CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Marquee Ensemble
Submissions are open for our 2026 Marquee Ensemble!
The Marquee Ensemble is a free multi-arts program where people from all walks of life can explore music, dance, and theatre, to see how they can connect art to their lived experience. This year’s program is geared towards older adults (55+), and will focus on the creative process behind original musical theatre storytelling.
Deadline to apply is Monday, September 21, 5PM
WHAT IS MARQUEE?
Guided by a professional facilitator, 30 participants will take part in five weekly sessions designed to explore the process of developing new musicals. Each week, we will examine the themes of music as storytelling, review and discuss the source material that inspires our UnCovered concert, and reflect on how stories are adapted into music and theatre. Through facilitated conversation, guest speakers, and group music creation activities, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the creative process while enjoying meaningful social connection with their peers. Participants will also attend a technical rehearsal and the opening performance of MSC’s UnCovered concert.
Lunch will be provided on all session days. There is a stipend available to cover TTC fare to and from the session locations.
WHO IS FACILITATING?
The 2026 Marquee Ensemble Facilitator is Donna Garner.
Award winning Actor-Musician Donna Garner has appeared in such productions as:
Bright Star (Mirvish/Garner Theatre Productions); Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet
of 1812 (Musical Stage/Crows, Mirvish); Once (U.S. First National Tour, Mirvish, Neptune); The Sound of Music (U.S. First National Tour, Mirvish); Two Pianos, Four Hands (across Canada and the U.S.); Dr. Silver (Musical Stage/Outside The March); and Come From Away (Capitol Theatre), to name a few.
Selected TV/Film credits include Mr. Monk’s Last Case; Dare Me; Spinning Out; Private Eyes; Handmaid’s Tale; Anne; Designated Survivor.
Offstage, Donna teaches voice in her private studio, at Sheridan, and in her role as a clinician, adjudicator and Royal Conservatory Examiner. She is President of the Canadian Music Festival Adjudicators Association.
Donna is the founder of Garner Theatre Productions (GTP) – Canada’s first theatre company with a mandate to cast and celebrate Actor-Musicians in thought-provoking works.
Most importantly, she shares her life with her talented husband Rick Hughes and their stoic mini-schnauzer Gustav Mahler.
WHO IS IT FOR?
This year’s program is designed for older adults (aged 55+). We will invite up to 30 applicants to join the 2026 Marquee Ensemble.
WHEN IS IT?
Sessions will take place as follows:
Session 1: Sunday, October 4, 2026 (daytime)
Session 2: Sunday, October 18, 2026 (daytime)
Session 3: Sunday, October 25, 2026 (daytime)
Session 4: Sunday, November 1, 2026 (daytime)
Session 5: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (2-10pm)
WHAT IS THE COST?
Marquee Ensemble is offered at no cost to participants. This program is funded by the Government of Ontario.
HOW DO I APPLY?
You can fill out our short application form here. Deadline to apply is Monday, September 21, 5PM.
WHO DO I TALK TO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
Questions about the program can be directed to Donna Garner at outreach@musicalstagecompany.com.