Season In its very first year of operation, the company launched a three-show season—a remarkable feat for a new organization. The 2024 season included: - Journey to the Center of the Earth – a Jules Verne classic, reimagined as a radio-style play with performers onstage and effects created live.
- And Then There Were None – the iconic Agatha Christie mystery, brought to life with intensity and atmosphere.
- Gossip – a timely and witty Canadian play by Jeff Walker, presented at the Gas Station Arts Centre.
All three productions were met with enthusiasm from audiences and community partners alike. A Theatrical Debut with a Twist In its debut season, Hood & Dagger Productions made a bold entrance onto Winnipeg’s community theatre scene by offering something a little different—thrillers, adventures, and mysteries brought to life on stage. Their first season included no repeat performances and, spoiler alert, not many characters left standing by the end. It was a sad tale, but a fun one to stage. Last month, they presented Gossip by Canadian playwright Jeff Walker at the Gas Station Arts Centre. It was a Phil Moore-style mystery that landed with perfect timing—spoiler alert: it was very well-timed. Volunteers, Community, and Charitable Impact In their first year, Hood & Dagger engaged over 75 volunteers, including cast, crew, and front-of-house staff. They partnered with local businesses and musicians, and raised over $10,600 for local charities. Winnipeggers clearly love their 50/50 draws! The organization offers complimentary tickets to new Canadians, Ukrainian refugees, and others facing barriers to participating in the arts. Partnerships include the North End Women’s Centre and other local organizations. No membership fees are required, and no previous experience is necessary to audition—ensuring accessibility and inclusion across socio-economic backgrounds. Not Just Theatre—An Event Each production is designed to be more than just a show. Hood & Dagger invites community partners to set up interactive booths before performances. Long-time partner Whodunit Mystery Bookstore curates themed mystery novels that align with each show—from Jules Verne to Agatha Christie. The group also collaborates with local restaurants to create VIP dinner-and-show packages, including Promenade Brasserie in St. Boniface and Zaytoon in Osborne Village. Partnering with Purpose In Season One, Hood & Dagger supported three local charities: - Westminster Church – assisting with roof repairs.
- Whodunit Pet Rescue – fundraising for animal care.
- Harvest Manitoba – partnered with the Gossip production.
They also provide live pre-show entertainment whenever possible. Local acts like The Silitones, known for their Folklorama performances, have graced the stage before curtain. Despite being a new organization, Hood & Dagger has already attracted numerous sponsors. The Josta Group recently confirmed their support for a second consecutive year. Why Another Community Theatre? Hood & Dagger Productions was founded to offer something unique. While Winnipeg is rich with community theatre, few groups focus on mysteries, thrillers, and adventure genres—despite their popularity on screen. The group also commits to producing a full season of shows rather than one-off productions. This strategy keeps audiences and volunteers consistently engaged and excited for what’s next. Each show features a brand-new cast, welcoming actors from all walks of life—line cooks, IT professionals, electricians, HR specialists—many of whom are first-timers. One of Hood & Dagger’s signature joys is that the person who bagged your groceries this morning might be on stage tonight. That said, the group is still looking for more men over 40 to audition—so spread the word! Inclusive, Accessible, and Diverse Volunteers span ages 17 to 65+, with 18% identifying as newcomers to Winnipeg and 22% as individuals with a disability. Hood & Dagger creates a space where everyone is welcome—a place to build friendships, skills, and confidence. Volunteers Include: Those who are behind the scenes include costume hunters, makeup artists, thrift-shop stylists, and crew who keep the magic alive. Looking Ahead: Big Plans for Year Two Here’s what’s on the horizon: - Charitable status application submitted (results expected by the holidays).
- Arts council grants currently in progress.
- Development of free workshops for volunteers, covering stage management, sound design, lighting, and even fight choreography.
Season Two Lineup The second season features three bold new productions: - The Haunting of Hill House – just in time for Halloween, staged at Université de Saint-Boniface.
- The 39 Steps – a winter thriller based on the Hitchcock classic.
- Miss Holmes – a gender-flipped Sherlock Holmes adaptation set in the early 1900s.
Season tickets are on sale now. Individual tickets will launch soon. Hookanddagger.ca How to Get Involved Hood & Dagger is currently seeking: - Front-of-house volunteers for October and May performances at Saint-Boniface, where multiple entrances require staffing.
- Actors, crew, stage managers, and assistant directors – with training provided.
- Two additional board members to join its small, efficient leadership team. (Yes, they follow governance best practices!)
Community members are also encouraged to spread the word, follow on social media, and bring friends and family to a show. Spoiler alert: It’s going to be a fantastic second season. Charleswood Rotary is most grateful to Crystal and Brian for the time they took to inform us all about their wonderful community theatre. We will look forward to seeing a show in person. |
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