Toronto Fringe is proud to announce the programming for the 17th Annual Next Stage Theatre Festival taking place October 16-27, 2024, with six compelling shows from Toronto, Edmonton, and Halifax including solo shows, musicals, and dramatic theatre.

Next Stage Theatre Festival is the Toronto Fringe's boutique, curated performance festival that allows for elevation and creative risk-taking by six talented companies who are poised and ready for their next stage. Audiences will enjoy programming in two theatre spaces in Buddies in Bad Times Theatre with shows in both the Chamber and Cabaret. In addition to the six curated productions, Next Stage will also present community programming, parties, and professional development opportunities.

“The Next Stage Theatre Festival has long been a pivotal force in artists’ careers here in Toronto. For 17 years it has been uplifting, amplifying, and celebrating the next big voices in the performing arts sector. I remember being a young producer and receiving the notification that our Collective’s work had been selected for Next Stage. I remember the feeling of validation that swept through our team. I remember the incredible connections, mentorship, and resources that we gained through being showcased and championed by the festival. It is an honour to now be helping to co-lead this festival and ensure that more artists continue to benefit from its incredible opportunities. We can’t wait to welcome you this fall, to meet our 2024 artists!”

– Rachel Kennedy, Executive Director, Co-Lead

Tickets and passes for Next Stage will go on sale on September 18, 2024.

The 2024 Next Stage Theatre Festival Line-Up:

In Alphabetical Order

CIVILIZED

CIVILIZED Productions

Playwright: Keir Cutler

Co-Directors: John D. Huston, Paul Hopkins, Jay Havens

* * *

GEMINI

Defiance Theatre

Playwright: Louise Casemore

* * *

I WAS UNBECOMING THEN

Unbecoming Collective

Playwright: Lyndsey Bourne

Director: Ilana Khanin

* * *

THE NOOSE

Abigail Whitney Productions

Director/Producer: Abigail Whitney

Translator: Dr. Asselin Charles

Playwright: Frankétienne

* * *

PRUDE

Probably Theatre Collective

Creator & Performer: Lou Campbell

Director: Stevey Hunter

* * *

THIS FEELS LIKE THE END

Theatre Aurinko

Playwright: Bonnie Duff

Director: Michelle Blightnext

* * *

Toronto Fringe is a grassroots, charitable organization that runs the Toronto Fringe Festival each July and the annual Next Stage Theatre Festival each October. Toronto Fringe offers various year-round programs that benefit youth, emerging artists, BIPOC artists, artists with disabilities, and the performing arts community at large. Embedded in Fringe’s operations are the values of Access, Accountability, Creativity, Exploration, and Support.

Next Stage Theatre Festival

October 16-27, 2024

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

12 Alexander Street

fringetoronto.com