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In this week’s episode, we talk to the people fighting for a new pool in Fredericton and visit the Charlotte Street Arts Centre for a celebration of the talent of local youth.

This Week in Fredericton is a weekly news show dedicated to bringing Fredericton residents news about their community and the people that shape it. It’s hosted by journalist Zachary Roman.

In this week’s episode, we talk to the current artist in residence at the Fredericton Botanic Garden, recap last weekend’s Animaritime convention, and preview a new literary festival that’s coming to our city this Fall.

This Week in Fredericton is a weekly news show dedicated to bringing Fredericton residents news about their community and the people that shape it. It’s hosted by journalist Zachary Roman.

Episode 51

As today is the national day of commemoration for the Grand Dérangement1, music from New Brunswick Acadian artists has been sprinkled into the mix.

Doing plays outside creates a certain amount of challenge and opportunity in equal measure.

My guests today are all involved with the numerous outdoor shows for the Taking It To The Streets portion of the 2026 Notable Acts Theatre Festival. Len Falkenstein, festival artistic director and co-director of The Rural Gap and The Anchor; Brandon Hicks, playwright for The Rural Gap; Hannah Crothers, playwright of Roped In; Goesta Struve-Dencher, director of Prom Prep and Demons; and Mimi Martin, who is again serving as technical coordinator for all the outdoor shows.

The join me to discuss the particular goals they had in mind for this year’s plays, how they can fit together on a single stage, and how to embrace the opportunity.

The Notable Acts Theatre Festival runs from July 22 to August 1, and the Taking It To The Streets shows are running nightly at 7:30pm at the courtyard of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery from July 26 through July 29.

What does it take to make a play? Ideas, patience and writing, although coaching and support go far.

My guests today are all involved in elements of the one-act plays, readings and production from this year’s Notable Acts Theatre Festival. Len Falkenstein is the Festival Artistic Director; Monika Rennick is the playwright of Detective Richard; Kat Hall is an actor in Marvin the Man; and Jill Connell is the festival dramaturg, and is presenting her work-in-progress DENNIS at the reading.

They join me to talk about this year’s productions, the role and approach of a dramaturg, and the incredible legacy of 25 years of the festival.

The Notable Acts Theatre Festival runs from July 22 to August 1 in various locations around Fredericton.

Sometimes, a celebration of life comes from an entire musical…

My guests today are all part of the Notable Acts 2026 mainstage production of The Dog Dies, a comedy-musical-drama production about the life and eventual death of a beloved pooch, Steve. Hannah McKellar is a multi-hyphenate playwright and performer (and vet!), who wrote the musical and stars as “Human”; Naomi McGowan performs as “The Vet”; and Acasha Knowles plays as Human’s bestie. (All three take their own turns portraying “Steve”, the dog at the centre of the story.)

They join me to talk about where this idea came from, Hannah’s experience as a vet and comedian, and how the sad tale of Steve Buscemi (the dog) is funny, heartwarming and a little tear-jerking.

The Dog Dies opened July 23 and ran through July 25 nightly at Memorial Hall.

Episode 50

Music, history and the skies.

Episode 48

Music, with history highlights such as tightroping over Niagara Falls.

Episode 47

Episode 46