Persephone Theatre is dedicated to the artistic community of Saskatchewan, and to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of arts leaders.
We have been pleased to provide opportunities for emerging artists, and artists broadening their discipline, in the areas of set design, costume design, projections design, performance, musical direction, composition, directing, playwriting and stage management.
Persephone Theatre’s Artist Mentorship Program provides a supportive learning environment for Saskatchewan theatre practitioners to grow and expand their skills in a professional theatre environment. The program is open to emerging and early career practitioners building a career in the industry, as well as established artists looking to explore a new discipline.
Participants in the program will be invited to join the team for one Main Stage production, and they will receive:
- direct mentorship from one or more theatre professionals in the discipline of their choosing, with support from Artistic Director Heather Cant;
- involvement in all aspects of the creative process of their chosen discipline;
- experience working with Persephone’s collective agreements with IATSE and CAEA;
- networking opportunities with other industry professionals
There are seven (7) mentee positions available for the 2024-2025 Season. We most commonly provide mentorship to emerging and early career directors and designers. However, individuals may apply to be mentored in any artistic discipline, or within the production department. Each mentorship opportunity will be crafted to meet the needs and goals of the participant.
This program is not set up to support playwright mentorship. Artists looking to gain experience in stage management should refer to the Stage Management Apprenticeship Program [insert hyperlink to SM Apprentice program].
Those accepted into the Artist Mentorship Program will receive a fee of $2,000.
At the present time, we do not have the financial means to support travel or accommodation for participants who do not have the ability to be based in Saskatoon during the creative process.
We prioritize a workplace that centres equity, inclusion, and authentic representation. We strongly encourage submissions from artists who self-identify as members of historically excluded communities, which includes (but is not limited to) those who identify as IBPoC, 2SLGBTQIA+, d/Deaf, or who have a disability or chronic illness. If there is a potential barrier that might prevent you from applying, please let us know so we can work with you to dissolve it. If you have questions, please reach out to Artistic Director Heather Cant at [email protected].
Deadline to apply: April 5, 2024
To submit an application, CLICK HERE
Heather Cant Email Heather
Persephone Theatre’s Stage Management Mentorship Program provides on-the-job skill development and training for Saskatchewan artists working towards a career in stage management. This program is an excellent fit for individuals with some previous experience or training in small venues, that are looking to refine their skills to be suitable for large scale theatres and performance, or who are interested in becoming a Canadian Actors Equity Association (CAEA) Stage Manager.
Persephone Theatre invites a stage management apprentice on to the team for each in-house production on the Main Stage. For the 2023-2024 Season, we have four positions available.
Apprentices will receive:
- direct mentorship from the Stage Manager, with support from the Production Manager;
- experience working with Persephone’s collective agreements with IATSE and CAEA;
- Involvement in all aspects of the creative process, including rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and production meetings;
- An apprentice credit registered with CAEA;
- A weekly salary, commensurate with Saskatchewan’s employment policies and the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA).
To be considered for a placement, please send a letter of interest along with a resume to Artistic Director Heather Cant. Applicants should outline their previous experience, skills they are looking to grow, and why they feel this program is a good fit for their current career trajectory. Placements are usually assigned in early spring for the coming season, though we accept letters of interest at any time.
We prioritize a workplace that centres equity, inclusion, and authentic representation. We strongly encourage submissions from artists who self-identify as members of historically excluded communities, which includes (but is not limited to) those who identify as IBPoC, 2SLGBTQIA+, d/Deaf, or who have a disability or chronic illness. If there is a potential barrier that might prevent you from applying, please let us know so we can work with you to dissolve it. If you have questions, please reach out to Artistic Director Heather Cant.
Heather Cant Email Heather
After two successful and informative years of the program, the Arts Leadership Training Program, co-led by The Belfry Theatre, Persephone Theatre and the University of Regina, Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre, is recruiting participants for its third iteration.
Persephone Theatre is partnering with performing arts groups and educational institutions in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario for Phase 3 of this program, designed to provide access and training for artists and arts administrators who identify as Indigenous, Black and/or People of Colour (IBPoC). This stream will focus solely on arts administration.
The program will be delivered in two parts:
- ZOOM Seminars once a week for twelve weeks, September 11 – December 1, 2023.
- Three months of paid Internships. Dates to be determined with Intern and Artistic organization.
For the first time, applicants may choose to participate in one of two ways:
1. Seminars Only
OR
2. Both Seminars and Internship
A maximum of 5 participants will be accepted into the internship stream of the program, and up to 20 participants will be accepted into the Seminars, with no age limitations.
The program will be designed collaboratively, assembling the program components based on the stated interests of those participating, with a focus on arts administration.
The Arts Leadership Training Program is a collaboration between the following organizations:
Arts Club Theatre Company (Vancouver, BC); Belfry Theatre (Victoria, BC); Electric Company Theatre (Vancouver, BC); Globe Theatre (Regina, SK); Green Thumb Theatre (Vancouver, BC); National Arts Centre (NAC) (Ottawa, ON); Neworld Theatre (Vancouver, BC); Pacific Opera Victoria (Victoria, BC); Persephone Theatre (Saskatoon, SK); Prairie Theatre Exchange (Winnipeg, MB); Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre, University of Regina (Regina, SK); University of Victoria (Victoria, BC); Theatre Calgary (Calgary, AB); Vancouver Opera (Vancouver, BC); and Victoria Symphony (Victoria, BC).
As arts organizations and educational institutions, we acknowledge the colonial and oppressive system that we have inherited and continue to perpetuate. We constantly question ourselves: How can we presume to teach IBPoC participants when we have inherited a colonial legacy, and are trying to put down old tools and pick up new ones?
We opened the doors of our institutions, with humility and ethical intentions, to create a safe and healthy environment in which to share institutional knowledge, together with the wisdom and experience of leading members of the national IBPoC arts community.
By inviting recognized arts leaders from IBPoC communities to share their wisdom and experience, we were able to create a safe and informative program that spoke directly to the participant’s needs.
“As an IBPOC artist, I find this collaboration genuine and meaningful. The senior management of these organizations have come to the table to ask difficult questions about the current state of the art. They are hoping to develop a path towards an arts and culture sector that is deliberately inclusive,” says Taiwo Afolabi, Assistant Professor at the University of Regina, and Co-Coordinator of this project with the Belfry Theatre and Persephone Theatre.
Download Application:
Printable copy: Arts Leadership Training Program Application
PDF Fillable copy: Arts Leadership Training Program Application – fillable
Applicants will be adjudicated and selected by a panel of leading IBPoC Artists.
Applications may be submitted in writing or via video to [email protected]
Application deadline: June 30, 2023
For more information, please email [email protected]
Breanne Harmon Email Breanne 306-384-2126 ext. 223
Previous Artist Mentorship Participants:
- Assistant Director & Apprentice Intimacy Director Rachel Walliser
- Apprentice Designer Conor Farrell
- Assistant Director Ezra Forrest
- Apprentice Designer Katie Blackburn-Dust
- Stage Management Shadow Luke Kelly
- Assistant Director Johanna Arnott
- Design Apprentice Kie Tanaka
- Assistant Director Drew Mantyka
- Design Apprentice Katie Blackburn-Dust
- Director Angela Kemp (RBC Emerging Artist)
- Set and properties designer Jensine Emeline
- Costume designer Nicole Zalesak
- Costume and projections designer Taegan O’Bertos
- Assistant set designer Jensine Emeline (RBC Emerging Artist)
- Assistant director Katey Wattam (supported by the Canada Council)
- Our workshop and showcase of this new musical was a part of our mentorship support for composer Clinton Ackerman.
We have also been supporting Clinton’s collaborators, Nathan Howe and Andrew Taylor, on the development of the book and lyrics.
- Assistant director Bradley Charles (supported by Theatre North West)
- Apprentice assistant stage manager Jalisa Gonie
- Actors Jalisa Gonie and Garrett Gizen
- Actors Connor Brousseau and Amanda Trapp
- Set designer Taegan O’Bertos
- Actor Ben Thomas; apprentice musical director Clinton Ackerman (RBC Emerging Artist)
- Apprentice assistant stage manager Mackenzie Dawson
