OVERVIEW
The Marquee Ensemble is a free multi-arts program where people from all walks of life can explore music, dance, theatre, to see how they can connect art to their lived experience. Over three weekly sessions, artists and arts lovers will participate in performing workshops together and study material from the Canadian premiere of A STRANGE LOOP, part of The Musical Stage Company’s current season. Facilitated by Uche Ama, this program is a great opportunity for folks looking to begin their exploration in storytelling through music theatre.
This program is for:
- In line with the themes explored and the story told in A STRANGE LOOP, this year’s Marquee Ensemble is open to Black, Queer and male identifying folks (adults ages 18 and up) of all abilities and lived experiences.
- Those who are interested in exploring contemporary music theatre practices, using music, theatre, and movement as storytelling devices. No professional experience is required.
- People interested in sharing creative space with folks of different lived experiences and ages, while exploring various performance art forms.
TTC fare and snacks are provided on program days. Participants will receive one free ticket to a performance of A STRANGE LOOP, and participation in the program is completely free. All participants in the program must agree to adhere to current Ontario COVID Health and Safety Guidelines.
From the pool of applicants, a cohort of up to 15 people will be invited to be 2025 Marquee Ensemble members. Programming is curated in alignment with different aspects of the core production (A STRANGE LOOP).
Programming takes place in person at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts (50 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4).
Large-scale musical theatre productions rely on the ensemble – the cast of performers who enrich the world of the show, offer their range of talents, and work together to tell the larger collective story. Join the Marquee Ensemble and learn something new about musical theatre, and yourself!
The Marquee Ensemble is brought to you by The Musical Stage Company, Canada’s leading charitable musical theatre organization.
Season Sponsor
OVERVIEW
The Marquee Ensemble is a free multi-arts program where people from all walks of life can explore music, dance, theatre, to see how they can connect art to their lived experience. Over three weekly sessions, artists and arts lovers will participate in performing workshops together and study material from the Canadian premiere of A STRANGE LOOP, part of The Musical Stage Company’s current season. Facilitated by Uche Ama, this program is a great opportunity for folks looking to begin their exploration in storytelling through music theatre.
This program is for:
- In line with the themes explored and the story told in A STRANGE LOOP, this year’s Marquee Ensemble is open to Black, Queer and male identifying folks (adults ages 18 and up) of all abilities and lived experiences.
- Those who are interested in exploring contemporary music theatre practices, using music, theatre, and movement as storytelling devices. No professional experience is required.
- People interested in sharing creative space with folks of different lived experiences and ages, while exploring various performance art forms.
TTC fare and snacks are provided on program days. Participants will receive one free ticket to a performance of A STRANGE LOOP, and participation in the program is completely free. All participants in the program must agree to adhere to current Ontario COVID Health and Safety Guidelines.
From the pool of applicants, a cohort of up to 15 people will be invited to be 2025 Marquee Ensemble members. Programming is curated in alignment with different aspects of the core production (A STRANGE LOOP).
Programming takes place in person at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts (50 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4).
Large-scale musical theatre productions rely on the ensemble – the cast of performers who enrich the world of the show, offer their range of talents, and work together to tell the larger collective story. Join the Marquee Ensemble and learn something new about musical theatre, and yourself!
The Marquee Ensemble is brought to you by The Musical Stage Company, Canada’s leading charitable musical theatre organization.
ABOUT THE MARQUEE ENSEMBLE
The Marquee Ensemble, formerly known as the MARQUEE Program, is an annual community arts enrichment program offered by the Musical Stage Company. Each year, program workshops and activities are designed in alignment with a production from that year’s season with the aim of fostering new, meaningful connections to contemporary music theatre with local professional artists and audiences.
We encourage applications from people who have previously felt unseen, uninvited to and unwelcome in music theatre spaces. We acknowledge that the practice of conventional North American musical theatre can be hostile to people of many cultural backgrounds, classes, abilities, marginalised identities and languages. We are looking forward to collaborating with participants to co-create a space that celebrates your lived experience, your histories, and your interests in music, dance, and theatre. Your level of experience in the arts is warmly welcomed.
2025 Marquee Ensemble members can expect to participate in three weeks of theatre, dance, and music workshops, group discussions, artistic chats with the cast and creative team of A STRANGE LOOP, and creative, social opportunities to connect with fellow art-lovers and theatre arts professionals.
TTC fare and snacks are provided on program days, and participants will receive 1 free ticket to a performance of A STRANGE LOOP on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 1:30PM.
For more information about the Canadian Premiere of A STRANGE LOOP please click here.
Programming takes place in person at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts (50 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4). The spaces have an accessible bathroom. Program workshops will take place indoors.
IMPORTANT DATES
The 2025 Marquee Ensemble runs for three weeks May 17 – June 1, 2025.
Note: Priority will be given to applicants who are available to attend all sessions. The program activities are subject to change.
Saturday, May 17, 2025
DAY 1: BLACK, QUEER & CENTRE STAGE – A Symposium presented by The Musical Stage Company in partnership with Black Gay Men’s Network & Obsidian Theatre
Join us for a pre-show event before the matinee performance of A STRANGE LOOP, as well as a post-show gathering. Featuring a panel discussion with Black, queer theatre professionals speaking to themes touched on in A STRANGE LOOP. Joining the Marquee Ensemble at this event is Obsidian Theatre’s Young Gifted & Black cohort, as well as community members of the Black Gay Men’s Network. Moderated by Robert Ball, panelists TBA.
NOTE: On Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 1:30 PM each program participant will have access to a complimentary ticket to the matinee performance of A STRANGE LOOP.
Sunday, May 25, 1:30-4:30 PM
DAY 2:THE MAGIC OF VOCAL HARMONIES
A day of sharing, connection and exploration. What are harmonies? Why do we use them and how can they be used to elevate the stakes of a story? We will listen to and discuss the use of this wonderful musical tool. All music lovers are welcome- you don’t have to sing, you just have to enjoy!!
Sunday, June 1, 1:30-4:30 PM
DAY 3: LET’S MOVE – Storytelling Through Movement and Sharing Inspirations
A day focused on movement, dance and exploring storytelling with our bodies (even if you don’t formally dance, we can all move!!). Afterwards we will engage in conversation and have an opportunity to share any creativity that has been inspired by our time together.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The deadline to apply for the Marquee Ensemble is Monday, April 28, 2025.
All applicants will be notified of their results by Friday, May 2, 2025.
For more information on how to apply, please see the Application Guidelines tab.
ACCESS
Creating more access is very important to us at the Marquee Ensemble, and we are always learning how to do this better. We are open to speaking more about access with anyone who’d like to.
In past Marquee Ensemble years, creating more access has looked like offering childcare stipends, additional transportation support, appropriate snacks, etc. There are alternative ways to apply for this program, including by phone.
If you have any questions, would like to set up a phone interview, arrange an alternate way to complete this application, or if you’re wondering if certain services can be made available, please contact Associate Producer, Emma Westray at emmawestray@musicalstagecompany.com or 416-927-7880 ext. 243.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Applications for the 2025 Marquee Ensemble are now open!
To apply, please click here to access the Marquee Ensemble Application Form.
Applications are due at 11:59 PM on Monday, April 28, 2025, and all applicants will be notified of their results by Friday, May 2, 2025.
Participants ages 18 and older are welcome to apply. In line with the themes explored in A STRANGE LOOP, this year’s Marquee Ensemble is open to Black, Queer male identifying folks (adults ages 18 and up) of all abilities and lived experiences. No experience in the arts is necessary, and varying levels of experience are warmly welcomed. Limited spots are available, with priority given to applicants that are available to attend all 3 sessions (May 17, 25 and June 1, 2025).
Weekly programming is curated in alignment with different aspects of this season’s production of A STRANGE LOOP.
There are alternative ways to apply for this program, including by phone. If you have any questions, would like to set up a phone interview, or arrange an alternate way to complete this application, please contact Associate Producer, Emma Westray at emmawestray@musicalstagecompany.com or 416-927-7880 ext. 243.