About Us

Canadian Stage’s mission is to be the leading contemporary performing arts organization in the country. A collision of disciplines and cultures, Canadian Stage reflects the dynamism and complexity of Canada and is a vital artistic force locally, nationally, and internationally.

In the 30+ years of its history, Canadian Stage has employed thousands of artists and developed and produced hundreds of new productions. Many of the plays developed by Canadian Stage have been awarded and nominated for Canada’s most prestigious literary and performing arts honours, including the Governor General’s, Chalmers and Dora Mavor Moore Awards.

History

Canadian Stage was created from the 1987 merger of the small, alternative Toronto Free Theatre and Toronto’s acknowledged regional theatre, Centre Stage Company. In July of 2009, Matthew Jocelyn joined the company as Artistic & General Director. After 8 months of exploring the local and national arts ecology and canvassing the company’s stakeholders, he unveiled his first programmed season (2010-2011), along with a new company mission and brand, Canadian Stage. Over the years, Canadian Stage programming and aspirations have focussed on the contemporary (in aesthetic, technology or theme), the multidisciplinary and the international. In 2018, award-winning theatre director Brendan Healy was appointed Artistic Director and Monica Esteves joined the team as Executive Director.

In the 30+ years of its history, Canadian Stage has employed thousands of artists and developed and produced hundreds of new productions. Many of the plays developed by Canadian Stage have been awarded and nominated for Canada’s most prestigious literary and performing arts honours, including Governor General’s, Chalmers and Dora Mavor Moore Awards. Throughout the theatre season, nearly 100,000 patrons attend performances and workshops in our three Toronto venues. Throughout our history, Canadian Stage has provided outstanding education and outreach programs cultivating a diverse audience demographic.

Berkeley Street Theatre

Bluma Appel Theatre
(St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts)
27 Front Street East

Open on performance days only
Tue to Sat: 12pm until showtime (opens at 11am for matinees)
Sun: opens 2 hours prior to showtime

High Park Amphitheatre
1873 Bloor Street West

Open on performance days only
Tue to Sun: 6pm – 8pm