RITA CELLI
A selection of Rita Celli’s achievements…
From 2007 to 2009, Rita reimagined the production and hosting of the prestigious Charles Taylor Prize gala, which was broadcast live on CBC. With a $30,000 purse awarded to a notable Canadian author, the event was held at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto and generated widespread excitement both at the gala and among listeners.
Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction (2000-2020)
During the first hour of the live program, Rita conducted interviews with each of the nominated authors, incorporating audio clips to highlight the themes of their books. In the second hour, she interviewed the panel of distinguished judges, culminating in the thrilling announcement of the winner, followed by a dynamic interview with the newly crowned author.
Rita also organized the giveaway of autographed copies of all the nominated books to members of the listening audience, adding an interactive element to the broadcast.
Her innovative approach to the awards show received accolades from The Taylor Foundation and praise from the Globe and Mail books editor, who deemed it “better than the Giller” ceremony. One of the nominated authors remarked that his best interviews about his book were with Rita and the CBC’s Bill Richardson.
The Walrus Talks: Impact
One word. Many points of view
How Rita Celli Finds Sincerity in Human Stories:
In 2019, Rita was part of a distinguished panel at The Walrus Talks, a national speakers series hosted by The Walrus, a Canadian media organization. During this event, Rita discussed her approach to journalism, including how she researches her stories, conducts interviews, and seeks out the emotional core of the news stories and newsmakers she covers. Her insights highlighted the importance of sincerity and emotional depth in storytelling, showcasing her commitment to uncovering the human element in her work.
Local Theatre Productions
Rita has been involved in several local theatre productions over the years, ranging from dramatic readings of Christmas classics like Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and more modern novels such as Angel Square by Brian Doyle (directed by Janet Irwin), to full-stage performances. She played the role of Connie Macogni, the pregnant Maid of Honour, in the popular Tony and Tina’s Wedding.
One notable highlight was her role in Norm Foster’s romantic comedy Wrong for Each Other, a story about a divorced couple who accidentally meet again. As one of only two actors in the play, Rita found the experience both challenging and rewarding, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the performing arts. Other roles included a member of the Chorus in Henry V (Third Wall Theatre Company).
Several performances were fundraisers for charitable organizations.
