Canadian actress Leslie Hope (24) will make her feature directorial debut on The Swearing Jar, produced by Toronto’s Monkeys & Parrots and Winnipeg’s Farpoint Films.

Based on Kate Hewlett’s play of the same name, the rom-com musical follows a teacher/musician throwing a birthday concert for her husband, leading her to re-examine their relationship. Hewlett also penned the screen adaptation.

The Swearing Jar is produced by Monkeys & Parrots’ Jane Loughman (A Dog’s Breakfast), Farpoint Films’ Kyle Bornais (Menorca) and Tony Wosk (Sorry For Your Loss). Morris Ruskin (Glengarry Glen Ross) of California-based prodco and sales agent Shoreline Entertainment serves as an exec producer on the project.

While Hope is known for her work in front of the camera (Talk Radio, Slasher, Suits), she has recently directed several TV projects including episodes of Murdoch Mysteries, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Ghost Wars and Aftermath, as well as the MOWs A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride and Christmas on the Bayou.

Casting is currently underway, with filming on The Swearing Jar set to take place in Toronto later this year.