Dial In: An Interview with Valerie Winslow
Checking items off a bucket list might be one of the most satisfying things in life, and as of July 5, 2025, writer, director, and performer Valerie Winslow is set to do just that. After years of being an audience member, sitting and enjoying shows from the sidelines, Winslow will finally live her dream. With months of writing and directing in anticipation, she will watch the premiere of her very own play, I’ll Call You Back, at Domino Theatre alongside many other exciting shows that are a part of the Come Play by the Lake One-Act Festival.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Each year, Kingston’s beloved Domino Theatre hosts this event to celebrate and showcase the creativity, talent, and hard work of local artists. Over two evenings, audiences can enjoy a lineup of six one act performances, each offering its own unique genre and message. At the end of the festival, a panel of three judges will award performances for Best Original Play and Best Production. The play nominated for Best Production may even be given a chance to represent Domino Theatre at the 2025 Eastern Ontario Drama League (EODL) One Act Festival held in Merrickville. As an audience member, you too can participate in the awards by casting your vote for the Audience Choice Play; just make sure to attend both evenings.
Winslow has always been immersed in a world of theatrical inspiration, beginning as early as grade three, continuing through her school years, and especially now. With encouragement from her wonderful teachers, who promoted drama, public speaking, and personal expression, her passion for the performing arts took root. Winslow credits discovering and developing her tone as a playwright through her critical analyses of classic sitcoms from the 1970s and ‘80s. “I remember Bob Newhart in particular. He was in several different shows as the main character, and he would do these telephone conversations where you didn’t see the other person, so you only heard his end of the conversation.”
Her understanding of the portrayal, presentation, and mannerisms of Newhart’s characters helps her recognize the importance of nuance in performance and sharpen her directing skills. “The hesitation before giving an answer, the raising of the eyebrows, and stressing certain words. Anything like that would give the audience a chance to react. It makes such a big difference—the smallest things on stage.”
Her favourite moments stem from her careful attention to detail and the fulfillment she feels when guiding a production into its final form. “From an idea, to gathering cast and crew, to writing, to having the script in front of you and seeing it on paper, then watching it come to life throughout all of the rehearsals, adding light and sound, and perhaps music, and then seeing it progress until the final performance in front of an audience. That’s just the best—seeing and hearing the audience’s reaction.”
This play, in particular, explores the relationship between an adult man and his grandmother through a phone call. Though it is short and light as a one act, it contains tender and emotional moments woven into its mostly comedic tone. Winslow hopes audiences will reflect on “their own relationships, perhaps with a grandmother or grandfather, or any family or friend relationship.” Once Valerie finally crosses this dream off her bucket list, who will her first call be? When you have good news to share, who is your first call? Next time you’ve got something to celebrate, consider calling them, “and see how a short conversation—even on a telephone—can make a world of difference.”
Valerie Winslow has been on stage in many roles in Garrison Little Theatre, Niagara Falls Grand Dinner Theatre and Domino Theatre. She has directed a few plays (Garrison and Domino) and next on her bucket list is writing a play. The One Act Festival seemed like a perfect opportunity to do so.
‘I’ll Call You Back’ premieres at Domino Theatre on July 5, 2025. More information can be found here.
