The Starling Effect
The experiment didn’t go wrong… it’s still happening.
- Played
- April 28 – May 9, 2026
- Season
- 2025–26
- Production Website
- web.archive.org
Ravonna believed she had killed her sister.
But when she tampers with a consciousness experiment, she discovers something far stranger: her sister’s soul - and the soul of her former mentor’s wife, are trapped inside the body of a starling bird. With time running out, Ravonna and Dr. Sandra Beetle must put aside their bitter history and attempt the impossible - sending Ravonna’s consciousness into the starling itself. Once inside, Ravonna encounters a labyrinth of memories and secrets that threaten to unravel everything she thought she knew.
Brought to life in a stunning world premiere, The Starling Effect will offer Calgary audiences a rare chance to see science fiction live on stage. For the first time, Verb Theatre will be working in association with the up and coming collective Reckless Daughter Creative to bring you this non-stop thriller.
Content advisory: This play contains staged violence, discussions of mental health, and coarse language. Recommended 14+.
- Ravonna Lara Schmitz
- Dr. Sandra Beetle Esther Purves-Smith
- Lark Caleigh Crow
- Amelia Bronwyn Steinberg
- Playwright Lara Schmitz
- Director Kathryn Smith
- Assistant Director Madeleine Taylor-Gregg
- Stage Manager Raynah Bourne
- Assistant Stage Manager Frances MacDonald
- Set Design Julia Kim
- Lighting Design Ajay Badoni
- Associate Lighting Design Anton deGroot
- Sound Design Kristin Eveleigh
- Composition Kristin Eveleigh
- Costume Design Jolane Houle
- Fight Director John M. Knight
- Intimacy Director John M. Knight
- Head of Props Abigail Monarrez
- Puppet Builder Ali DeRegt
- Production Manager Lowen Carlson
Creates spaces for FLINTA+ and sapphic voices and builds community through storytelling. It began by making plays in living rooms and now produces shows, staged readings and workshops.