As it is for everyone in theatre, the 2020/2021 season is unprecedented in planning, adapting for health restrictions, and ensuring relevancy. The Touchstone team has spent much of the summer working to re-imagine what our season will be for 2020/2021. We want to be able to uphold our commitment to Canadian theatre artists and to continue to provide opportunities for creation and meaningful storytelling. It’s something that we need to do slowly, and assuredly, to be able to make art in a world that is constantly changing.

At this time, we’re not able to announce a full season of theatre, as we usually do, but we are working to bring you new work and support Canadian artists, though we have to take some smaller and more deliberate steps to get there. Here is some of the work we currently have planned.

We are delighted to kick off our season with a three performance reading of David King’s delightful new play Overdale, featuring David and the beloved Nicola Cavendish. Long time Touchstone supporters may remember the dynamic duo in Life Skills.

Later this fall, we will be announcing a series of projects to engage artists working on new plays through digital presentations. Watch for more detailed announcements about those works soon.

In 2021, we will premiere the much anticipated and long-awaited Lights by Adam Grant Warren.We plan to produce this show in June, but the timing will be dependent on operational conditions which ensure a safe patron and artists’ experience and allow for Adam’s beautiful play to get the attention and appreciation that it deserves. We’re also working on presenting another premiere, though the details are still yet to be confirmed giving the current restraints.

Our Board and staff are committed to ensuring that Touchstone operates as a mindful, progressive, and learning focused organization. We believe in being a part of a theatre community that is safe and comfortable for everyone. That means investing in practices which ensure equality, diversity, and anti-racism. Touchstone recognizes that as an established theatre company it is our responsibility to further our amplification of BIPOC and other marginalized voices through our artistic planning and organization operations.

Over the next several months, and through the planning for our 45th season, we will examine the best ways to express and operationalize this goal.

Much of this work is made possible because our New Crew donors who directly support the artists and new play development. Touchstone has always been a home for Canadian theatre artists, and we’re committed to continuing this work—from smaller, spaced-out in-person shows, to online-only presentations. We hope you will connect with this work and that you’ll join us in celebrating Canadian theatre artists in new ways.

Roy Surette
Artistic Director