Portraits of Connection

After the critically-acclaimed World Premiere at UK’s Royal Court, Obsidian and Tarragon come together in bringing a brand new production to Canada, marking its North American debut. a profoundly affectionate, passionate devotion to someone (-noun) is a bold and unflinching exploration of the complexities of Black love. 

We invite Black community members to participate in a portraiture project to be publicly featured in the Tarragon Theatre Lobby Gallery. We welcome you to submit digital photos and accompanying stories that speak to “What might be. What once was. What could have been.” in relationships, situationships, or creationships.

Deadline: Friday, October, 31, 12PM

In recognition and thanks for their contribution, selected applicants will receive complimentary tickets to the play. All applicants will be notified of their status by Nov 7

Got a question? Email op@obsidiantheatre.com

Annoucing our new Associate Artistic Director & Dramaturg!

Natasha Mumba is a Zambian-born, Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist whose work is shaped by her unique perspective as a Zambian-Canadian. Her practice is rooted in international collaboration and the exploration of Black identities across global contexts.

Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators!

Submissions are NOW OPEN for our Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators (RGTC)! This is a fantastic opportunity for Obsidian to fund new theatrical works in development by Black artists at any stage in their careers.

Generously supported by the Ontario Arts Council, this program provides successful applicants with funding between $1000 and $3000 dollars to be put towards the creation and development of new Black Canadian work. Please note that this money cannot be used towards the production of a play.

Applications Close: December 11, 2025

Obsidian in June!

This June, we invite you to experience a powerful lineup of events that spotlight the brilliance of Black voices in Canadian theatre. From showcases to a powerful night at the opera and thought-provoking dialogue, this is a month where Black creativity takes centre stage.

Get ready for a June full of bold moments, brilliant artists, and unforgettable theatre!

YOUNG, GIFTED AND BLACK PRESENTS:

Returning, Reshaping, Re…

(A collection of Star songs and soil)

The showcase is rooted in decolonial approaches to design and direction, guided by Black performance aesthetics and multidisciplinary storytelling to explore the expansiveness of Blackness. The work draws from African and Afrofuturist storytelling traditions—where time, space, and meaning unfold in non-linear, cyclical, and intuitive ways. It flows between a range of characters and worlds, forming a narrative structure that is relational, symbolic, and centered in African ways of knowing and becoming.

Obsidian In Concert

In Partnership with Tapestry Opera

June 14
Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre, 877 Yonge St Toronto
2:00 PM Free CommunityConcert 
8:00 PM Evening Concert + Reception (Tickets $30)
Free Admission
RSVP Required

Obsidian Theatre and Tapestry Opera present two dynamic concerts celebrating Black excellence in opera. Featuring baritone Jorell Williams and librettist Kanika Ambrose (Of the Sea), this musical journey honours Black composers, creators, and performers past and present.

Spotlight: Black Queer Voices

In Partnership with Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

June 17
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre – 12 Alexander St, Toronto
7:30pm
Free Admission
RSVP Required

Obsidian Theatre is excited to partner with Buddies in Bad Times Theatre for an exciting event celebrating Black queer voices and artistry in Canadian theatre. The event will feature excerpt performances of solo works followed by a panel discussion. Artist announcements and more details coming soon!

Playwrights Unit Showcase

June 26
The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St W, Toronto
7:30pm
Free Admission
RSVP Required

Our Playwrights Unit, Cameron Grant, Oprah Lemorin, and Phillip Dwight Morgan will be sharing excerpts from their works-in-development after 8-months of intensive development led by Toronto-based actor and writer Lisa Codrington.

Black Ties!

Artistic Leadership Speed Dating

Monday, February 24, 2025 from 5pm to 7pm at Soulpepper Theatre

Black Ties, Black Love ♥️

Do you adore an Artistic Leader? Well now’s your chance to chat them up “professionally” about your industry questions! Register for our Black Ties: Speed Dating happening on February 24, 2025 starting at 5pm at Soulpepper Theatre. 

Join roundtable chats with Artistic Directors, Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu, Tanisha Taitt, Weyni Mengesha, Kimberley Rampersad, Mike Payette and Marcel Stewart.

This is not your “normal” speed dating! So come curious and ready to connect, network and eat good food!

We’re hiring an Associate Artistic Director!

We are looking for an Associate Artistic Director to join our team, the ideal individual will be passionate about our mandate and will be a strong collaborator supporting and implementing the vision of the company. We are looking for someone who aspires to be excellent and authentic, and who shares the company values of respect, inclusiveness and the core belief that at Obsidian, everyone, no matter the job, has a place and voice at the table. 

Our typical season includes two to four productions, various training programs, development workshops,  general auditions and ancillary events. 

The Associate Artistic Director will report to the Artistic Director 

Duties will include but are not limited to: 

• Support all artistic programming including training programs, auditions and ancillary activities. 
• Read, report, and manage new play submissions, and support producing of readings and workshops
• Serve as artistic support, alongside the AD, during tech rehearsals, previews and the run of all productions
• Stay current about industry activity focusing on new work, new people, and new initiatives and see and recommend shows and artists on behalf of the artistic director. 
• Produce wrap-around programming as appropriate (including post-show talkbacks, pre-show events, artist conversations, etc.)
• Assist in the development and execution of annual operating budgets and the setting of financial goals. 
• Work alongside Artistic Director and General Manager as a strategic thinker on short and long-term organizational issues
• Assist in development including grant writing, planning, and implementing fundraising initiatives with staff and the Board. 
• Support in Overseeing the production process and production staff.
• Assist in marketing and publicity, audience engagement initiatives and development.
• Assist  in contracting artists and administrative personnel. 
• Participating in Board discussions and strategic planning. 
• Representing the company at public events and speaking on behalf of the company
• Be an ambassador for Obsidian and our work both locally and nationally, and identify ways we can build community beyond the work we do on stage

This is a part time position (3 days/week or 25-30 hrs/week) with a salary range between $35,000—$45,000 commensurate with experience.

REQUIREMENTS 

The ideal individual will be a highly skilled art practitioner with: 

• minimum of seven years of experience in a professional theatre discipline. 

• impeccable organizational skills. 

• leadership capability. 

• excellent written/oral communication skills. 

• sound fiscal management. 

• ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 

• ability to demonstrate initiative in proposing solutions for various operational and artistic needs for the company. 

• ability to manage competing priorities and complete work in a timely manner.

• knowledgeable of theatre practice in Canada

• strong administrative skills with Microsoft Office, Google Docs, etc 

• excellent problem-solving skills 

• cultural competency with a diverse group of artists, staff and community stakeholders.

• a passion for the arts and specifically theatre. 

Bottomline is that we are looking for someone who inspires us and will be inspired by us. Someone who is interested in helping to push artistic boundaries and is passionate about working with Black artists. We are excited to collaborate with an arts worker that is invested in being part of shaping the next chapter of the incredible legacy of this company. 

This is a salaried, flexible, part-time position working year round and will require some work during evenings, weekends and holidays. Overtime worked can be banked and offered back as time in lieu.

Obsidian Theatre is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and operates within the jurisdiction of the Canadian Theatre Agreement.

We are currently working in a hybrid format with an expectation of the successful applicant being in office to work collectively with the rest of the team at least one day a week. 

How to Apply 

Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest and resume below.

The review of candidates will begin as applications are received and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please note that while we appreciate all the applications, due to capacity, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Celebrate our 25th Anniversary Season with us!

Join us as we kick off Obsidian Theatre’s 25th anniversary season with a special screening of the classic film Love and Basketball! Happening on January 24, 2025, in the Cabaret Hall at Soulpepper Theatre, this free event promises an evening of nostalgia, love, and hoops.

Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the movie starts at 7:00 PM sharp. Seats are limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot. Plus, we’ve got refreshments to keep the vibes flowing.

Don’t miss this slam dunk of a celebration—because what’s better than a little love, a little basketball, and a lot of Obsidian?

Introducing our OTC25 campaign!

For 25 years, Obsidian Theatre has stood as a beacon of excellence, proudly producing, developing, and training Black artists within the Toronto theatre community and across the country. Through our commitment to amplifying Black voices, we have become a cornerstone of Canadian theatre, celebrating the diversity of Black stories on stage.

As we mark this significant milestone, we reflect on our achievements and look toward a future filled with even greater opportunities for growth and impact. Our goal is to raise $250,000 by the end of 2025. This funding will go directly towards:

• Supporting the general operations of Obsidian Theatre
• Building new play development opportunities
• Training and creating more opportunities for emerging Black artists
• Expanding the Obsidian team to better serve our community

Your financial contribution is crucial to sustaining this vital work.It allows us to provide artists with essential resources,  ensure the longevity of our programs, and create opportunities for the next generation of Black creatives to thrive. Together, we can continue to lead the charge in fostering a more inclusive and diverse theatre landscape

Strengthening Toronto’s Theatre Sector together!

We’re excited to proudly announce a Creative Collaboration Initiative between Obsidian, Soulpepper Theatre, The Musical Stage Company, Bad Hats Theatre and The Toronto Fringe Festival! 

This Creative Collaboration Initiative focuses on community-building, shared capacity and creative cross-pollination, while allowing each organization to retain its unique artistic identity and autonomy. In practice, the initiative will include co-productions and presentations at Soulpepper Theatre, co-commissioning of new works, audience development and co-marketing initiatives, and a commitment for each partner company to amplify the work of the others. Each company will continue to present their own productions at any venue they choose and be free to collaborate with any other company.  

Following the incredible success of Three Sisters in February 2024, Obsidian Theatre and Soulpepper Theatre are co-producing the World Premiere of Table For Two by Akosua Amo-Adem in early 2025. 

The Creative Collaboration Initiative is an open invitation to Toronto audiences to discover some of Canada’s most exciting theatrical works by some of our city’s leading companies and build a new model for collaboration that will serve the arts sector for years to come. 

“This partnership represents a significant step towards further amplifying Black voices on Toronto’s stages, allowing us to build new bridges within our community and beyond, sharing stories that resonate and connect us all.” 
Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu

Photo by Dahlia Katz

Back Row (L to R): Laura Paduch (TO Fringe), Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu (Obsidian), Victor Pokinko (Bad Hats), Weyni Mengesha (Soulpepper), Michael Sinclair (Obsidian), Rachel Kennedy (TO Fringe), Paul Beauchamp (Musical Stage Company), Matt Pilipiak (Bad Hats). Front Row (L to R): Fiona Sauder (Bad Hats), Gideon Arthurs (Soulpepper)

Love and Basketball Season Pass!

It’s our 25th Anniversary, and we’re celebrating in style by bringing our own rendition of “Love & Basketball” to the mainstage! 

Take advantage of our Love and Basketball Season Pass, your ticket to an unforgettable theatre experience. With this pass, you’ll enjoy 30% off access to Table for Two and Flex at a special 25th anniversary price—a deal too good to miss!

Gain access to concierge-like service, making it easy and convenient for you to select your preferred show dates (Tuesday to Friday), ensuring maximum flexibility to suit your schedule.

Don’t wait too long—the sale ends January 17, 2025! Secure your Season Pass now and celebrate 25 years of storytelling, passion, and community with us.