Application deadlines: February 3 and August 5, 2025
For questions about this program, contact Sarah Miller Garvin, Interim Program Manager, Theatre: sarahmg[at]torontoartscouncil[dot]org
What does this program support?
The Theatre Projects program provides funding to professional, non-profit theatre organizations and collectives for the creation, production and presentation of theatre works and other projects that support the development of professional theatre in Toronto. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council. The Theatre Program is strongly committed to the development and performance of works by Canadian artists.
You may apply in one of four categories described below:
- Full Production: supports rehearsal, production and presentation of a fully developed work. The maximum grant in this category is $20,000.
- Production in a Festival: supports the rehearsal, production and presentation of a work in an established festival in Toronto. Confirmation of festival participation is required before the application is approved for funding. The maximum grant in this category is $10,000.
- Workshop: supports the development of a work and involves artists and playwright in the workshop process, and must include a reading or a presentation. Activities eligible for the TAC Playwrights grant program are not eligible in this category. The maximum grant in this category is $15,000
- Special Initiatives: supports projects that develop and advance the practice of theatre in Toronto, and/or contribute to an understanding and appreciation of theatre. Projects can include festivals, opportunities that benefit the theatre community, conferences, forums, symposiums, etc. The maximum grant in this category is $15,000. Contact Theatre Program Manager to discuss the project.
Works conceived for digital platforms are eligible in all categories.
Grants awarded may be less than the full amount requested. In all categories TAC will not fund 100% of a project: applicants must indicate a range of revenue sources, which may include donated goods and services. For all categories, project expenses could include: artists fees, production and technical fees, marketing and outreach costs, administrative costs, childcare costs, etc. The payment of artist fees is a requirement in this program.
TAC Accessibility grant
Projects involving Deaf artists and artists with disabilities may apply for an additional TAC grant by completing the Accessibility Expenses section of the application and including the requisite information in their budget. A TAC Accessibility grant will provide up to a maximum of $5,000 towards accessibility costs for artists incurred during the project. Accessibility costs include but are not limited to: ASL interpretation, audio description, closed captioning, communications assistants, attendant care (including helpers for Elders), support workers and equipment rentals or other supports required to meet artists’ accessibility needs.
When can the project happen?
- Applications submitted to the February deadline should be for projects taking place after June 1 and applications submitted to the August deadline should be for projects taking place after November 1.
- All projects must be completed within two years of the date on the Notification Letter.
Who can apply?
If you are a first-time applicant, or if you have any questions about the eligibility of your project, please contact the Theatre Program Manager.
- To apply to Theatre Projects applicants must be either an incorporated non-profit organization or an unincorporated collective operating on a not-for-profit basis.
- A collective is defined as two or more artists working together under a group name, either on a single project or on an ongoing basis.
- Organizations and collectives must be located in the City of Toronto. A Post Office Box address cannot be used to meet this requirement. Organizations with a regional Toronto office must have operated in the City of Toronto for at least one year prior to the deadline.
- For collectives of two artists, both must be City of Toronto residents. For collectives of more than two artists, the majority of members must be City of Toronto residents.
- Artists must be professional. A professional artist is someone who has developed their skills through training and/or practice; is recognized as such by artists working in the same artistic tradition; actively practices her/his/their art; seeks payment for her/his/their work; and has a history of public presentation.
- TAC recognizes that due to systemic barriers within the broader arts community (e.g. limited mainstream presentation opportunities for artists from equity-seeking communities) that some flexibility may be required in interpreting eligibility criteria to take into account equivalent professional experience and contexts. Potential applicants from equity-seeking communities are encouraged to discuss their eligibility with the Program Manager in advance of submitting an application.
- The project for which the funding is requested must take place in the City of Toronto.
- Applicants may receive only one grant per calendar year through the Theatre program and may not apply to other TAC discipline programs. However, TAC offers other types of granting opportunities through its Strategic Initiatives envelope, and you may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please consult TAC’s website for other granting opportunities.
This Program does not fund:
- Projects that have been started or completed prior to the announcement of results. Toronto Arts Council does not fund retroactively.
- Organizations or collectives that receive Operating funding from TAC;
- Schools that are part of Ontario’s public or private education system;
- Educational and religious institutions, unless there is a clear separation in both programming and budget between their regular activities and their arts activities;
- Individuals;
- Ongoing operating costs, such as permanent staff salaries and general administration of an organization. This program is not intended to support an organization or collective’s ongoing activities. For information about Annual Operating funding, please contact TAC’s Theatre Program Manager.
- Costs related to equipment purchase, capital projects (such as building purchase or renovation), fundraising activities, deficit reduction, publishing and archiving projects, awards and award ceremonies, projects conceived for the creation of a film or for competitive purposes, art therapy;
- Activities taking place outside of the City of Toronto (such as touring, travel, accommodations).
- Projects conceived for the creation of a film or digital works led by media artists.
How do I apply?
Applicants register and submit the application on TAC Grants Online (https://tac.smartsimple.ca). Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on the deadline dates. TAC does not accept applications by any other means of delivery. You will receive a confirmation email when your application is submitted. Check your spam/junk mail folder if it doesn’t arrive in your in-box.
Please download the full Program Guidelines for complete program details and application specifics.
Application Accessibility Support For Deaf Persons Or Persons With Disabilities
Applicants who are Deaf or have a disability and need support to complete their grant applications can apply for funds to cover the costs of assistance from Application Support Service Providers. Up to $500 is available per eligible applicant in each calendar year. Please contact your Grant Program Manager at least
six weeks before the grant program deadline to determine eligibility, request application support funding, and to review the process for payment to be made to your Service Provider. Requests for application support require approval from the Grant Program Manager.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Sarah Miller-Garvin (she/her), Interim Program Manager, Theatre:
sarahmg[at]torontoartscouncil[dot]org , 416-392-6802 extension 205
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