Artist Programs
Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre is proud to host various programs for artists through the resident companies of Nightwood Theatre and Tapestry Opera. Please see below to read more about our current opportunities for artists to get involved.
Write From The Hip
A vibrant community of playwrights forms within this year-long script development and training cohort. Under the expert mentorship of a dedicated Program Director, participants refine work and prepare it for a thrilling staged reading at the annual Groundswell Festival. Applications typically open in the fall
Nightwood Shadow Residencies
Unique, hands-on mentorship opportunities built around participants interests. Each shadow is given a placement within a Nightwood Theatre show or in our internal operations to help hone their skills. Applications typically open in the summer.
Dialogue Dolls
Designed specifically for IBPOC trans women and trans femmes, this intimate playwrights training program supports script development culminating in in-house readings. Applications typically open in the fall.
OAC Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators
As recommenders of the Ontario Arts Council, Nightwood is able to support plays in development with grants between $1,000 – $3,000. Applications typically open between September and January.
Louise Garfield Award
An annual award given to a selected later-in-life emerging playwright who has come into Nightwood’s circle. Generously supported through the Louise Garfield Scholarship from the Arts Etobicoke President’s Legacy Scholarship Fund.
Creatryx
A virtual writers’ room where participants have a mix of accountable writing time and sharing & feedback opportunities. The program runs for 8 consecutive weeks and is available to playwrights across Canada.
Rising Moon Writing Program
A 6-week creative writing program for youth ages 16-19. Participants join in weekly sessions to learn about and try their hand at creative writing.
Play Submissions
Have a play that aligns with Nightwood’s mandate & values? Check out the detailed pathway for unsolicited script submissions.
Artist List
Stay connected with Nightwood’s ongoing artistic work. Sign up for discounts, grant opportunities, auditions, jobs, and more!
Canadian Opera Resource
Your one-stop database for Canadian opera. Find your next favourite piece to sing in seconds, discover new Canadian artists, and promote your work because it deserves to be seen again and again.
Women in Musical Leadership
Tapestry Opera and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra partner on a three-year program providing mentorship, professional experience, and a robust network for emerging women and non-binary conductors and music directors.
LIBLAB
Tapestry Opera’s Composer-Librettist Laboratory (LIBLAB) is Canada’s flagship opera creation intensive. The LIBLAB is designed to unite writers and composers in an intensive that supports collaboration and experimentation.
New Opera 101
New Opera 101 is a masterclass intensive for emerging singers and collaborative pianists, culminating in our concert showcase, Songbook.
Commissioning
Tapestry Opera is the most prolific creator and producer of new Canadian opera. We have several complete original Canadian operas that can be commissioned and presented.
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Supporting Canadian Arts
Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre’s mandate, led by Tapestry Opera and Nightwood Theatre, is to support the performing arts in Toronto. Performing arts rentals are subsidized by a small percentage of commercial rentals as well as through support for the building of the space by the City of Toronto, Ontario, Heritage Canada and visionary donors. We look forward to providing a beautiful new and vibrant space in Toronto’s arts ecology.