$200,000 grant supports the development of the next generation of arts talent at London’s Grand Theatre

November 3, 2023 – London ON – In an effort to fill the gap of trained theatre artists, artisans, and production professionals within Canada’s theatre industry, the Grand Theatre is launching the TD Emerging Talent Program with support from TD Bank Group (TD). The $200,000 grant from TD will enable the Grand to hire approximately six paid apprentices over two years, providing them with unparalleled mentorship, hands-on experience, and in-depth knowledge to become tomorrow’s arts leaders.

“Between an increase in retirements and fewer programs to train arts professionals, our country is currently facing an unprecedented shortage of skilled and experienced arts workers,” states Evan Klassen, Grand Theatre Executive Director. “Thanks to this significant investment from TD, the Grand is now in the rare position to hire and train six promising arts apprentices – all who will be equipped with the knowledge and tactical skills to not only succeed, but to also help shape the future of our industry.”

The TD Emerging Talent Program will run over the course of two years at the Grand Theatre, beginning in September 2023. The first cohort will include placements in both production and administration, who will be given the paid opportunity to immerse themselves in their respective craft within a large regional and producing theatre. With a strong focus on skills and career development, apprentices will gain valuable hands-on experience, working alongside the Grand’s skilled artists, artisans, and administration, and will have a role in longer-arc planning, as well as team management, and leadership.

"Artists and arts professionals play an important role in helping shape the vibrancy of local communities," said Jennifer Ho, Market Manager, TD Wealth. "Through the TD Ready Commitment, our corporate citizenship platform, we're proud to support initiatives like the TD Emerging Talent Program at the Grand that foster connections across the arts and culture sector and create opportunities for emerging artists to flourish."

Interested applicants are encouraged to watch grandtheatre.com for apprentice opportunities under this premiering program, as they will be posted periodically throughout the two-year gift cycle (June 2023 through June 2025). To learn more about the TD Emerging Talent Program, please visit: grandtheatre.com/td-emerging-talent-program

The Grand Theatre wishes to acknowledge and honour the original stewards of the land on which our Theatre stands. Gratitude and recognition are extended to the Attawandaron (also known as Neutral), Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapewak peoples for preserving this land where we gather and create art.

About the Grand Theatre – World Curious. London Proud.

In the heart of downtown London, Ontario lies one of Canada’s oldest regional theatres and a leading cultural hub of today: the Grand Theatre. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Rachel Peake, and Executive Director Evan Klassen, the Grand proudly presents diverse, relevant, and original stories from around the globe – and around the corner – on its two stages. The not-for-profit theatre is committed to developing, producing, and premiering original stories through its COMPASS New Play Development program. Further, the Grand Theatre is an ardent supporter of educational programming, as demonstrated through initiatives like the High School Project and Subsidized Student Matinees. For more information, visit: grandtheatre.com.

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For more information please contact:
Caitlin Core, Communications Manager
ccore [at] grandtheatre.com (ccore[at]grandtheatre[dot]com)
519-672-9030 ext. 266