The heat's rising at Queen and Bathurst as the 12th annual SummerWorks Theatre Festival kicks off tonight (Thursday, August 1). The 43-work fest is changing. Once entirely local, it now also features troupes from across North America. Centering the action at the Factory and Passe Muraille Theateres - with two off-site shows as well - artistic director Franco Boni has also brought back the Youth Reading Series, with works by three up-and-comers. NOW spotlights some of the hot shows.

listings & reviews by Jon Kaplan and Glenn Sumi. 09/08/2002: all shows are now reviewed. Look for today's update under reports.	previews
ticket info SUMMERWORKS 11-day theatre festival of 43 invited, juried and lotteried productions. Opens Thursday, August 1, and runs to August 11. $9, festival pass (7 shows) $45. Tickets available day of performance at theatre box office, which opens one our prior to first show of day. 416-410-1048. FACTORY THEATRE MAINSPACE, STUDIO and UPSTAIRS (125 Bathurst) THEATRE PASSE MURAILLE MAINSPACE and BACKSPACE (16 Ryerson)
reports August 1, 2002 August 2, 2002 August 9, 2002 August 10, 2002 August 11, 2002 THE JURY WEIGHS IN ARTISTS TO WATCH	summerworks tidbits HOW DO YOU STAY COOL IN AUGUST? PITCH YOUR SHOW TO HOLLYWOOD HOPED-FOR AUDIENCE EXIT LINE