Updates
News about our organization and information related to our programs.
Spread Queer Joy: A Conversation with Generator's 2020/21 Artist Producer Training Cohort
The unstoppable 2020/2021 Artist Producer Training cohort—Makram Ayache, Avery Jean Brennan, Rochelle, Olivia Shortt, and brawk ward—finished up their self-guided programs this past summer. In June, they came together on Zoom to talk about their producing values, what they've learned about their artistic practices, and the importance of rest and joy.
The unstoppable 2020/2021 Artist Producer Training cohort—Makram Ayache, Avery Jean Brennan, Rochelle, Olivia Shortt, and brawk ward—finished up their self-guided programs this past summer.
In June, they came together on Zoom to talk about their producing values, what they've learned about their artistic practices, and the importance of rest and joy.
In a time that has so radically the shifted the ground for artists, that has left so many questioning whether they are artists, what makes them so, and what kind of artists they want to be in this world we’re rebuilding, we are so delighted to share this conversation with you. It is deeply reflective, genuinely inspiring, and absolutely hilarious.
As you listen, we invite you to take the opportunity to reflect on your own artistic practice—how are you taking care of yourself within it? How are you setting boundaries that serve you and that affirm your self-worth? How are you making time for rest, and for joy?
There is so much wisdom in here from these five wonderful folks—you can learn more about each of them here. We hope you enjoy Spread Queer Joy: A Conversation with Generator's 2020/21 Artist Producer Training Cohort!
Our 20/21 Artist Producer Training program followed a self-guided model, and was supported by Generator’s outgoing Lead Producer Kristina Lemieux and Training Consultant Sedina Fiati. You can learn more about the program here.
Your Artist Producer Training Program Questions, Answered
With the 2020/21 Artist Producer Training Program deadline coming up on May 15, we thought we’d share some answers to questions we’ve been hearing. Thanks to all those who have reached out to learn more!
With the 2020/21 Artist Producer Training Program deadline coming up on May 15, we thought we’d share some answers to questions we’ve been hearing. Thanks to all those who have reached out to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have the right experience for this program?
We are looking for applicants who have some producing experience. You may not have called yourself a producer, but if you were managing the budget, assembling the team, and putting out fires along the way, you were probably producing. If you've never looked at a budget before, this is not the program for you. That said, if you have experience outside of the live performance world (at a non-profit organization for example), that can definitely be transferable.
What do you mean when you say "artist producer"?
We absolutely welcome folks who do not identify as artists, or who do not have artistic practices of their own. We use the term "artist producer" to reflect our approach to producing as a fundamentally creative practice. At Generator we work to tear apart the binary that separates the artist from the administrator. Artist producers build creative thinking into everything they do. (Except when they're talking to the CRA—don't be creative with them. And don't be thinking about your spreadsheets while you're literally up on stage. You get the idea.)
The first Artist Producer Training cohort graduated in 2016. Over the course of five years, the program has transformed the careers of twenty-seven Artist Producers. View our alumni gallery here.
What do you mean by a social justice/equity framework?
These are values we hold as an organization, and this program is not Social Justice 101. We expect participants to come in with an understanding of anti-oppression work, and experience putting those values into practice. We recognize that not every organization or person you've worked with is likely to have shared your values or necessarily worked from an equity framework, and that's okay—a lot of what we talk about in this program is how to navigate those situations, and how to make values-driven producing decisions.
What about covid-19?
Until it is safe to do so, we will not be gathering together in person. Right now, the 2019/20 Artist Producer Training cohort is completing stage three of the program on Zoom. It's not ideal, and we certainly miss the human-to-human interaction that this program thrives on, but we are committed to making APT happen next year, even if it has to happen predominately online.
Does that mean I can apply if I'm not based in Toronto?
At this time, we are only accepting applications from folks who will be available for in-person meetings in Toronto between October 2020-May 2021. We see producing as a localized practice with foundational skills—we don't think someone outside of the GTA would be well-served by the current structure of the curriculum. We also really value in-person connection as a component of the program! That said, this Zoom-tastic time is teaching us a lot about the possibility of online program delivery, so if you're interested in applying but are currently outside of Toronto, email Kristina (kristina@generatorto.com) so that she can stay in touch if things change in the future.
But when will we be producing live performance again?
If only we knew! We're in a time of incredible change in our sector, and we're excited about the possibilities ahead. APT is, and has always been, a place to dream about what producing can look like, and to pave the way for different ways of working. We're looking forward to considering the future of live performance with our 2020/21 cohort! And rest assured, even if there's no way to produce for a while, the skills you learn in APT are incredibly transferable—not only to prepare you for future work but to help you navigate so many areas of your life.
Watch
Many of the questions answered above were inspired by our April 27 Facebook Live with Generator staff Sedina Fiati and Kristina Lemieux. Press play or click here to watch the video on Facebook Live:
2:25 Welcome & Land Acknowledgment
5:40 Presentation begins
26:30 We start answering questions (presentation continues)
36:00-1:04:00 Question & Answer Period
Check the comments on the video to view the questions (answered in the order in which they were asked).
Helpful Links
About the Artist Producer Training Program (including curriculums past and present, guest instructors, and alumni)
The 2020/21 Call for Submissions (deadline: May 15 at 5pm ET)
The Artist Producer Training YouTube playlist will guide you through the application process (but please note it was created for 2019/20, so please refer to the Call for Submissions for the most accurate and current information), and introduce you to several Artist Producer Training graduates who discuss their experiences in the program.
A look at how the Artist Producer Training Program impacts participants over time. Graphic design by Kinnon Elliott, based on interviews conducted by Neta J. Rose. You can also read about the trajectories of individual graduates Kevin Matthew Wong (2016) and Ryan G. Hinds (2018).
"APT gave me a roadmap."
“APT helped me see the systems that allow us to create the work. Having that knowledge is a kind of power. I wish more people were able to access that.”
Testimonial from Kevin Matthew Wong
Graduate of the Artist Producer Training Program, 2015/16
Full text from image above: APT gave me a clear roadmap into the theatre community.
I didn’t think that a life or career in the arts was viable. But APT connected me to so many people. I’m not sure I would have even known about recommender grants without APT. And that, when I was just starting out, was so vital to everything.
Now I’m in a near full-time job. I guarantee I would not have been at WhyNot Theatre Company without APT. There’s not a chance.
My early grants were not good. But now they’re 50% successful or higher. A lot of that is understanding how the different funders see an individual artist’s practice.
It makes me feel great when we get a grant for a project, and it means I get to pay people! That feels really good. Because it makes our community, I hope, a little more sustainable.
APT helped me see the systems that allow us to create the work. Having that knowledge is a kind of power. I wish more people were able to access that.
The Artist Producer Training Call for Submissions goes out every year in the spring. Learn more about the program here.
Graphic created by Kinnon Elliott. Interview by Neta J. Rose.
"APT was a game-changer for me."
“APT put resources directly in my path and expanded my network in ways I didn’t even think were possible. I never identified as a producer before APT. The success of #KanderandEbb leveled up my career, and made people look at me in a new way. It was a direct line here from APT.”
Testimonial from Ryan G. Hinds
Graduate of the Artist Producer Training Program, 2018/19
Full text of image above: Last year I was an artist with some regional theatre credits and a few festival successes under my belt. THIS year:
…I produced my own smash-hit show at Fringe: #KanderandEbb sold out its entire run at the Fringe - that’s never happened to me before. Yes, it was absolutely a good show, but what made it stand out was the way it was produced. I used it as an exercise during APT, so that was a direct result of what I learned in the program.
…I’m the Second Vice President of Equity. Learning about Canadian Actors’ Equity in APT taught me the association’s strengths, and where I thought they could improve. That meant when I ran for the Equity Council, I knew what I was talking about. I won the election, became one of seven regional councillors from Ontario, and was voted Second Vice President.
…and I produced a show at Next Stage! A fellow APT graduate invited me to produce at NSTF - my first time bearing the title of ‘Producer.’ I’ve been asked to sit on an arts council jury. I’ve had conversations with Soulpepper and Luminato. APT put resources directly in my path and expanded my network in ways I didn’t even think were possible.
I never identified as a producer before APT. The success of #KanderandEbb leveled up my career, and made people look at me in a new way. It was a direct line here from APT.
The Artist Producer Training Call for Submissions goes out every year in the spring. Learn more about the program here.
Graphic created by Kinnon Elliott. Interview by Neta J. Rose.
"APT helped me find steady work."
“I had applied to do my MFA so I could teach and make a living. But APT felt like the best way to use the skills that I already had, and refine them. So I ended up doing both that year. I came away feeling like APT was way more valuable.”
Testimonial from Taliesin McEnaney
Graduate of the Artist Producer Training Program, 2015/16
Full text from image above: As the sole income-earner, and mom, I needed to make a living and support my family.
I knew I wasn’t going to be able to work as a performer or freelance director, at least not at this time in my life. I needed to find steady work.
I had applied to do my MFA so I could teach and make a living. But APT felt like the best way to use the skills that I already had, and refine them. So I ended up doing both that year. I came away feeling like APT was way more valuable.
It was a crash-course in meeting everybody. They brought in people from interesting companies. We learned about community engagement, and partnering with other organizations, which was something I wouldn’t have thought of before.
It opened my eyes to the opportunities that can come from community-engaged art, and why we do this.
There’s still so much to learn, but I’m feeling pretty confident. That’s a pretty amazing thing. I am on the right track.
APT brought me into the supportive indie community. I got a full-time job, a steady job. I feel optimistic now.
The Artist Producer Training Call for Submissions goes out every year in the spring. Learn more about the program here.
Graphic created by Kinnon Elliott. Interview by Neta J. Rose.