About
Paprika Productions is for artists who are looking for a platform to showcase a project for the first time. We invite productions of all kinds; past participants have shared digital theatre premieres, staged dance pieces, musicals, plays, installation art, and clown shows. One artist or collective will receive professional mentorship, technical guidance, rehearsal space, a small production budget, and coaching throughout the production process leading up to the festival. We welcome projects at any stage of development, and encourage artists, collectives, and creators who are interested in independently producing their own work to apply.
This year, we specifically encourage small cast productions which can be encountered digitally, one-on-one, by small audiences, or through multiple mediums. Your work will be shared in the annual Paprika Festival.
This program is designed for artists under 30. We encourage self-identified emerging artists and young artists to apply.
Commitment
- Independently create and rehearse a production and perform in the Paprika Festival. We provide the performance venue and mentorship as well as limited access to rehearsal space. Participants are offered a small production budget, but we encourage participants to pursue further funding for their project, and can offer mentorship around what funding opportunities may be available.
- Must be available during Festival Tech Week (May 9 – 15, 2022) and for Festival Performances (May 16 – 22, 2022)
- Attend five virtual program-wide Training Days and a company-wide virtual Meet & Greet (November 21, December 5, January 16, February 27, March 27, April 24)
Support You Receive
- We pair you with a professional mentor who can advise you on: script development, rehearsal process, producing and staging your piece, and anything else you want to explore
- Coaching you on how to promote your show through: social media, writing about your show for the Paprika Festival program, and pitching your show
- Offering technical guidance and training to your stage manager and designers before moving into the theatre venue
- Providing limited access to rehearsal space, a small production budget, guidance on how to manage your production’s finances, and assistance sourcing production materials
- Checking in with you regularly throughout your process
Recent Mentors
Bea Pizano, Cole Alvis, Dian Marie Bridge, Audrey Dwyer, Julie Tepperman, Britta Johnson, Byron Abalos, Cole Alvis, Amy Nostbakken, Alan Dilworth, Astrid Van Wieren, Rob Kempson, Michael Wheeler, Simon Bloom, Amy Lee, Sarah Kitz, Paula Wing, Sophia Fabiilli, Pip Bradford, and many other respected arts professionals!
Training Days
In addition to being part of this program, all participants gather for five virtual Training Day Labs led by professional artists, with workshop topics ranging from physical theatre, to pitching your show, to re-Indigenizing artistic practices, and building a career in the arts. These days are a chance for participants to meet and work with one another (and find future collaborators!)
Location
Toronto & Online
COVID-19 Considerations
In consideration of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this program will be offered online with the intent to transition to in-person program delivery in Spring 2022 where possible and when sensible, and in accordance with public health directives. Paprika Training Days and the company-wide meet & greet will take place digitally. The health and safety of participants, facilitators, and staff is our greatest priority. This year, Paprika encourages artists exploring work that can be encountered digitally, one-on-one, by small audiences, or through multiple mediums. Paprika will work with participants to create a learning and action plan that meets their objectives, capacity, and access needs.