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
Anna Small Theatre Lab
Presented by Anna Small
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.”
Emerging Arts Leaders
Producer's Mentorship Program
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
Mair Young Company Mentorship Program
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.