Solar Stage: Make Art & Make Joy!
Solar Stage has been a destination for theatre in Toronto for over 40 years.
Seriously, 40 years! We create original Canadian family theatre, with a focus on inclusive, diverse, optimistic and inspirational storytelling. Since new artistic leadership took the reins in 2015 we have already garnered 7 Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations (like the Tonys for Canadian Theatre)!
However, since 1988, we have been housed in the hidden and ailing “concourse level” of an office building at Yonge and Sheppard. So on September 1st 2017, we moved to the beautiful, SUN-LIT, well-appointed theatre space created by Artscape and Theatre Direct at Wychwood Barns.
Wychwood Barns features an art gallery, a community garden, a weekly farmers’ market and a playground with sand boxes and a splash pad. There could not be a more ideal permanent home for Solar Stage.
Here’s the thing, We can’t do this without your help.
Moving to Wychwood is an incredible and explosive upgrade for Solar, but this rare (like UNICORN-rare) opportunity came very suddenly and required an immediate commitment. Which means we need help. Not only will your donations assist in continuing our acclaimed work, but also help cover the cost and upkeep of starting from scratch in a new space: lights, soundboards, curtains, seating! Seriously, our old equipment was new when Beetlejuice was in theatres (or Die Hard if that’s more your thing).
Although expenses have gone up, we are endeavouring to offer free community programming and to keep our individual ticket price at $20. We want to fling our doors open to the world and let the sun shine in. We want to share what we have.
We’re planning this new theatre to be around for a long time, and with our hardworking team of part-time staff and volunteers we have already made leaps of progress. Another 40 years doesn’t sound far-fetched to us.
This is a one-time ask, to properly help us hit the ground running.
We love Solar Stage.
We are truly proud of our art.
We want to keep making art,
keep bringing joy,
for you and your kids,
and everyone.
Here.
Now.
WHERE DOES THE $ GO?
$20 000 Retractable bleacher-type seating for 120
$20 000 Blackout curtains 40x30 feet x 4 walls
$15 000 Industry-standard ticketing software
$15 000 50+ industrial lighting units
$2000 heavy duty cabling
$2500 JBL speakers
$1500 Microphones, music stands, other furnishings
$1500 High-lumens projector
$1500 Projector screen
$5 000 Development of new works! Oh yea!
$6 000 Paying actors fair wages!
$10000 Bringing underpriveled communities to the theatre! We want everyone to see our shows, and not everyone can afford them, so here's to bringing more people out!
** IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN NAMING RIGHTS FOR THE THEATRE SPACE AT $100,000 OR MORE, PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY**
WHO WE ARE
Artistic Director: Dahlia Katz is a theatre director/dramaturg and professional photographer in Toronto. Her in-depth puppetry research has taken her to the United States and the Czech Republic. At SolarStage with M. John since 2015, personally directing 7 plays and dramaturging 13 plays, and teaching and coaching puppetry.
As a photographer she has worked with all the major theatre houses and festivals in Toronto, and her images are well-known and trusted by both publicity staff and the press.
Artistic Producer: M. John Kennedy is a Toronto-based actor, writer, and teacher of acting. M. John has been featured in series for CBC, CTV, CW, CBS, FX, Hulu and HBO. He has toured extensively, played on most major stages in Toronto, and has received two Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations. Celebrate!
As Artistic Producer M. John has overseen the past three seasons at Solar Stage producing 20 original productions and over 40 co-productions.
M. John is also a Faculty Member at the Randolph School of the Arts for the past 15 years where he has worked in the kids program and has taught Acting, Improvisation, Scene Study, Shakespeare, and Theatre History in the college program.
Director of Development: Pirate Matt (Slaman)
Matt was a pirate at halloween at least a few times in his youth, in his grade 10 drama class, then now... a professional pirate having founded Pirate Life Children's theatre. He has a dream to make everyone smile, to inspire a sense of play and creativity and move hearts and minds through the theatre!
OUR 2017/2018 SEASON!
Our Shows!
Jillian Jiggs - spoken all in rhyme it's sure to be a fun time
Princess Knight - Am I this or that, I can be whatever I want!
Memorable Munsch - DIY Theatre, at home in your living room just like this!
Treasure Island - A classic piece! So much fun!
Visiting Companies
Rob&Soli, Hallowe'en Howl - immersive sesame street style show
Candy Cane Carrollers - Sing along to your favourites!
CInderella in Muddy York - holiday-time puppetry!
Wonderphil the magic Guy - Best magician in town!
Musical Hangouts - Come hang out, tell a story, sing along, just like a good ol' campfire
Dance Jams - Family parties - bust a move!
Thank you and welcome to the family :)
