Animacy Theatre Collective

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Toronto, ON
Animacy Theatre Collective

Toronto-based theatre collective creating research-based and devised plays.

Animacy Theatre Collective (ATC) is focused on the creation of original, experimental and interdisciplinary theatre works. We tell stories that: are driven by women, use humour and physical storytelling to raise social awareness, and create characters who defy pre-existing borders (human, nonhuman, gender, sexuality). Our work uses physical theatre (mask and clown), play writing and multimedia to

create research-based and devised plays. By collaborating with communities, artists, and grassroots activism we work to converge the artistic, social and environmental spheres, and to challenge interlocking structures of oppression in order to work towards social and environmental justice. ATC is interested in theatre that offers immersive spaces and views all things within them (humans, more-than-humans, places, objects, technologies and all their histories) as active participants in the performance. ATC was formed through a shared belief in the necessity – especially in the current political climate – of bringing research into conversation with communities through stories that are funny, physical and imaginative. It is our goal to be part of the movement of fiercely funny female artists, and to hold space as physical theatre creators who use comedy to encourage curiosity about the world we live in. ATC is currently a company in residence at Generator and has had creative residencies at the Celebration Barn Theatre in Portland, Maine and Scarborough Arts.

03/27/2026

In solidarity on World Theatre Day.
With love and appreciation to ❤️

02/12/2026

We are thrilled to announce an exciting new era in our artistic collaboration as the new Co-Artistic Directors of Common Boots Theatre!!

We are still pinching ourselves. The company founded and run for two decades by a female clown duo!? The company whose work we've grown up with!? The company whose hilarious, immersive, strange, and spectacular vision we've been so inspired by in our own work?! Thank you to the entire past and present Artistic Team and Board at Common Boots for bringing us on and putting your faith in us to lead your fabulous company. Leah Cherniak was one of Alex's first clown teachers, Martha Ross directed our first show together, and Jennifer Brewin has been a long-time artistic mentor and an inspiration for her incredible Winter Shows.

Special thanks to our wonderful friend and collaborator Derek Kwan for passing this baton to us!

We founded Animacy together almost a decade ago, and, as a small, project-based company, we will still continue to be active in the work that we create together here as we take on the leadership and mandate of this historic company.

Read the full announcement here: www.commonbootstheatre.ca/news/our-new-artistic-directors/

12/17/2025

Shots from our first night time stumble through of A RACCOON SOLSTICE!

We’re having a great time with the dream team from and !!

Workshop performance dates are at capacity for this year but we’ll be back next year! 🦝❤️🦝

Thank you for the support. Originally developed as part of ‘s New Bad Ideas program! ❤️

11/25/2025

Lots of sculpting, paper macheing and sewing happening in our raccoon workshop in preparation for 🦝 A RACCOON SOLSTICE 🦝 with and

For this piece, we’re making every nose, tail, and ear out of second hand, reusable and sustainable materials. 🍂🌳🍁 We’re learning A LOT as we go.

Can’t believe rehearsal start next week!

11/11/2025

AGGREGATE
🍂🍂🍂

A new Animacy work that explores extractivism and resistance in Ontario through mask, film, and music.

These stills are hot off the press from our initial exploration and collaboration with and supported by the

More soon. ❤️

11/04/2025

A beautiful film made by our talented friend !

OLIVIA

A portrait of an interesting character.

Alexandra Simpson as Olivia
Directed and edited by Rebecca Liddiard

Full video available at https://vimeo.com/1123266413/aabf9495ef?share=copy

Link in bio!

10/25/2025

Tree bark, tea leaves, and the great white oak = new project!!!

We’re exploring sustainable fabrication methods for a sweet new character.

🌳Stay tuned! More deets soon.

10/07/2025

It’s a big one! We’re celebrating 10 years of being silly, making art, staying curious and drinking cocktails!❤️🎉🥰🍷🌈

10/04/2025

We are so excited to be part of exciting 49th season!!! 🦝🦝🦝🦝🦝

A RACCOON SOLSTICE

By Morgan Brie Johnson & Alexandra Simpson
~ IN DEVELOPMENT ~
A Theatre Direct Production created by Animacy Theatre Collective and Presented in Partnership with Common Boots Theatre

December 20 & 21, 2025

Developed with the generous support of the and New Bad Ideas program.

A Raccoon Solstice is a family friendly, outdoor, winter show with original live music and vocal arrangements, mask, clown, and puppetry. The play tells the story of five urban raccoons, who, despite their differences, must come together to save the Winter solstice and bring peace, darkness, and rest back to raccoons and humans alike.

In this season the show will undergo three weeks of development, culminating in a presentation of the workshop production for invited audiences. A Raccoon Solstice will premiere as part of Theatre Direct’s 26/27 season.

THE TEAM

Created by Alexandra Simpson & Morgan Brie Johnson
Directed by Lisa Marie DiLiberto
Musical Direction by John Millard
Featuring Alexandra Simpson, Morgan, Brie Johnson, Derek Kwan & Maddie Bautista
Lighting Design by Trevor Schwellnus
Dramaturgy by Derek Kwan
Music Created in Collaboration with Sabine Ndalamba

09/25/2025

🧃JUICE BREAK🧃 opens tonight at !!!
7:30 pm
180 Shaw St, Small Wordl Music

Ticket link in bio!!!

09/17/2025

Have you got your tickets to 🧃JUICE BREAK🧃 yet!?!

Catch up on your millennial music trends when you catch us at the on Sept 25 @ 7:30 pm!! ❤️🌈🎉🍷
Tickets and info in bio!

Address

Toronto, ON

Telephone

+16479906729

Website

http://www.animacytheatrecollective.com/

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