Madgen theatre festival 2026

WOODBINE/DANFORTH, toronto: august 20-22, 2026

Now accepting submissions

Looking for 4 directors to direct a staged reading as part of our annual MADGEN Theatre Festival.

Deadline to submit is Friday, June 19th at 11:59pm. To apply, please fill out this Google Form

Please find the details for each play below. All applicants must be available to work in person in Toronto at TOTB between August 1st and 22nd, with auditions to be scheduled in July.

‘Presentation A’

“...the play explores experiences of racial microaggressions, immigration systems, workplace precarity, and the lasting psychological impact of political repression and the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan.”

The ideal director is Chinese with the ability to speak/read Mandarin and/or Cantonese
Experience with new play workshops alongside a dramaturg, as well as solo shows, are assets

‘Presentation B’

“ Using meta-theatrical and absurdist form to explore themes of transgender identity, paternal relationships, queerness, and processing the ‘rot’ within.”

Priority given to applicants who are trans and/or queer identifying
Experience with new work, non-traditional forms, small casts, and new-play development is an asset

‘Presentation C’

“The play examines whether there is any cultural right or wrong when it comes to teaching a particular ethnic studies program as a Caucasian teacher. Is this a problem, or is it more complicated? Who has the right to tell certain stories?”

Priority will be given to BIPOC applicants, especially Asian-Canadian applicants.

‘Presentation D’

“The play explores themes regarding migration, queerness, dub poetry and Afro-Caribbean mythology.”

Priority will be given to applicants who identify as Black and/or have Caribbean heritage.

PROGRAM history

Beginning as the “Emerging Producers Festival” in 2024, the festival’s name transitioned to “MADGEN: Emerging Producers Festival” in 2025, eventually arriving at MADGEN Theatre Festival in 2026. What hasn’t changed is the paid opportunity provided to emerging producers who want to try their hand at producing community-centred, socially-engaged theatre in a mentored and supportive learning environment.

This unique program is made up of two parts:

The Emerging Producers Fellowship (EPF): a cohort of 4 producers is selected each year, assigned a Toronto-based producing mentor, provided training with guest facilitators, and then given a budget to produce a staged reading of a new Canadian play.
The MADGEN Theatre Festival: runs from Thursday to Saturday, August 20-22, 2026, in Toronto’s East Danforth neighbourhood. The festival showcases Theatre of the Beat’s unique community-centred producing methodology, incorporating community dramaturgs, and immersive environments that provide food and music connected to the themes of each production.

2026 Producer Cohort: (L to R) Rais Clarke-Mendes, Emily Paterson, Eric Trudell, and Jenylle Rufin

EMERGING PRODUCERS FELLOWSHIP: Producers participate in an intensive residency program that provides hands-on training and learning in regards to TOTB’s unique approach to producing community-centred, socially engaged theatre. This training period includes in-person learning sessions with TOTB staff as well as guest facilitators, covering a wide-range of practical administrative skills, as well as sharing insights on the intricacies of production. Producers will also receive one-on-one mentorship from an established theatre Producer (2026 mentors are Kevin Matthew Wong from WhyNot Theatre, Sheree Spencer from The Lincoln Center, Laura McCallum from Outside the March, and Daniel Chapman-Smith from Project: Humanity) These individuals will offer support throughout the program, making themselves available to answer questions and meet for regular check-ins.

MADGEN THEATRE FESTIVAL: Producers will then apply their learnings as they work collaboratively to produce their individual productions, as well as coordinate other connected components of the three-day Festival. Each producer must select a new, one-act play from the MADGEN’s 2026 Playwright Call to be produced as a staged reading, hiring creative teams, conducting marketing events, and overseeing their budget (provided by TOTB). They will also plan and implement immersive components of the festival, hiring live music, food vendors, and artisans connected to the themes of their show. All of which will benefit most from people like you joining us at the festival and in the audience. Hope to see you there!