TENT

2021 TENT - applications are now closed

What 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. The theatre climate demands that artists possess the skills and contacts to self-produce if they wish to build a sustainable career, but no training programs existed to address this specific need for emerging artists. 

Since its inception, TENT has served over 140 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 leading “artrepreneurs.”

TENT invests in the future of arts and culture in Toronto by creating, training, and cultivating a community of “artrepreneurs.” We equip emerging artists with the skills and human connections to empower them to create meaningful art on their own terms.

Select past TENT Guest Facilitators have included: 

• Nina Lee Aquino (Artistic Director – Factory Theatre)
• Tanisha Taitt (Artistic Director – Cahoots Theatre and previous TENT Program Director)
• Luke Reece (Associate Artistic Director – Soulpepper Theatre)
• Yolanda Bonnell (Governor General’s Award-nominated Playwright, Multidisciplinary Creator, Educator)
• Brendan Healy (Artistic Director – Canadian Stage)
• Marjorie Chan (Artistic Director – Theatre Passe Muraille)
• Donna-Michelle St. Bernard (Governor General’s Award-nominated Playwright, Artistic Director – New Harlem Productions) 
• Weyni Mengesha (Artistic Director – Soulpepper Theatre)

How is the training structured?

The 2021 TENT will take place on Zoom over the month of July (meeting for approximately 12 hours per week). We are seeking 20 participants for the program. This year’s TENT will include:

Workshops – Hands-on opportunities to learn in areas including: pitching, grant-writing, budgeting, creative practice, and contract negotiation. 

Guest Speakers – Honest conversations with leaders and artists. These provide a chance for participants to connect with the professional artistic community. 

Free Shows – Access to all 2021 Digital Toronto Fringe Festival programming at no cost. 

A $250 stipend will be provided to each participant to help them dedicate time to training. 

Who can apply?

Greater Toronto Area-based theatre artists age 21-35 years old who are early-career self-producers (with some producing experience). 

Must have availability during weekday daytimes in the month of July. 

Is TENT accessible?

ASL interpretation is available upon request for TENT programming (and interviews). Live captioning will be provided. 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 ongoing communication throughout the design and delivery of TENT to support all participants in gaining meaningful training. 

How to apply?

Applications are now closed for 2021.

A shortlist of applicants will be invited to interview with Program Director Ali Joy Richardson during the week of May 31 on Zoom. 

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

Additional Info: How does the selection process work? 

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.

Strong applications will demonstrate some self-producing experience, paired with specific learning goals and curiosities. 

A shortlist of 30-35 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 2021 TENT.