Education & Mentorship
Nurturing the next generation of theatre-makers.
Theatre by the Bay's Education Series is three connected programs that develop artistic voices, emerging producers, and young performers — building mentorship, leadership, belonging, and a stronger pipeline of future arts leaders in Central Ontario.
New Work Development
Presented by Anna Small
Facilitated by playwright and dramaturg Trudee Romanek
A creative development space where artists test ideas, strengthen scripts, share work, and move new artistic projects forward.
What It Does
- →Supports new work development and artistic exploration
- →Creates space for artists to receive feedback and refine ideas
- →Encourages collaboration, experimentation, and script development
- →Helps promising projects move toward their next stage of growth
Why It Matters
- →Provides dependable support for facilitation and artistic leadership
- →Sustains an ongoing creative space for artistic development
- →Helps original work grow with structure, care, and momentum
- →Strengthens Theatre by the Bay's role in developing artists and new work
“The Theatre Lab helps nurture original voices and strengthens Theatre by the Bay's role in developing new artistic work.”
Anna Small Theatre Lab
Where new stories take shape.
The Anna Small Theatre Lab is a welcoming creative space where playwrights, actors, directors and theatre enthusiasts come together to explore new theatrical work.
Each session features live readings of original scripts, followed by thoughtful conversation and constructive feedback. Writers can hear their work brought to life, performers can help develop new characters, and community members can experience the creative process firsthand.
Writers and participants of all experience levels are welcome. There is no cost to attend.
Upcoming Theatre Labs
Join us at the next session.
All sessions take place from 6:00–8:30 p.m. in the Angus Ross Room at the Barrie Public Library Downtown Branch, located at 60 Worsley Street, Barrie.
Monday, September 14, 2026
6:00–8:30 p.m. · Angus Ross Room
Readers Wanted: The September Lab features a script with 15 roles, so additional volunteer readers are especially welcome.
Monday, October 5, 2026
6:00–8:30 p.m. · Angus Ross Room
Monday, October 19, 2026
Bonus Lab6:00–8:30 p.m. · Angus Ross Room
Monday, November 2, 2026
6:00–8:30 p.m. · Angus Ross Room
Monday, December 7, 2026
6:00–8:30 p.m. · Angus Ross Room
Celebrating 10 Years
The Anna Small Theatre Lab will celebrate its 10th anniversary in January 2027. Details for this special anniversary gathering will be announced soon.
How Would You Like to Participate?
Submit a Script
Share an original script for consideration at a future Theatre Lab. Submissions are welcomed from writers at every stage of their development.
Become a Reader
Volunteer to read a character during one of our informal script readings. Professional acting experience is not required.
Attend a Session
Join us to listen, support local artists and participate in the conversation. Visitors are welcome even if they are not submitting or reading a script.
Connect With the Theatre Lab
Tell us how you'd like to take part.
Interested in submitting a script, volunteering as a reader or attending an upcoming session? Complete the form, and Theatre Lab Facilitator Trudee Romanek will follow up with you directly.
Emerging Arts Leaders
Presented by Angela Baldwin
A hands-on producing experience that builds real-world skills, confidence, leadership, and practical knowledge for emerging arts professionals.
What It Does
- →Provides practical producing experience through real projects
- →Offers mentorship, industry guidance, and professional learning
- →Builds skills in planning, coordination, marketing, and artistic leadership
- →Helps emerging producers grow toward sustainable careers in theatre
Why It Matters
- →Strengthens mentorship and professional guidance
- →Supports practical training rooted in real experience
- →Builds a stronger pipeline of future arts leaders year after year
“The Producer's Mentorship Program helps Theatre by the Bay invest in the next generation of arts leaders by turning learning into hands-on experience.”
Youth Ensemble
Presented by Larissa Mair and Associates
A youth-centred mentorship program that helps young people grow in confidence, creativity, teamwork, performance, and belonging through meaningful theatre experiences.
What It Does
- →Builds confidence, creativity, and self-expression
- →Provides mentorship, ensemble learning, and performance experience
- →Creates a welcoming space for young people to connect and belong
- →Encourages leadership, collaboration, and artistic growth
Why It Matters
- →Expands access to meaningful youth mentorship
- →Supports artistic learning in a welcoming environment
- →Helps young people build confidence through theatre
- →Strengthens the next generation of young artists and arts leaders
“The Mair Young Company Mentorship Program helps Theatre by the Bay invest in young artists by creating a space where learning, confidence, and creativity can thrive.”
Get Involved
Support the future of live theatre in Barrie.
Our education and mentorship programs are made possible by donors, sponsors, and community partners who believe in investing in the next generation of Canadian theatre-makers.