Centre for Indigenous Theatre

Centre for Indigenous Theatre Post-secondary performing arts training bringing together contemporary theatre and Indigenous culture

Located in Toronto, Ontario, the Centre for Indigenous Theatre (CIT) is the only school of its kind in Canada. We create training and professional development opportunities for emerging and established Indigenous theatre artists comparable to other post-secondary performing arts programs. What makes CIT unique is our intimate, supportive, student-focused training rooted in Indigenous cultures and

traditions. Bringing together contemporary theatre training and traditional cultural practices, we have successfully supported and enriched the voices of our students through self-exploration, song, story and performance. Our Alumni maintain high rates of employment as performers, writers, directors, presenters and trainers. CIT’s training extends beyond the classroom to the actual stage, with performance and outreach activities designed to provide opportunities for practical application of the technical training. The Centre for Indigenous Theatre’s Advantage
-Training that reflects the cultures, traditions and experiences of Indigenous peoples
-Training in a professional environment ensuring students are career-ready once they graduate
-Instructors are Industry professionals
-Small class size for enhanced one-on-one training
-Mentorship opportunities leading to production skills including: lighting/sound/set & costume design as well as stage management

The Full-Time 4 Year Program runs from September to May in Toronto, at the Artscape Youngplace Building at 180 Shaw Street. Classes take place in our new bright and accessible studio spaces located on the 2nd floor. An integral part of the Full-Time Program includes learning from Indigenous Knowledge Keepers through cultural intensives and workshops including Play Development, Play Writing, Story Weaving and Story Creation. Students spend the first month in team building workshops before moving to regular training. Throughout regular training, students are given various performance opportunities culminating in a final year-end “Full Staged Production.”

Tuition for the Full-Time Program is $3,500 (CAD) per year and includes production costs and special events. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Toronto and living expenses while attending the program. The Centre for Indigenous Theatre is prepared to help students secure the necessary funding to attend our programs. We encourage you to check with your band first to see if they are able to assist you. Many bands and First Nations have funded and continue to support their members to attend our programs. In the case you require outside support we can provide you with a list of other funding resources, as well as assist you in the application process for various opportunities. For help or any inquires don’t hesitate to call 416-506-9436 or email [email protected]

Next month at the 2026 Toronto Fringe Festival, The Centre for Indigenous Theatre (CIT) proudly presents:‘White Man’s In...
06/11/2026

Next month at the 2026 Toronto Fringe Festival, The Centre for Indigenous Theatre (CIT) proudly presents:

‘White Man’s Indian’

Written by CIT Alumnist Darla Contois
Starring CIT’s 2026 graduate Jaeli Bruno
Directed by Ed Roy

Darla Contois’ powerful solo drama tells the story of a Cree teenager struggling to fit in at a new school. Through this journey, the play explores the social, historical, and systemic challenges that many Indigenous youth face every day. It is a moving look at experiences often overlooked by others.

Performance Dates & Times:
- July 2nd at 9:00pm
- July 4th at 5:30 pm
- July 5th at 3:00 pm
- July 8th at 8:45 pm
- July 10th at 12:45 pm
- July 11th at 3:00 pm
- July 12th at 7:45 pm

Venue:
Aki Studio
585 Dundas Street East
Toronto, ON

We hope to see you there!🎭

✨Join us Tonight ✨Friday May 29th, at the Tarragon Theatre for our Year End Showcase of 'Annie Mae's Movement' by Yvette...
05/29/2026

✨Join us Tonight ✨Friday May 29th, at the Tarragon Theatre for our Year End Showcase of 'Annie Mae's Movement' by Yvette Nolan, featuring 4th Year Student Jaeli Bruno as Annie Mae Pictou Aquash.

Doors open at 7pm, Show starts at 7:30.
30 Bridgman Avenue

Other showtimes at the Tarragon include
Saturday May 30th at 7:30
and a Matinee performance on Sunday May 31st,
doors at 1:30 and the show will begin at 2:00.

Please save the dates for our Year-end Show from May 28-31 at the Tarragon Theatre Extra-Space. Featuring 4th Year Stude...
05/12/2026

Please save the dates for our Year-end Show from May 28-31 at the Tarragon Theatre Extra-Space. Featuring 4th Year Student Jaeli Bruno as Annie Mae Pictou Aquash 🔥

Hi Everyone! Check this Out! Outside Looking In presents Canada’s largest Indigenous youth live stage performance, retur...
04/24/2026

Hi Everyone! Check this Out!

Outside Looking In presents Canada’s largest Indigenous youth live stage performance, returning for its 19th Annual Showcase! ✨

Join us on May 15 at 7:30 PM at the Bluma Appel Theatre in Toronto 🎭 for an unforgettable evening featuring over 100 Indigenous youth performers from communities across the country 🇨🇦

The showcase brings together powerful dance, storytelling, and cultural celebration on one stage, offering an inspiring experience that highlights the talent, voices, and lived experiences of Indigenous youth from remote communities.

This year’s showcase also features special performances by Rebecca Strong, Canada’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer winner, JMC Nucky, and Gabriel Ayala, alongside our youth performers.

🎟️ Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/1000647303B5677A

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1468694478626699&set=a.650613160434839
04/24/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1468694478626699&set=a.650613160434839

Drew Hayden Taylor’s new play about forged Morrisseaus asks 'what's real and what isn't'

The Undeniable Accusations of Red Cadmium Light, which opens at the Firehall Arts Centre in Vancouver on April 22, follows Nazhi, the curator of an art gallery on the Otter Lake First Nation in central Ontario. Nazhi specializes in painter Norval Morrisseau’s work, and when a type of paint called Red Cadmium Light is found on one of the artist’s pieces dated years before the pigment was invented, she’s plunged headfirst into a thorny rabbit hole that threatens to engulf her career and her relationship with her daughter.

Read more: beacons.ai/cbcarts

✨Join us for Haudenosaunee Culture Week ✨Starting Tomorrow March 30 – till April 2, 2026Experience four days of powerful...
03/29/2026

✨Join us for Haudenosaunee Culture Week ✨
Starting Tomorrow March 30 – till April 2, 2026

Experience four days of powerful storytelling, movement, and cultural connection. From workshops and dance to film, this week brings together artists, knowledge keepers, and community to celebrate Haudenosaunee culture and resilience.

✨ Highlights include:✨
• Residential Schools: The Art of Survival Through Defiance with Doug ‘Kanentiio’ George
• What If…Kahhori Reshaped the World? Screening
• Corn Husk Doll Workshop with Dr. Leah ‘Kahawitha’ Shenandoah
• Smoke Dance masterclass with champion dancers Teka Everstz, Jenn Harjo, Adriel Harjo
• Film screening + artist talk with Jessie Anthony

🧡Open to all — come learn, reflect, and celebrate🧡

🔸Here is the Community Schedule🔸
March 30 - The Centre for Indigenous Theater & Social Art Studio Space - 180 Shaw Street
10:30AM - 12:30PM - Doug George - Kanentiio - CIT
Residential Schools: the Art of Survival Through Defiance Lecture
What If…Kahhori Reshaped the World? Screening
1:00PM - 4:00PM - Dr. Kahawitha Leah Shenandoah - SASS
Corn Husk Dolls Legends and Teachings Workshop
March 31 - The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto - 16 Spadina Road
1:00PM - 4:00PM - Teka Evertz, Jennifer Martin, Adriel Harjo - Auditorium
Entering the Circle: Haudenosaunee Smoke Dance Workshop
April 2 - The Centre for Indigenous Theater - 180 Shaw Street
11:00AM - 1:00PM - Jessie Anthony Film Screening & Artist Talk

We hope to see you there!


Sharing:Honouring the strength, resilience, and voices of Survivors. March 9 – March 27The Native Canadian Centre of Tor...
03/21/2026

Sharing:
Honouring the strength, resilience, and voices of Survivors.
March 9 – March 27

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto is honoured to host “Killing the Indian in the Child: Generations Lost – The Residential School System in Canada,” an exhibition presented by the Legacy of Hope Foundation. This exhibition shares the history and lasting impacts of the Canadian Indian Residential School System through survivor stories, historical records, and educational materials. Visitors are invited to learn, reflect, and honour the experiences of Survivors, their families, and communities.

Native Canadian Centre of Toronto – 16 Spadina Rd.
Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Content Advisory:
This exhibition contains subject matter related to residential schools and may be distressing, particularly for Survivors and their families. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the exhibit at their own pace.

Support is available:
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line
1-866-925-4419 (24 hours)
Medicines are available on site.





CIT’s alumni Jeremy Proulx plays Dale in ’THE SHADOW BEYOND THE PINES’ at Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. “Amid the vast ...
03/19/2026

CIT’s alumni Jeremy Proulx plays Dale in ’THE SHADOW BEYOND THE PINES’ at Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre.

“Amid the vast wilderness of northern Manitoba, three young men wrestle with the loss of their friend by reclaiming the cultural practice of lighting a sacred fire. When they realize they’ve forgotten the flashlight and their phones have died, legends and memories are all they have to guide them through the night. Set in modern times but steeped in a dark and haunting past, this ghost story explores the shadows of Indigenous life and lore.” (From royalmtc.ca)

Word is, the audience literally screamed out loud at the final terrifying moment of the play on Opening Night!

Show runs from now until Saturday, March 28th in Winnipeg at the Tom Hendry Warehouse. Get your tickets now as shows have been selling out!

Congratulations Jeremy!

📸 by Dylan Hewlett

✨Join us this coming Friday March 20th for our annual CIT March Showcase!✨The evening will feature our fantasticly talen...
03/18/2026

✨Join us this coming Friday March 20th for our annual CIT March Showcase!✨

The evening will feature our fantasticly talented students who will showcase a variety of performances including
• Improvisation
• Stage Combat
• Shakespearian Monolouges
• Contemporary Dance and so much more.

Join us at the Deanne Taylor Theatre Located at 10 B***y St. Toronto.

Doors open at 7, show begins at 7:30

Hope to see you there! 🎭

Hi Everyone! Check out this great opportunity from ACTRA Toronto! ACTRA Toronto is inviting all Indigenous-identifying m...
02/27/2026

Hi Everyone! Check out this great opportunity from ACTRA Toronto!

ACTRA Toronto is inviting all Indigenous-identifying members to our first-ever Indigenous Gathering, for an evening dedicated to connection, community and collective voice.

Hosted by ACTRA Toronto Councillor Tamara Podemski (Anishinaabekwe), this gathering will provide a culturally grounded, Indigenous-led space for members to come together, share experiences and learn more about ACTRA Toronto committees’ advocacy work and support services.

The gathering will take place on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Toronto. Location details will be announced soon.

This event is open exclusively to Indigenous-identifying ACTRA Toronto members from across all work categories and membership levels.

To attend, please make sure to register by completing an RSVP form: https://airtable.com/appoQOBS5lpib.../pag2PcF2Oy3iMgnTa/form

Address

180 Shaw Street, Suite 209
Toronto, ON
M6J2W5

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+14165069436

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