curtain up: creating theatre 101
CALL FOR APPLICANTS:
Have you ever wanted to create live performances for the stage (plays or musicals)? Are you eager to explore new and creative approaches to theatre-making? In this 4-day intensive, we’ll dive into acting, directing, writing, and devising in dynamic ways to bring stage performances to life. Whether you’re a complete beginner with lots of enthusiasm or a seasoned theatre artist, this course is designed for you! This program is available for 14-18 year olds.
To apply, please write a short paragraph (about 250 words) explaining why you’re interested in taking the course. Feel free to share what excites you most about theatre, your past experiences, and the sources of your theatrical inspiration.
A total of 10 applicants will be selected to participate in this program.
Applications close February 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
PROGRAM DETAILS
We are looking for participants for Soulpepper's Curtain Up program who:
- Are between the ages 14-18
- Are interested in watching, creating and discussing theatre
- Will commit to all the dates and times listed below
PROGRAM COST
FREE! There is no cost to apply or participate. Fill the application form below to be considered for this program.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Dates:
Wednesday, February 19 from 4:30-8:30pm
Friday, February 21 from 4:30-8:30pm
Saturday, February 22 from 10am-6pm
Sunday, February 23 from 10am-6pm
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Makram Ayache (He/Him) is a Governor General Literary Award finalist, award-winning playwright, performer, director, and educator based in Toronto. His work centers on representing queer Arab voices, bridging political struggles with the intimate experiences of those most affected. In 2023, he was named one of Toronto’s breakthrough artists by the Toronto Star, and his play The Hooves Belonged to the Deer was listed among Ontario’s 10 best productions by The Globe and Mail. The play also won an Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award for Outstanding Independent Production in Edmonton. His Governor General-nominated play, The Green Line (Downstage and Chromatic Theatre), earned four Betty Mitchell Award nominations, winning two, including Outstanding New Play.
Beyond writing, Ayache directs and produces, recently helming Small Gods the Musical (Theatre Sheridan and Factory Theatre). He is also working on The Ballad of Rumi and Shams, a graphic novel collaboration supported by Vivek Shraya.
Ayache holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and is the founder of Shajara, a consulting organization advancing equity and anti-oppression. He has taught at the University of Waterloo, the 519 Church Street Community Center, and Workman Arts, specializing in socially conscious pedagogy and curricular design.
application
This program is generously supported by Canada Life. Public Support from Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts.
PROGRAM LOCATION:
Soulpepper Theatre Company
Located in the Young Centre for the Performing Arts building
Distillery Historic District
Address: 50 Tank House Lane, Toronto ON, M5A 3C4