Empower the Artist in Brantford, ON
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does "professional theatre company" mean?
The difference between amateur and professional is three-fold:
While amateur artists are volunteers that are not paid or are only paid a small honorarium, professional performers seek payment according to rates outlined in professional associations such as the Canadian Actors' Equity Association, the Playwrights' Guild of Canada, and the Associated Designers of Canada.
While amateur artists can be volunteers of any skill set, professional artists have developed skills through training or practice.
A professional artist is someone who is recognized by other artists working in the same artistic tradition, and who consistently practices their art form by presenting their work for the public.
Brantford has a rich history of amateur theatre, where the community has come together to volunteer their time - or to work for a rate under the minimum fees outlined by professional associations - to make theatre happen in our city.
Grandview Theatre will do things a little bit differently. We will be the first theatre company to produce work exclusively using established and emerging professionals, who are paid at a standard rate for their work under contracts with professional Canadian theatre associations.
What is a professional theatre association?
A professional theatre association is basically like a union for artists working in a particular discipline.
The Canadian Actors Equity Assocation (CAEA) is a national association representing just over 6,000 artists working in theatre, opera and dance across the country. CAEA’s membership includes performers, directors, choreographers, fight directors and stage managers. It was founded in 1976. For more information on the CAEA, visit their website.
The Playwrights Guild of Canada is a national association which was formed in 1972 to advance the creative rights and interests of professional Canadian playwrights, promote Canadian plays nationally and internationally, and foster an active, evolving community of writers for the stage. For more information on the PGC, visit their website.
The Associated Designers of Canada is a national, professional non-profit arts service organization dedicated to representing the interests of set, costume, lighting, projection and sound designers working in the live performing arts in Canada. It was founded in 1965. For more information on the ADC, visit their website.
