Deadline: 04-Aug-2026
The Theatre Projects program provides funding for the creation, production, and presentation of theatre works in Toronto by professional non-profit organizations and collectives. Grants range from $10,000 to $20,000, with an additional Accessibility Grant of up to $5,000 for eligible projects.
About the Program
The Theatre Projects program is funded annually by the City of Toronto and supports the development and presentation of theatre works by Canadian artists.
It funds projects across multiple stages of theatre-making, including:
- Creation
- Development
- Production
- Public presentation
The program also allows works designed for digital platforms across all categories.
Funding Categories
The program supports four main categories:
1. Full Production
Supports:
- Rehearsal
- Production
- Public presentation of fully developed work
2. Production in a Festival
Supports:
- Staging a work within an established Toronto festival
- Applicants must have confirmed festival participation
3. Workshop
Supports:
- Development processes involving artists and playwrights
- Readings
- Presentations
- Other early-stage development activities
4. Special Initiatives
Supports projects that:
- Advance theatre practice, or
- Increase public appreciation of theatre
Examples include:
- Festivals
- Conferences
- Forums
- Symposiums
Grant Amount
- Funding range: $10,000 to $20,000
(depending on the project category)
Important:
The program does not cover the full cost of a project.
Applicants must show:
- Additional revenue sources
- This can include in-kind contributions
Eligible Expenses
Project budgets may include:
- Artist fees (mandatory)
- Production costs
- Technical costs
- Marketing and outreach
- Administrative expenses
- Childcare costs
Accessibility Grant
Projects involving Deaf artists or artists with disabilities may apply for an additional:
- Up to $5,000
This can cover:
- Interpretation
- Captioning
- Support workers
- Accessibility equipment
- Other access-related costs
Important 2026 update:
Starting in 2026, the Accessibility Grant can be requested:
- At any stage of the project
- Through a separate application
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Professional non-profit organizations
- Collectives operating on a not-for-profit basis
Applicants must be:
- Based in Toronto
Collective Rules
Collectives must:
- Include at least 2 artists
- Meet residency requirements depending on the group size
Professional Standards Requirement
All artists involved must meet professional standards, such as:
- Relevant training or experience
- Recognition from peers
- Active artistic practice
- A history of public presentation
Project Location and Timeline
Projects must:
- Take place within the City of Toronto
- Be completed within 2 years from the notification date
Why This Program Matters
This is an important funding stream for Toronto’s theatre sector because it supports:
- New and fully developed theatre works
- Festival-based presentation
- Development workshops
- Sector-building initiatives
- Digital theatre formats
- Accessibility and inclusion in performance-making
It is especially useful for non-profit theatre groups seeking support at different stages of the creative process.
Quick Facts
- Program: Theatre Projects
- Funder: City of Toronto
- Location: Toronto, Canada
- Grant Range: $10,000–$20,000
- Accessibility Grant: Up to $5,000
- Eligible Applicants: Professional non-profit organizations and collectives
- Project Types: Full production, festival production, workshop, special initiatives
- Project Area: Must take place in Toronto
- Completion Deadline: Within 2 years of notification
FAQ
1. What does the Theatre Projects program support?
It supports the creation, production, and presentation of theatre works in Toronto, including digital projects.
2. What are the four funding categories?
The categories are:
- Full Production
- Production in a Festival
- Workshop
- Special Initiatives
3. How much funding is available?
Applicants can receive between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on the category.
4. Does the program cover full project costs?
No. Applicants must show other revenue sources, including possible in-kind support.
5. Is there accessibility funding?
Yes. Projects involving Deaf artists or artists with disabilities may request up to $5,000 for accessibility-related costs.
6. Who can apply?
Only professional non-profit organizations and not-for-profit collectives based in Toronto are eligible.
Conclusion
The Theatre Projects program is a valuable opportunity for Toronto-based non-profit theatre organizations and collectives to support work at multiple stages of development and presentation.
With grants of $10,000 to $20,000, plus separate accessibility support, the program is especially well suited for groups creating Canadian theatre works, developing new performances, or presenting work in festivals, workshops, and special sector-building initiatives.
For more information, visit Toronto Arts Council.