Theatre Direct is celebrating 40 years of exceptional, ground-breaking, thought-provoking, boundary- We have unveiled our 4-decade history in 5-year chapters.
Theatre Direct is celebrating 40 years of exceptional, ground-breaking, thought-provoking, boundary-pushing theatre and we invite you to take a stroll down memory lane with us! Each chapter contains archival images, raves from the media, anecdotes about the creation of certain plays and drawings from children reflecting on their experiences. Each chapter also recognizes the compelling work created
Andrey Tarasiuk established Theatre Direct's dynamic approach to tackling difficult and often controversial subject matter with exceptional dramaturgy. Award-winning playwrights Sean Reycraft, Paul Dunn, Ann Chislett, Colin Thomas, Adam Pettle, Ed Roy, Gil Garrat, Drew Hayden Taylor, and Joan MacLeod,just to name a few, all had their works premiered under Andrey's leadership. Thank you for sharing your memories and for your best wishes!
Here is the ubiquitous Colin Doyle who got his start with Theatre Direct in the role of Patrick in Andrew's Tree. Since then, Colin has been staunch supporter of team Theatre Direct and a passionate advocate for Theatre for Young Audiences sharing his talents with audiences here in Toronto and across the Country! Thank you Colin!
Here is the wonderful Marcia Johnson, the writing force behind Binti's Journey, an adaptation of The Heaven Shop by Deborah Ellis! Thank you Marcia!!
Here is the remarkable David S Craig, founder of Theatre Direct Canada! Thank you David for your stories, your vision, and your generous best wishes for our 40 years!
The inimitable Qasim Khan (Maitri in Beneath the Banyan Tree 2015) shares his fond memories of creating with Theatre Direct and sends 40th anniversary greetings! thank you Qasim Khan
Beautiful Clare Preuss! Thank you!
The multi-talented Clare Preuss got her start with Theatre Direct back in 2001 as Gillian in the production of Andrew's Tree She has continued to inspire through her performance and directing work. Thank you Clare for your beautiful message and all the best with your next project!
Andrew's Tree was designed by Kelly Wolf, directed by Lynda Hill, stage managed by Kristin Kitcher and featured Clare along with Colin Doyle, Marie Beath Badian,Jefferson Guzman. The remount in 2004 featured Clare Preuss, Nicky Phillips, Nicco Lorenzo Garcia, and Chris Ratz. The beautiful song "Mr. Rabbit" was composed by Justin Haynes. Production Management by Caroline Hollway.
We're gathering wonderful video messages from artists that have been a part of our 40 years of exceptional theatre for young audiences. Here is the fantastic Tanya Pillay who got her start with us back in 2005 in the production of Beneath the Banyan Tree! Thank you Tanya.
01/10/2017
In our final chapter of Theatre Direct’s history, the company expanded its Early Years focus to include The Firefly Project, a unique storytelling and drama residency for kindergarten classrooms, the premiere of Old Man and the River, a new production for children 3 -6 years old, and the launch of the biennial international WeeFestival of Theatre and Culture for Early Years. At the same time, the company’s award-winning repertoire of plays for children and youth continued to reach audiences on tour. http://theatredirect.ca/celebrating-40-years/2012-2016-inspiring-the-future/
12/19/2016
This chapter of Theatre Direct’s reveals a company at its most prolific.
The world premieres of Binti’s Journey, Sanctuary Song, and The Demonstration, multiple productions of Beneath the Banyan Tree, and the school tour of Offensive Fouls. While Theatre Direct was expanding its national and international reach it was also preparing for a move to a community hub in the Artscape Wychwood Barns where it established its year-round Drama School and initiated its arts for early-years research with the Dora Award-winning Walking the Tightrope.
http://theatredirect.ca/celebrating-40-years/2006-2011-other-worlds/
12/09/2016
In this period of Theatre Direct’s history, (2000-2005), the company shook the stage with an edgy festival of new work for high school audiences and an interdisciplinary performance piece exclusively for adolescent girls. Theatre Direct continued to innovate in its touring productions introducing an expanded day-long program in schools across the GTA.
http://theatredirect.ca/celebratin…/2000-2005-shifting-form/
