Jeff Miller and Jonathan Wilson in Studio 180 Theatre’s production of THE NORMAL HEART (2011). Photo by John Karastamatis.Nigel Shawn Williams, Dylan Roberts and Mark McGrinder Studio 180 Theatre’s reading of THE LARAMIE PROJECT: 10 YEARS LATER (Oct 12, 2009). Photo by Nicolett Jakab.Ryan Hollyman and Amy Rutherford tango, with Director Joel Greenberg watching, in rehearsal for Studio 180 Theatre’s production of OUR CLASS (2011). Photo by Robert Harding.Sarite Harris, Jordi Rolfe and Paige Robson-Cramer in Studio 180 Theatre’s production of PARADE (2011). Photo by John Karastamatis.Mark McGrinder in Studio 180 Theatre’s production of THE ARAB-ISRAELI COOKBOOK (2006). Photo by John Karastamatis.

Reaching Out to Our Community

Our strong focus on outreach has distinguished Studio 180 as a bridge-building company, with a history of attracting diverse audiences and volunteers, and actively encouraging dialogue and community involvement.

By donating performances, distributing free tickets and offering group discounts, we have provided fundraising opportunities and promoted awareness for organizations such as Supporting Our Youth, The 519, The Triangle Program for LGBT students, Peace Now, Palestine House, the Israeli peace initiative Givat Haviva, Democrats Abroad, Pathways to Education in Regent Park, Dignitas International, The AMY Project, The Polish-Jewish Heritage Foundation of Canada, Toronto People With AIDS Foundation and the AIDS Committee of Toronto.

To enhance the theatrical experience for artists and audiences alike, we invite subject matter experts to collaborate with us. Whether they are sharing their experience and advice in rehearsal or participating in post-show talkbacks, the involvement of community leaders strengthens our work and promotes engaging dialogue around the themes and issues our plays tackle.

Partnerships with artists beyond the theatre are also important to us, and we are especially proud to have hosted remarkable photography exhibits in conjunction with two past productions: Givat Haviva’s Through Others’ Eyes for The Arab-Israeli Cookbook and Samer Muscati’s The Men Who Killed Me for The Overwhelming.

Most recently, during our Fall 2011 run of The Normal Heart, we launched our newest outreach initiative by hosting a series of post-show panel discussions. We are grateful to the many community members and organizations that volunteered their time and expertise to engage in provocative and inspiring dialogue focusing on local and contemporary issues surrounding HIV/AIDS, discrimination and the nature of community.

If you would like to discuss artistic or community partnering opportunities, or want to get involved as a volunteer or subject-matter expert, please contact Jessica Greenberg, our head of education and outreach.