TENT - Theatre Entrepreneurs' Network and Training Program

2022 TENT (Theatre Entrepreneurs’ Network and Training)

Call for Submissions

This is TENT

TENT (Theatre Entrepreneurs’ Network and Training) was created in 2014 by The Toronto Fringe Festival to address a growing need in theatre training: how to actually make theatre happen.  

Since its inception, TENT has served over 160 emerging artists by providing free, intensive training in the skills vital to making their work a reality (such as managing budgets, marketing, fundraising, and grant-writing), and by connecting them with some of Canada’s artistic innovators, leaders, and producers.

TENT invests in the future of arts and culture in Toronto by creating, training, and cultivating community. We equip emerging artists with the skills and human connections to empower them to create meaningful art from informed perspectives, and on their own terms. Participating in TENT will connect you to your peers, deepen your relationship to your work, support what you want to build, and clarify your understanding of existing systems.

What to Expect from TENT 

TENT is for Greater Toronto Area-based theatre artists age 21-35 years old who are early-career producers, artist-producers, and aspiring arts leaders (with some producing experience).  

The 2022 TENT will take place on Zoom and in person. We will have an introductory first gathering at the end of May and will begin workshops end of June and into July. We are seeking 20 participants for the program. This year’s TENT will include: 

• Building peer relationships and connections with the TENT cohort, while also reflecting on and clarifying individual goals and trajectories. 
• Workshops – Hands-on opportunities to learn in areas of interest to this year’s cohort, some examples include: pitching, grant-writing, budgeting, creative practice, and contract negotiation.  
• Guest Speakers and One on One Mentorship– Honest conversations with leaders and artists who can speak to the questions and considerations of this year’s cohort. Who are the leaders we want to hear from and learn from? What conversations feel necessary right now? Through this we aim to build connection between participants and artists and leaders in the Toronto theatre community. 
• Free Shows – Rush access to all 2022 Toronto Fringe Festival programming at no cost.
• A $250 stipend will be offered to each participant to help them dedicate time to training

Is TENT accessible? 

ASL interpretation is available upon request for TENT programming (and interviews). Live captioning will be provided for zoom meetings. The program can be delivered with artists who are blind or low vision in mind (workshops that don't rely on visual aids, materials that are screen-reader compatible, and incorporating group practices such as providing visual descriptions and stating our names when speaking). The Fringe is committed to accommodating and embracing different learning styles and cognitive needs; there will be on-going communication throughout the design and delivery of TENT to support all participants in gaining meaningful training.  

Application Details 

Please fill out the provided submission form and questionnaire. Found here!

If you prefer or find it more accessible to submit via audio or video there will be space to provide links to these options in the form. 

Please submit the completed submission form by Friday May 6th*

*Note: The final deadline to apply is Monday, May 9th at 11:59PM. We’re suggesting Friday, May 6th as a deadline to help conceptualize a buffer for those who benefit from assistance with planning. We've been encouraged to provide deadlines this way as a support to our colleagues with cognitive and learning disabilities. 

A shortlist of applicants will be invited to interview with Program Director Tanya Rintoul during the week of May 16th on Zoom. 

Please email Tanya (she/her) at tent@fringetoronto.com with any questions.

The Selection Process 

• Applications will be assessed by the Program Director on an individual basis, and with a view towards assembling a cohort who share some common goals while encompassing a diversity of perspectives and experiences. 
• A shortlist of applicants will be interviewed by the Program Director. Interview questions will be provided in advance. 

All applicants will be notified as to whether or not they’ve received an interview, and for interviewed applicants, whether or not they’ve been selected for 2022 TENT.