John Bkila Sub-Editor jbkila@oakvillebeaver.com Local actor Michael Alexander Robinson stars In Real Life Web drama series officially launched Oct. 11 by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff Artscene 51 | Thursday, October 20, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com "Connected to your Community" Oakville actor Michael Alexander Robinson stars in the new web series In Real Life (IRL: The Series), which officially launched Tuesday (Oct. 11). Created by Bobby Del Rio, the drama explores the intersection of social media culture with contemporary life. "We cover everything from what's happening in the news related to diversity, equality, racism, politics, and pop culture, as well exploring the psychology behind a lot of the things the Internet makes us do that nobody is talking about," Robinson told the Oakville Beaver. The 15-year professional film and TV actor has had roles on Netflix's Hemlock Grove, CTV's The Listener, CW's Nikita and Showcase's Show Me Yours. Robinson plays Cyrus on IRL: The Series. The web show's first season consists of 12 episodes, approximately five-eight minutes in length each. The episodes are presented in an anthology format, each with a unique genre, style, tone and point of view -- covering relevant topics, such as online infidelity, cyberbullying and augmented personas. The web series began when Del Rio posted in a Facebook group stating he wanted to create a new piece of work and would employ anyone who wanted to be a part of it. "I literally thought that we were going to have maybe five or 10 people say `cool, let's shoot a short film...,'" he said in a media release, "and then 65 people signed up in 36 hours." It was at that moment Del Rio said the IRL collective was born. "We are an ACTRA (actors union) Co-op collective that are members of the Young Emerging Actor's Assembly (YEAA) group who got tired of waiting around for auditions or bookings and decided to create our own work," added Robinson. As the project evolved, several months of improvisation rehearsals led to an ensemble of actors working on several blocks of story ideas. We cover everything from what's happening in the news related to diversity, equality, racism, politics, and pop culture, as well exploring the psychology behind a lot of the things the Internet makes us do.... Michael Alexander Robinson Oakville actor Oakville's Michael Alexander Robinson stars in the new web series In Real Life. | IMDB photo Once the story ideas were whittled down to a larger narrative, an IRL fundraising campaign was launched. "Not only did we hit our goal, we went a few thousand dollars over our goal -- and generated the interest of Bell Media to acquire us for television broadcast," said Del Rio. "We will also have web-only surprises on the way too. So, don't get too comfortable: When you least expect it, we may change something up on you." To view a trailer of IRL: The Series, visit https://goo.gl/QI7FCs. For more information on the web series or to watch episodes, visit irltheseries.com. Oakville Symphony opens first mini-concert of season Saturday The Oakville Symphony's first mini-concert of its current season is set for Saturday (Oct. 22). The free Young People's "Mini-Concert" will include a chance to meet harpist Sharlene Wallace. "Join us as we explore and learn together through a half-hour program designed to educate and entertain children aged fournine," stated a media release. The mini-concert will be held in the lobby of the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, 130 Navy St., at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. First of three-concert series This is the first of a three-concert series presented by the Oakville Symphony Outreach program. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, call 905-844-6920 or email outreach@oakvillesymphony.com. Concerts continue into 2017 The next concert events are scheduled for Jan. 28, 2017 (Vernon's Birthday Party A Musical Tale) and April 22, 2017 (Meet the Composer). For more information, visit oakvillesymphony.com. The Oakville Symphony was founded in 1967 with the mission to "make music for the pleasure of its members and the enjoyment of its audience." Big Movies, Small Prices! 171 Speers Road (at Kerr) Oakville General: $8.50 children (3-13): $6.50 seniors (65+): $6.50 tuesdays: $5.00 905-338-6397 www.film.ca facebook.com/filmca @filmcacinemas the Girl On the train (18a) OctOber 7 the accOuntant (14a) OctOber 14 KeepinG up With the JOneses (stc) OctOber 21 infernO (14a) OctOber 28 the rOcKy hOrrOr picture shOW (14a) OctOber 29, 30, 31 Only