About EXCESS at the Haskell

One theatre. Three countries. One conversation.

EXCESS is staged at the Haskell Free Library and Opera House — one of the only theatres in the world built directly on an international border.

The Haskell Free Library and Opera House

Built in 1904, the Haskell Free Library and Opera House is one of North America's most extraordinary cultural landmarks. Straddling the international border between Stanstead, Québec, and Derby Line, Vermont, it was created as a shared home for neighbouring communities on both sides. The stage rests in Canada while much of the audience sits in the United States, making every performance a uniquely cross-border experience.

More than a century later, the Haskell remains a rare place where borders exist, yet culture brings people together. It is a living reminder that theatre can transcend geography — and that one stage can become common ground.

Could there be a more fitting place for EXCESS to begin its journey?

Why EXCESS Matters Now

EXCESS explores a moment in time when fear, misinformation, and nationalism strained one of the world's closest relationships. Twenty-three years later, the questions have only become more urgent.

Canada has always answered difficult moments with one of its greatest exports: comedy. EXCESS is not an attack on America — it is an invitation to laugh together, argue together, and learn how to be good neighbours again.

Getting There

Stanstead, Québec / Derby Line, Vermont — November 12–15, 2026.

Buy Tickets →

Curious what happens on that stage? Read about the play →

Meet the cast and creative team → · Support the production →

What is SETLIFE?

SETLIFE is a hands-on acting and film production intensive.

Over two immersive weekends, participants train inside a structured production environment — rehearsing, shooting, and completing a short film.
This is not a lecture.

It’s a working set.

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  • For Actors

    • Real on-camera experience

    • Strong demo reel material

    • Understanding set dynamics

    • Confidence working with crew

  • For Emerging Crew

    • Hands-on production roles

    • Camera & sound rotation

    • Assistant director exposure

    • Understanding actor process
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How It Works

Weekend One

• Script work & casting

• Blocking & rehearsal

• Camera rehearsal

• Crew rotation training


Weekend Two

• Full shoot

• Scene coverage

• Pickups

• Wrap & review

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Testimonials

TYLEY ROSS

More than one of the best Shakespeare coaches around; Paul is an inspirational teacher and mentor.  His coaching will leave a lasting impression on your craft that radiates beyond art and into your life.

Dora Award Winner and Grammy Nominee

TYLEY ROSS

New York City
STEPHANIE MOORE

With Paul’s insight, my acting is more grounded and focussed than ever. The work is natural and breathes. I have booked 2 auditions with his help, in the last month alone.

Best known for her roles on Queer as Folk as Cynthia, and in the Degrassi franchise as Diana Hollingsworth...

STEPHANIE MOORE

Toronto
JEFF HO

"Paul! You're a huge reason I'm even in this industry at all. There's really no words that can capture that gratitude for you."

Writer, actor and Associate Director Tarragon Theatre

Coached, taught and mentored Jeff from 2009-2012 

JEFF HO

Toronto/Montréal
NOLAN DAUGHERTY

"Working with Paul has been an incredible experience! Our Son, Nolan has been working gain knowledge in acting to move forward with his acting, theatre career. We've seen so much growth and understanding how to look at characters differently on stage. Paul has shown he truly cares about the development of Nolan by making himself available during important auditions."

Tricia, Nolan's mother. Current Client

NOLAN DAUGHERTY

Indianapolis
ALINA VUORINEN

"I learned so much about Shakespeare and classical theatre and it made me love it even more."

Current Client (performing in Anne in Anne of Green Gables in New Hamburg

ALINA VUORINEN
SARAH DASILVA

"Lessons with Paul are always an open discussion filled with creativity, kindness, and improvement. He helps me create effective performances which feel true to the story and myself. I am truly grateful for his guidance!"

Recently accepted into  Boston University School of Theatre

SARAH DASILVA

Boston
KIM BARBER

"Paul’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious, spurring students on to heights they could not have imagined on their own."

Wilfrid Laurier Professor, Voice, Opera, Faculty of Music

KIM BARBER
PASCAL BROCHU

“I was auditioning constantly but not booking. After taking Meisner Level 1 with Paul, I started booking almost right away. Since then, I’ve kept training with him and my callbacks have only increased. His coaching completely transformed my work and my confidence as an actor.”

Current Client (Commercial for Pepsi, Decoy Wine, CIBC, Winners, and more...)

PASCAL BROCHU

Waterloo