OVERVIEW
Submissions are now closed for our 2026 Marquee Ensemble.
WHAT IS MARQUEE?
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.
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.
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.
GUEST ARTISTS & SESSIONS
Session 1: Writing and Direction in Music Theatre – Concepts and the Creation Process
With guest artist Kevin Wong
Sesssion 2: Music Theatre Composition and a pop music analysis of The Beach Boys
With guest artist Leslie Arden
Session 3: Movement and Choreography for Music Theatre, and discovering the dance styles of the Bee Gees and The Beach Boys
With guest artist Sarah O’Brecht
Session 4: Choral Part Singing – The Role of Ensemble Singing in Music Theatre
With guest artist Aaron Jensen
WHAT IS THE COST?
Marquee Ensemble is offered at no cost to participants. This program is funded by the Government of Ontario.
Season Sponsor
Program Supporter
OVERVIEW
Submissions are now closed for our 2026 Marquee Ensemble.
WHAT IS MARQUEE?
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.
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.
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.
GUEST ARTISTS & SESSIONS
Session 1: Writing and Direction in Music Theatre – Concepts and the Creation Process
With guest artist Kevin Wong
Sesssion 2: Music Theatre Composition and a pop music analysis of The Beach Boys
With guest artist Leslie Arden
Session 3: Movement and Choreography for Music Theatre, and discovering the dance styles of the Bee Gees and The Beach Boys
With guest artist Sarah O’Brecht
Session 4: Choral Part Singing – The Role of Ensemble Singing in Music Theatre
With guest artist Aaron Jensen
WHAT IS THE COST?
Marquee Ensemble is offered at no cost to participants. This program is funded by the Government of Ontario.
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.