Independent Theatres In The Greater Toronto Area

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, including a variety of independent theatres. There is nothing more energizing than a live performance — from comedy to drama to musicals, this area offers a plenty to choose from. Here is Culture Trip’s recommendation for the best ones.

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Theatre Scarborough

Theatre Scarborough consists of three groups that use the same stage. Scarborough Players and Scarborough Theatre Guild are dedicated to producing creative dramas, comedies and mysteries, while Scarborough Music Theatre produces musicals. The three groups perform 11 combined shows throughout the season that are presented on a unique ‘thrust’ stage. The best part? There isn’t a bad seat in the house with the thrust design allowing the audience to be up close and personal on all three sides of the stage. The price of tickets is reasonable, parking is free and all three groups offer subscriptions for great deals.
Scarborough Players
Scarborough Players has a long history, having originated in 1958, and produces entertaining comedies and dramas on an intimate stage. Past productions include Brighton Beach Memoirs, A Streetcar Named Desire, and The Winslow Boy,with a wealth of home grown, ACT-CO award-winning talent. Scarborough Players has wine and cheese on opening night, when the audience has a chance to meet the actors, and ‘Talk Back’ Thursdays allow the audience to ask the director, cast and crew questions about the production.
Scarborough Theatre Guild
Scarborough Theatre Guild, established in 1959, has produced Nuts, Cactus Flowerand The Mumberley Inheritance. Looking for a unique experience? Head here during the occasional improv, when the fourth wall is broken down to allow the audience to get involved in the action.
Scarborough Music Theatre
Scarborough Music Theatre produces musicals — which usually sell out. These include The Full Monty, Nine to Fiveand The King and I.

East Side Players, formed in 1967, is another theatre group that’s won numerous ACT-CO awards for productions that include comedies, dramas, mysteries, and even some musical revues. The Players also perform out of the Papermill Theatre at Todmorden Mills. Past productions include The Woman in Black, and Elizabeth Rex.

Paper Moon Productions

Paper Moon Productions, established in 2014, is known for its inaugural production of A Steady Rain, whichran in January 2015 at Sidemart’s Theatrical Grocery. In October 2015, Paper Moon produced A Midnight Dreary, an exciting evening of radio-style Edgar Allan Poe readings at the Olde Stone Cottage Pub. Look forward to the continued and exciting developments of this emerging and innovative group, which assembles talented actors in various locations for creative entertainment.

Alumnae Theatre

Ever wonder what it would be like to see a play in a firehall? Now’s your chance. Alumnae Theatre Company produces entertaining and memorable shows. This group is also home to the New Ideas Festival and FireWorks — a series designed to attract playwrights to showcase their work.

Bloor West Village Players

The Bloor West Village Players, a west side treasure, has put on some memorable productions, including comedies, Shakespeare, dramas and mysteries. Founded in 1974, they are well known in the neighborhood and perform on a lovely, intimate stage near Runnymede and Bloor. This theatre’s recent productions include Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Beyond Therapyand The Mouse House. They’ve also produced work by local authors, including The Drawer Boy, Willow Quartet, and a newprose translation of Tartuffe.

Theatre Etobicoke

Theatre Etobicoke has been around since 1956, and it focuses on comedies. Past plays include Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, Lost in Yonkers, Barefoot in the Parkand Bedside Manners, all taking place on a wonderful stage nestled in the beautiful Assembly Hall.

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