Call for Proposals 2020 Canadian Stage Shakespeare in High Park Canadian Stage is opening its doors to dynamic Canadian directors who have a vision for Canadian Stage’s 38th season of Shakespeare in High Park. The company is pleased to invite concepts and ideas from professional directors for the 2020 edition of one of Toronto’s most iconic summer events. Deadline for submissions is Friday, May 3, 2019 at 5pm. This initiative is part of Canadian Stage’s ongoing strategy to provide vital opportunities for directors. Shakespeare in High Park runs over the course of the summer in the heart of High Park and attracts close to 35,000 attendees annually, including over 5,000 children under the age of 14. Shakespeare in High Park plays a key role in expanding the theatre-going public in the city by remaining an accessible annual theatre event through pay-what-you-can admission to all of its performances. • • • • •
Productions must run without an intermission, be under 90 minutes in duration and be appropriate for families. Shakespeare in High Park productions utilize a basic structure with levels, stairs, latticed walls and a balcony. While each year, the production allows for some elements of design specific to that season, the core structure should be largely considered and incorporated in any proposal. Directors must be available for auditions and callbacks Nov 18 – 29, 2019. Rehearsals begin June 1, 2020. Opening is on July 9, 2020. Shakespeare in High Park operates under CAEA as an E House with a cast of 10-12 actors.
Canadian Stage is committed to ensuring that its productions are reflective of the diverse communities who call Toronto home and we encourage you to consider this commitment to inclusivity in your proposal.
Proposals must be limited to one single-sided page, and include: 1. Which of William Shakespeare’s plays would you direct for the 2020 Shakespeare in High Park: 2. Your vision for your production in High Park. Please also attach (on separate pages) a director biography/CV and contact information. Please note that creative team selection is subject to approval by Canadian Stage and that all casting will be done in consultation with the company after the project has been selected. It is highly recommended that applicants have at least attended a Shakespeare in High Park production in order to have a firm grasp of the possibilities and challenges of the High Park Amphitheatre. Please indicate what Shakespeare in High Park production(s) you have seen.
Applicants must be: 1. Professional Directors* 2. Canadian citizens, permanent residents or landed immigrants of Canada BRENDAN HEALY, Artistic Director
MONICA ESTEVES, Executive Director ALEXANDRA BAILLIE & TONY BAYLIS, Board Co Chairs
Applications must be emailed to: Beth Wong, Company Manager bwong@canadianstage.com
Deadline: 5 pm on Friday, May 3, 2019 Applications must be received by this date. No exceptions. Selected candidates only will be contacted for an interview by May 17, 2019.
For more information, contact: Producer, Lynanne Sparrow 416-367-8243 X271 or lsparrow@canadianstage.com
ABOUT CANADIAN STAGE Canadian Stage is one of the country’s leading not-for-profit contemporary performing arts organizations. Led by Artistic Director, Brendan Healy, and Executive Director, Monica Esteves, the company produces, presents, commissions, and collaborates with multiple partners on cross-disciplinary work with a focus on performance styles that integrate theatre, dance, film, visual arts and more. Sharing innovative and vibrant performance work from Canada and around the world, it stages performances at three Toronto venues: The Bluma Appel at the St. Lawrence Centre; The Berkeley Street Theatre; and the High Park Amphitheatre. * Canadian Stage follows the Canada Council for the Arts’ definition of “professional” as an artist who: • • • •
has specialized training in the artistic field (not necessarily in academic institutions) is recognized as a professional by his or her peers (artists working in the same artistic tradition) is committed to devoting more time to artistic activity has a history of public presentation
BRENDAN HEALY, Artistic Director
MONICA ESTEVES, Executive Director ALEXANDRA BAILLIE & TONY BAYLIS, Board Co Chairs