About
The Spaces
Performance Hall
Discover the crown jewel of Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre, the Performance Hall. Unleash your creativity in this electrifying and versatile space equipt with semi-sprung hardwood floors, a large tech booth and lighting grid, and a baby grand piano.. Designed to accommodate up to 200 guests, the Performance Hall is the perfect stage for dynamic events, from show-stopping performances to high-energy parties.
ABCRA Rehearsal Studio
The ABCRA Studio is just across the hall from the Performance Hall. A captivating space that functions as a lively rehearsal hall, a dance studio, dressing rooms, or an intimate reception area. Perfect for gatherings of 20-40, this adaptable space features an upright piano, a fully mirrored wall, semi-sprung floors, a fully accessible washroom, and a shower.
Anne-Marie Applin Lobby
Leading from the main entrance of the Performance Hall, the Anne-Marie Applin Lobby is a captivating space where art and function seamlessly converge. Adorned with a mesmerizing mural by acclaimed Canadian artist Madison van Rijn, the lobby features a dedicated bar, ensuring refreshments are always within reach. The versatile Richard Carter Box Office effortlessly transitions into a second bar or a convenient guest check-in area, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Zielony Green Room
The Zielony Green Room provides a place of comfort and convenience. Featuring a stocked kitchenette, this peaceful space offers a haven of tranquility with direct access to the vibrant energy of the ABCRA Rehearsal Studio and the bustling heart of the lobby.
Nightwood Theatre and Tapestry Opera Offices
Tucked away beyond the Stanley Shalom Zielony Green Room, you’ll find the sleek and modern offices of Nightwood Theatre and Tapestry Opera. This open-concept layout provides a dynamic and inspiring workspace, offering a much-needed home base for these innovative organizations to flourish.
The Salon
The Salon provides the perfect setting for productive brainstorming sessions and creative collaborations. Centralized around an 8-seater table and tucked into a private corner, this inviting space fosters a sense of intimacy and focused conversation. Equipped with a washer/dryer, it can also be used as a wardrobe room for theatrical performances.
History & Partnerships
Project History
The partnership between Nightwood Theatre and Tapestry Opera began in 2002 when both companies moved into the new Artscape Distillery District Studios. As two of the first theatrical residents, both companies helped revitalize the Distillery District’s artistic impact and cement its status as a popular Toronto landmark.
After 20 years of growth and artistic achievement, Nightwood Theatre and Tapestry Opera, along with over 70 artists and arts organizations, were forced to vacate. The closure of the Artscape Distillery Studios removed office space for both teams and three significant studio spaces from the performing arts community. In response to this challenge, the two organizations embarked on an ambitious project to create a vibrant new arts hub in the heart of Toronto.
In 2022, the companies began collaborating with St. Clare’s Housing Society, a registered charity focused on offering affordable housing. Through this innovative partnership, the project was set to occupy the 6,500-square-foot lower level at 877 Yonge Street. Thus began the venture to create a dynamic and inclusive performance venue that enriches the lives of both artists and residents.
The development of this $4 million project swiftly garnered great interest and community support. With the help of City Councillor Dianne Saxe, the ABC Residents Association (ABCRA), and The Greater Yorkville Residents Association (GYRA), the City of Toronto allocated $1.85 million in Section 37 funds from 1 Bloor West to build the dynamic arts facility by the 2024-2025 season. Additional funding has come from the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Work in Culture’s The Catalyst and Transformation Fund (CAT), the ABCRA, St. Clare’s, and countless generous foundations and individual supporters.
Designed by renowned Hilditch Architects, the new facility is a striking addition to Toronto’s vibrant Yonge Street. With expert guidance from Theatrical Project Manager Remington North, the Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre’s amenities provide an inspiring environment for artists and audiences alike.
This ambitious project opened its doors in March 2025, marking a significant milestone in the history of Toronto’s arts and culture scene. Under the leadership of Nightwood Theatre and Tapestry Opera, this new facility will provide a vital space for artists to create, collaborate, and inspire audiences for generations to come.
Partnership
Nightwood Theatre: Canada’s preeminent feminist theatre, Nightwood cultivates, creates, and produces extraordinary theatre by women and gender-expansive artists, liberating futures, one room at a time.
Tapestry Opera: Canada’s leading developer of new works of opera, Tapestry expands what opera can mean, and nurtures new creations, new creators, and the next generation of artists.
St Clare’s: St. Clare’s Housing Society was formed in 1998 by people who knew that the only way to end homelessness was to build affordable housing. Their innovative approach has succeeded in building 177 geared-to-income housing units and 190 new units in partnership with developers, creating a mixed-income community.
Leadership
- Naz Afsahi, Managing Director – Nightwood Theatre
- Andrea Donaldson, Artistic Director – Nightwood Theatre
- Jaime Martino, Executive Director – Tapestry Opera
- Michael Hidetoshi Mori, General Director – Tapestry Opera
Accessibility
Accessibility Mission
Accessibility is one of the keystones of the Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre’s mandate. We have considered many measures to welcome as many people as possible into our communities and empower our renters and collaborators to build on our foundation.
Our accessibility values include:
- Our centrally located space is close to public transit options and residential neighbourhoods
- All spaces are accessible to most; many are barrier-free
- Thoughtful planning creates a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere
For the full 877 Accessibility Policy and Visual Story of the space, please click here [link to Accessibility Policy]
Building Accessibility Features
- Entrances & Exits: The main level of the building has step-free access to two full-sized elevators that lead to the Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre level. There are no further steps required to access the performance hall and restrooms. There are two steps to access the rehearsal hall, green room, and offices, equipped with a 1-meter ramp for easy access. Large doors are equipped with automatic door openers and many others have door stops or ushers that are able to assist.
- Seating: Front-row wheelchair-accessible seating is available for performances. Please let our Box Office know when you book your tickets so we can reserve suitable seating.
- Washrooms: Our washrooms feature accessible stalls large enough to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices. Other measures such as grab bars, lowered sinks, and accessible toilet heights have also been implemented. Our washrooms are all-gender.
- Parking & Transportation: Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre is located within 500m of Bloor-Yonge Station and Rosedale Station. Limited street parking is available along Yonge Street and Davenport Road and there is a nearby parking lot at 920 Yonge Street. For more information on getting here please click here [Link to Planning Your Trip page].
- Service Animals: We welcome patrons with service and support animals. Please let our Box Office know when you book your tickets so we can reserve suitable seating.
Disclaimer
This information simply highlights some general features and is not exhaustive. More accessibility endeavours may be incorporated as possible on a show-by-show basis. For the full 877 Accessibility Policy and Visual Story of the space, please click here [link to Accessibility Policy].
Privacy Policy
Last update: This policy was last updated on February 26, 2025
Policy
Accessibility is one of the keystones of the Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre’s mandate. We have considered many measures to welcome as many people as possible into our communities and empower our renters and collaborators to build on our foundation.
Our accessibility values include:
- Our centrally located space is close to public transit options and residential neighbourhoods
- All spaces are accessible to most; many are barrier-free
- Thoughtful planning creates a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere
For the full 877 Accessibility Policy and Visual Story of the space, please click here [link to Accessibility Policy]
Building Accessibility Features
- Entrances & Exits: The main level of the building has step-free access to two full-sized elevators that lead to the Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre level. There are no further steps required to access the performance hall and restrooms. There are two steps to access the rehearsal hall, green room, and offices, equipped with a 1-meter ramp for easy access. Large doors are equipped with automatic door openers and many others have door stops or ushers that are able to assist.
- Seating: Front-row wheelchair-accessible seating is available for performances. Please let our Box Office know when you book your tickets so we can reserve suitable seating.
- Washrooms: Our washrooms feature accessible stalls large enough to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices. Other measures such as grab bars, lowered sinks, and accessible toilet heights have also been implemented. Our washrooms are all-gender.
- Parking & Transportation: Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre is located within 500m of Bloor-Yonge Station and Rosedale Station. Limited street parking is available along Yonge Street and Davenport Road and there is a nearby parking lot at 920 Yonge Street. For more information on getting here please click here [Link to Planning Your Trip page].
- Service Animals: We welcome patrons with service and support animals. Please let our Box Office know when you book your tickets so we can reserve suitable seating.
Disclaimer
This information simply highlights some general features and is not exhaustive. More accessibility endeavours may be incorporated as possible on a show-by-show basis. For the full 877 Accessibility Policy and Visual Story of the space, please click here [link to Accessibility Policy].
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