100 Opportunities for Emerging Artists in Toronto
Hey emerging artists!
Can you believe it? Somehow, the end of summer is already creeping up. And while we’re holding on to the last bits of sunshine, we’re also getting ready for that beautiful, chaotic time of year when arts organizations start sharing new opportunities for emerging artists.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to keep track of every open call, grant, or residency that pops up on your timeline - you’re not alone. We’ve been there. That’s why the Paprika Team created a resource to make things a little easier.
Our Emerging Artist Opportunities Guide is a curated list of 100 opportunities for theatre artists in the GTA. It includes:
- Whether the opportunity is paid
- Application open/close dates (when available)
- Direct links to apply or learn more
- Plus a list of helpful resources from other arts organizations
Whether you're looking for mentorship, planning to apply for funding, or just want to stay in the loop, this guide was made with you in mind.
👉 Click the photo below to access the full list — or keep scrolling for a quick preview of six upcoming opportunities you might want to jump on.
Programs
Who is this for? Black emerging theatre creators
Is it a paid opportunity? YES
When is the application deadline? August 15, 2025
The Obsidian Theatre Playwrights Unit is a national intensive play development program that will support up to 3 Black playwrights, through group sessions and individual mentorship over 8 months working towards the draft of a new work. The unit culminates with a developmental workshop, where each playwright will collaborate with actors and a director, as well as an excerpt presentation as part of Obsidian’s annual Playwrights Unit Showcase. Facilitated by Lisa Codrington. Alumni include Kanika Ambrose, Makambe K. Simamba, daniel jelani ellis, Fatuma Adar, Leah Simone Bowen, Donna-Michelle St. Bernard, Peter Bailey and More!
Who is this for? emerging queer and/or trans artists.
Is it a paid opportunity? YES
When is the application deadline? Unknown but applications open Fall 2025
The Emerging Creators Unit offers an intensive opportunity to develop your artistic practice and producing skills. As part of this program, artists are invited to apply with a project — or a seed of a project — that will serve as a vehicle to advance their artistic practice. Workshop and masterclasses will be curated around identified areas of growth from participants. Alumni include: isi bhakhomen, Merlin Simard, Janis Mayers, Babe Waters, Sebastian Urmom, Bilal Baig, Teiya Kasahara and MORE
Who is this for? All emerging artists over 18
Is it a paid opportunity? YES
When is the application deadline? Applications open in the fall!
Paprika Festival is a youth-led professional performing arts organization where emerging artists and arts administrators access paid opportunities, mentorships, and hands-on labs to develop their artistic practices and gain professional experience in production and arts management.
Throughout their time at Paprika, selected artists will have the opportunity to lead their own creative processes with the support of their professional mentors and peers. Programs begin January 2026 and culminate in a performing arts festival of new works by emerging artists at the Native Earth Performing Arts Aki Studio in May 2026. Alumni include: Bilal Baig, Theresa Cutknife, Celia Green, Joelle Peters, Abigail Whitney, Julie Phan, Malika Daya, Maher Sinno, Jonnie Lombard, Ameer Idreis and MORE!
While applications aren’t open… YET. We encourage applicants to check out our webpages for each program and stay tuned for when they do open in the fall.
Grants
Who is this for? Individual Theatre Creators, Collectives and Ad hoc groups
How much is awarded? $1000-$3000
When is the application deadline? Various Deadlines (Depending on the reccomenders)
RGTCs are a great starter grant! They're simple to apply to and can fund any creation activity for your theatre projects - but it can't fund performances or workshops, unless you're able to make a strong case that a workshop is necessary for development. You can apply to up to 5 companies, and each company has a different deadline.
Recommenders for the GTA include: Buddies in Bad Times, bcurrent, Cahoots Theatre, Canadian Stage, Factory Theatre, Fu-GEN, Great Canadian Theatre Company, Guild Festival, Modern Times Stage Company, Native Earth Performing Arts, Obsidian Theatre, Outside the March, Soulpepper, Studio 180, Tarragon Theatre, The Musical Stage Company, Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto Fringe, Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, Why Not Theatre, Young Peoples Theatre
Who is this for? Emerging artists 16-29 from equity-deserving communities, face financial barriers, living within the City of Toronto (Toronto, Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough), Have not previously received a signficant grant for their arts practice
How much is awarded? $1000
When is the application deadline? October 1st, 2025
This grant supports the creation of art projects by emerging artists aged 16-29 from equity-deserving populations in Toronto. Projects must be completed in a 4 month period, from approximately January to April
Who is this for? Black artists + Indigenous Artists
How much is awarded? $1000
When is the application deadline? Rolling Deadlines
Black Arts Grant
Supports the creation, development and presentation of arts projects by Black artists working across all artistic disciplines. Also supports artistic development through mentroship.
Indigenous Arts Projects
Supports the creation, development and presentation of arts projects by Indigenous artists working across all artistic disciplines. Also supports Indigenous arts sector development projects.