At Mainstage Theatre Company, we pride ourselves on the quality productions we mount and the tremendous experience we provide Toronto’s youth by working with professional theatre artists and venues. We consistently provide relevant and superior musical theatre training that expands our company members’ appreciation for the arts and broadens their understanding of the stage. But most importantly, we invite these youth to join a family in which they feel comfortable expressing themselves and where artistic collaboration is encouraged.
I admire Mainstage Theatre Company’s ability to mentor youth. Through the experience of being essential members of our team, our youth grow into confident and creative members within their own circles. We understand that these productions aren’t necessarily the end of our cast members’ journey in theatre, and pride ourselves on offering guidance and preparation for those who choose to pursue future studies or work in the arts.
Having trained in Drama at Queen’s University, I bring a similar philosophy to Mainstage Theatre Company, in how theatre is perceived and developed through production. In a youthful and vibrant setting, I ask that every member engage with the roles they undertake so they can better develop their skills in acting, singing and dancing, and also better understand all the elements necessary in mounting a full production.
But what makes Mainstage Theatre Company truly special is the connection each cast and production team feel as they come together to create a remarkable experience that is unique and special with each production. Our alumni have gone on to do wonderful things and, having been part of their pre-professional training, we can’t help but feel great pride in their success.
I admire Mainstage Theatre Company’s ability to mentor youth. Through the experience of being essential members of our team, our youth grow into confident and creative members within their own circles. We understand that these productions aren’t necessarily the end of our cast members’ journey in theatre, and pride ourselves on offering guidance and preparation for those who choose to pursue future studies or work in the arts.
Having trained in Drama at Queen’s University, I bring a similar philosophy to Mainstage Theatre Company, in how theatre is perceived and developed through production. In a youthful and vibrant setting, I ask that every member engage with the roles they undertake so they can better develop their skills in acting, singing and dancing, and also better understand all the elements necessary in mounting a full production.
But what makes Mainstage Theatre Company truly special is the connection each cast and production team feel as they come together to create a remarkable experience that is unique and special with each production. Our alumni have gone on to do wonderful things and, having been part of their pre-professional training, we can’t help but feel great pride in their success.
Alain Richer
Artistic Director
Mission and Values
Mainstage Theatre Company (MTC) provides young artists, aged 11-21, with the opportunity to experience the magic of pre-professional theatre. Under the guidance of some of Canada’s theatre leaders - directors, choreographers and music directors, MTC mounts two full music theatre productions and offers a number of workshops and theatre events each year. These events provide youth with diverse opportunities to audition and perform, develop their artistic abilities, learn the technical aspects of theatre production, and experience the power of delivering an outstanding production to an audience. Since its inauguration in 2008, MTC has become renowned for the quality of its productions, (talented performers, beautifully designed and crafted sets and costumes) and has become a top competitor in the Toronto theatre education industry.
Our intensive actor-training program unlocks our students’ unique and creative talents, and provides the tools that aspiring young actors need to make the most of their potential. Engaging in the process of music theatre productions also helps develop personal skills and resources that have life-long benefits, such as greater self-confidence, self-discipline, effective time-management and self-awareness.
MTC’s engagement of youth in musical theatre enables them to experience the value of ‘community’, and ‘belonging’ and the satisfaction of participating in an artistic project that enhances peoples’ lives. It allows youth to explore issues in contemporary society, and to explore their own goals, aspirations and relationship to the community at large. Music theatre also brings together diverse people with widely different experiences of life and as such, facilitates the exploration of, and sharing in, Toronto’s cultural mosaic.
Lastly, MTC provides students with a creative, nurturing, joyful and inspiring experience.
Our intensive actor-training program unlocks our students’ unique and creative talents, and provides the tools that aspiring young actors need to make the most of their potential. Engaging in the process of music theatre productions also helps develop personal skills and resources that have life-long benefits, such as greater self-confidence, self-discipline, effective time-management and self-awareness.
MTC’s engagement of youth in musical theatre enables them to experience the value of ‘community’, and ‘belonging’ and the satisfaction of participating in an artistic project that enhances peoples’ lives. It allows youth to explore issues in contemporary society, and to explore their own goals, aspirations and relationship to the community at large. Music theatre also brings together diverse people with widely different experiences of life and as such, facilitates the exploration of, and sharing in, Toronto’s cultural mosaic.
Lastly, MTC provides students with a creative, nurturing, joyful and inspiring experience.
Who We Are
Alain Richer | Artistic DirectorAlain is a graduate of both the Queen’s University Drama Department and English Department. He is a television production designer for the Télévision Francophone en Ontario (TFO). Before arriving in Toronto, Alain spent six years studying and practicing theatre in Kingston where he co-founded and produced Collective Productions, for which he was most active in the roles of Director and Designer. For Mainstage Theatre Company, he has directed Sweet Charity, The Addams Family, Anything Goes, Pippin, Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Sweeney Todd, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and designed Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof and Singing in the Rain. Other Toronto Credits include: Lighting Design: Espoir/Espwa, Le malade imaginaire (TFT), Death Clowns in Guantanamo Bay (Drama Centre); One Good Marriage (FLINT theatre); Set Design: Le Placard (TFT), The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? (ATIC), Delicacy (Theatre Brouhaha). He has also worked as Production Manager, Technical Director and Scenic Artist.
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Sherry Dayton | AdministratorSherry Dayton has been working as a Casting Director for the past 20 years and is a partner in Dayton/Walters Casting. After graduating from McMaster University, Sherry attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City before pursuing a career as a Casting Director. Sherry feels very fortunate to have worked with some of the best creative minds in the business including Mel Brooks, Susan Stroman, Des McAnuff, Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, Terrence McNally, John Tiffany and Donna Feore. Selected theatrical credits include: Matilda the Musical, Once, The Book of Mormon, Jersey Boys, Hairspray, The Producers, Ragtime, ShowBoat, Seussical, Fosse, The Phantom of the Opera, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Sunset Boulevard. She has cast dozens of animated television series. Highlights include Paw Patrol, Abby Hatcher Monster Catcher, Esme & Roy, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Hotel Transylvania, Mysticons, The Day My Butt Went Psycho, Franklin and Babar. Sherry is well-known in the acting community as being extremely actor-friendly and tireless in uncovering new and emerging talent. She sits on the Professional Advisory Council for Sheridan College’s Musical Theatre Department and has taught workshops for kids throughout her career. She is excited to be working with the talented team at Mainstage!
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Board of Directors
Paula Klein, President
Marie Robertson, VicePresident
Indrani Butany DeSouza, Vice President
Nicola Rudzik, Treasurer
Keely Gilroy, Secretary
Janet Brock
Mary Lou Fassel
Jada Rifkin
Marie Robertson, VicePresident
Indrani Butany DeSouza, Vice President
Nicola Rudzik, Treasurer
Keely Gilroy, Secretary
Janet Brock
Mary Lou Fassel
Jada Rifkin