ORIGINS & EVOLUTION (1991-2014)
1991, the Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts sought to unify independent theater administration, leading to the creation of the Small Theatre Administrative Facility (STAF). Founded on principles of equitable access and community support, STAF offered affordable services to artists and companies across the sector for over two decades, focusing on reducing barriers for independent creators who lacked institutional resources.
2015, STAF evolved into Generator in direct response to systemic challenges in the arts sector. This transformation addressed burnout, funding shortages, and lack of training for artist-producers. The organization moved away from fee-based services toward paid education and community programming
The first cohort of the Artist Producer Training Program in 2015.
The Toronto Star reported on our sector development study in 2017.
An #UrgentExchange event with Toronto Fringe Next Stage Theatre Festival at Theatre Passe Muraille in 2017.
SUPPORTING THE INDEPENDENT SECTOR (2014-Present)
The organization delivered programs addressing practical needs while engaging with theatre sector issues through initiatives like #UrgentExchange (2016-2018) and Financial Literacy programs (2016-ongoing) , which tackled topics ranging from cashflow management, creating safe(r) spaces and hiring practices
2022, the organization embraced a co-leadership model, Bianca Guimarães as the Director of Operations, Patricia Allison as the Director of Communications. This structural shift reflected Generator's commitment to shared power and diverse representation in leadership in response to the Equity & Justice review. The leadership team was further strengthened in January 2024; Nikki Shaffeeullah joined as Director of Programming.
Michael Caldwell’s first day at the office with Annie Clarke
Sedina Fiati, Keshia Palm, and Kristina Lemieux
Spark Night 2024, Nikki Shaffeeullah, Bianca Guimarães, Patricia Allison