Beneath Springhill is the incredible story of Maurice Ruddick, "the singing miner," an African-Canadian who survived nine days underground during the historic Springhill mining disaster of 1958. This multi-award-winning chamber musical recalls the events during the disaster, the effect it had on Ruddick's family, and the racial tensions in the town of Springhill. The play is a celebration of hope, courage and community. Music by Susan Newman and Lyrics by Rob Fortin.

Beau Dixon is a multi-award winning playwright, actor, composer and sound designer. As a playwright he has been commissioned by Arbor Theatre, Heritage Pavilion, 4th Line Theatre (Peterborough, Ont.) Canadian Citizenship of Immigration, Parks Canada and Nova Scotia tourism. Four of his one-act plays have been performed in elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools throughout Canada. Beneath Springhill: The Maurice Ruddick Story won two Dora awards (Best New Play and Best Performance/ TYA

Beau Dixon is a multi-award winning playwright, actor, composer and sound designer. As a playwright he has been commissioned by Arbor Theatre, Heritage Pavilion, 4th Line Theatre (Peterborough, Ont.) Canadian Citizenship of Immigration, Parks Canada and Nova Scotia tourism. Four of his one-act plays have been performed in elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools throughout Canada. Beneath Springhill: The Maurice Ruddick Story won two Dora awards (Best New Play and Best Performance/ TYA Division), the Calgary Critics Award (Best Individual Performance), and two Betty Mitchell nominations (Best Touring Play, Best Male Performance). In 2016 he was a KM Hunter Award finalist and was also inducted into Peterborough's Pathway of Fame for his leadership in the dramatic arts. Beau is artistic director and co-founder of Firebrand Theatre. He continues to write and perform, dividing his time between Peterborough and Toronto.

Division), the Calgary Critics Award (Best Individual Performance), and two Betty Mitchell nominations (Best Touring Play, Best Male Performance). In 2016 he was a KM Hunter Award finalist and was also inducted into Peterborough's Pathway of Fame for his leadership in the dramatic arts. Beau is artistic director and co-founder of Firebrand Theatre. He continues to write and perform, dividing his time between Peterborough and Toronto.

Beau Dixon's profile page

"This is what theatre is about." (GetDown.ca)

"A celebration of the human spirit..." (Calgary Sun)