« Outside the March is thrilled to launch the second incarnation of our Forward March new work commissioning stream, THE TD FORWARD MARCH PROGRAM. With the support of TD Bank Group we’re seeking submissions from playwrights and creators across the country who want to develop original immersive theatrical experiences. 

Artistic Director Mitchell Cushman describes the TD FORWARD MARCH PROGRAM as “the incubator of OtM’s future creative identity.” “As the world grapples with the uncertainty and precarity of the global pandemic, the need for human connection and communal experiences has never been greater,” he says. “During this time of crisis, and with the support of our partners at TD, OtM is committed to developing the next generation of immersive theatre artists and projects – so that when audiences are ready to congregate again, we will be there to entertain, challenge and immerse them.”   

Building on the success of our 2016 Forward March program, we’ll fund the development of a slate of new projects over our ‘20/’21 season and beyond. We’re enthusiastically seeking to support artists who identify within marginalized communities (ethnicity, cultural background, orientation, gender, class, and/or abilities) to immerse our audiences in a richer diversity of immersive experiences. 

We’re seeking submissions from playwrights and creators who are passionately curious about immersive experiences. We strive to create memorable and communal work for all kinds of audiences, including those who may not normally find themselves at the theatre. In the projects we support, we’re working to prioritize and emphasize marginalized voices across the full spectrum of diversity (ethnicity, cultural background, orientation, gender, class, and/or abilities). With that in mind, we are strongly considering submissions from artists who self-identify within marginalized communities and new generation artists (under 30) and are eager to work with you to realize your imagination and project in full colour. 

Though we’re interested in text-based projects, we’re also deeply curious about applicants from interdisciplinary forms: do you have a knack for puppetry? A background in dance? Did you run away to the circus? We’d love to hear from you!

Importantly, we’re seeking projects at an early stage of development. That means you’ve advanced beyond the purely conceptual phase and have some (can be very basic) tangible work to show (some pages written, storyboard sketches, etc.). We’re interested in supporting new projects and artists who, either because of who you are or the nature of the project, haven’t yet found a home for your piece. If the project—not you, your project—has already received a bunch of workshops and grants, or is being programmed on a major stage next season, it’s probably too far along in its development for this call. »

For more information and how to apply, please visit: http://outsidethemarch.ca/the-community/workwithotm/

-from Outside the March