Théâtre français de Toronto, 2023 Finalist
Théâtre français de Toronto (TfT) is a company performing repertoire and new work for Francophones and Francophiles since 1967. It promotes and presents theatrical vitality to the various communities and school networks it serves. Through its programs, TfT supports, encourages, and spurs on the artistic emergence and professional development of its community. It actively participates in education and theatrical outreach.
Learn more about Théâtre français de Toronto's work, and how they feel about being a 2023 finalist.
Describe the work of your organization, and why this work is important.
Théâtre français de Toronto (TfT) is a company performing repertoire and new original plays for Francophones and Francophiles in downtown Toronto and the GTA. It promotes and presents theatrical vitality to the various communities and school networks it serves. As a gathering place where everyone can meet, the company puts quality work at the forefront by offering a diversified and inclusive program. TfT also actively participates in education and theatrical outreach. The company presents the majority of its shows as school matinees, hosts drama classes for children ages 6 to 13 on weekends and, for the last 10 years, organizes a playwriting contest within Southern Ontario’s secondary school network called Les Zinspiré.e.s. The company’s longevity (tracing back to 1967) can be explained by its forever desire to seek out new technologies and methods to increase its accessibility and better serve its audiences. In 2005, TfT became the first theatre company to introduce English surtitles which some Anglophone schools appreciate as a teaching tool for their pupils. In 2022, TfT introduced augmented reality smart glasses, this time adding multi-lingual subtitles support; and in the future, ASL translations. The company produces shows at The Berkeley Street Theatre since 1990, and starting in 2023, the company will now be presenting shows in its downtown studio space.
Tell us what it means to be recognized as a Toronto Arts Foundation Award finalist.
Théâtre français de Toronto (TfT) is truly honoured to be a Toronto Arts Foundation Award finalist - especially for the Arts for Youth Award. Indeed, our company has always seen this particular audience as hugely important to us. Not only are they the next generation of theatre-goers (and theatre-doers for some), but they are also Toronto’s next generation of francophone and Francophile shakers and movers. It is paramount for us to offer them entertaining and educational shows but also a creative outlet - demonstrating tangibly that French can be a language of artistic expression even in Canada’s largest Anglophone city. This nomination is also a recognition of the hard work and the dedication put in by hundreds of artists over the last 10 years. Many have poured in both their expertise and souls into this project making sure that the stories and visions imagined by the young participants are faithfully and respectfully translated onto the stage. Finally, and more importantly, this nomination highlights the creativity, critical thinking and leadership initiatives of our youths. On behalf of everyone involved in making Les Zinspiré.e.s. these last 10 years, Thank You.