Storytelling is key — that’s the concept behind Soulpepper Theatre’s bold new initiative to help strengthen community as they reexamine what it means to be a theatre company in today’s Toronto.
Stories for a Stronger City is a three-year strategic plan that will see the company open its doors to a broader variety of participants at all levels, including artists, partner companies, and audience members.
Accessibility is an important part of their ambitious plan to harness the power of theatre to engage with its audiences, and help build a sense of belonging.
That will mean:
- Expanded offerings for audiences created via partnerships within Toronto’s vibrant theatre community;
- New and expanded free community programming will build a hub of artistic activity that connections people.
Living in a big city, it can be easy to feel swallowed up by systems and lose human connections. Arts organizations are struggling with changing dynamics, but audience members are struggling too. Soulpepper references the Toronto Foundation’s 2023 Vital Signs Report, which concluded that there were rising rates of social isolation, coupled with declining mental health overall and economic stresses, plaguing the city.
Soulpepper sees its role as providing a range of free community events to draw people together.
“We know that our most powerful tool for social cohesion are the stories we share, both on and off our stages,” says Weyni Mengesha, Artistic Director of Soulpepper Theatre in a statement. “Our vision for Soulpepper has always been to create a space of belonging, where everyone that walks through our doors has access to a shared social experience where thinking and feeling collectively brings a deeper connection to the people around us, and a new understanding of the world we live in. Soulpepper today is a place of congregation and discovery. With this new strategic vision, we are committed to realizing our full potential as an arts institution in today’s city and finding new ways of bringing the connective experience of theatre to even more Torontonians.”
“Our goal is simple: we want to take the loneliness epidemic head on by using our space, talent, and creativity to create an abundance of opportunities for Torontonians to gather at Soulpepper,” added Gideon Arthurs, Executive Director of Soulpepper Theatre.
“This new vision is a blueprint for becoming a theatre that is open to all. A theatre that is essential to the cultural health and social fabric of our city, that creates space for human connection, and that helps build a stronger, more resilient Toronto.”
The Details
Stories for a Stonger City will unfold in two phases.
The first phase is already in process. It involves doubling the work presented on stage, and over the next few weeks, Soulpepper will be announcing new partnerships with innovative theatre companies that will make that happen.
The collaborative agreements will mean that many companies who don’t have their own specific home base will be able to use Soulpepper’s venue for that purpose. Audiences will see a constant stream of new works on stage.
The second phase will launch late this year, during which Soulpepper will ramp up its free community and educational programming. Open to the general public, these events are designed to bring people together and foster a sense of connection via theatre.
Soulpepper hopes to become a big part of the push to make the city sustainable.
“The Board of Directors is delighted to support this bold new chapter for Soulpepper. The introduction of this strategic vision is more than just a natural evolution for the company — it marks a significant step forward in serving the citizens of Toronto,” noted Robin Cardozo, Chair of the Board of Directors.
“Building on our fine reputation and notable achievements, this plan will guide Soulpepper in becoming an even greater force for social connection and artistic innovation. We can’t wait to see its impact in the years to come.”
Final Thoughts
Theatre does have an uncommon power to connect people via storytelling, and finding ways to make the arts relevant in today’s world is always a worthwhile process.
We wish Soulpepper the best of luck with their plan, and look forward to what comes down the pipe.
Are you looking to promote an event? Have a news tip? Need to know the best events happening this weekend? Send us a note.
#LUDWIGVAN
Get the daily arts news straight to your inbox.
Sign up for the Ludwig Van Toronto e-Blast! — local classical music and opera news straight to your inbox HERE.
- PREVIEW | Anna Lapwood & The Chapel Choir of Pembroke College Tour In Toronto & Other Canadian Dates - July 16, 2025
- PREVIEW | Crossroads Theatre Announces Summer in the Park: August 22 To 24 In Weston - July 15, 2025
- PREVIEW | Pianist Janina Fialkowska In Recital At The Elora Festival - July 15, 2025
