Learn how to create a thoughtful plan to distribute your assets during your lifetime or after death. Having a plan in place helps ensure your wishes are honoured and can significantly reduce the time, cost, and stress for those you care about.

Estate planning is about deciding what happens to your money and belongings after you pass away, and who can make decisions for you if you can’t. It usually involves documents such as a will, powers of attorney, and, sometimes, a trust to make your wishes clear and avoid confusion. Estate planning can also help you get your current finances in order.

Who Should Attend

This session is for anyone interested in learning the basics of estate planning, no matter where you’re starting from.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the what and why of estate planning

• Learning about the various tools of estate planning:

  • powers of attorney

  • wills

  • joint accounts

  • gifting

  • trust

• Defining dying without a will

• Reviewing facts on life insurance

When: March 24, 2026 | 1 - 2 pm 

Cost: Free!   

Location: Zoom

Accessibility: ASL interpretation, closed captions, and translated captions (35 languages) are available. If you require additional accommodations to make this event accessible for you, please get in touch, and we will do our best to meet your needs. 

Calling all arts & entertainment professionals! Feeling the pressure? Learn how to manage stress and stay grounded in high-stakes creative environments. Join this 1-hour webinar with The AFC’s Hayley Schmalz and discover:

• How stress impacts your nervous system

• How to recognize the signs early

• Practical tools to build resilience and protect your well-being

Walk away with strategies to help you stay balanced, focused, and performing at your best.

This webinar is developed in partnership with Actsafe Safety Association and CMHA BC. Register to attend live or catch the recording later on the People Working Well resource.

When: March 26, 2026 | 3 - 4 pm 

Cost: Free!   

Location: Zoom

Accessibility: Recording will be available later on. 

Join me (Lydia), a theatre artist turned accountant for a FREE workshop on March 28. We will have SNACKS and a Q&A period. You’ll leave this 2 hour session ready to tackle your taxes with confidence so you can focus on what you really care about: making your art! 

This is meant as an introductory, inclusive workshop to breach a topic that might scare most creatives: numbers, money, and more specifically, taxes. The workshop will consist of a Powerpoint presentation and a question & answer period. 

I will cover, in plain language tailored to artistic minds: 

• Types of income and the difference between employee and self-employed/contractor

• HST and when to register

• How to account for grants

• Expenses and what you can claim

• Tax deductions and savings

• How to file & filing deadlines

• How to prep for tax season

• What are audits and what to do if you get audited

...and whatever else you'd like to learn about!

When: March 28, 2026 | 10 am - 12 pm 

Cost: Free!   

Location: Arts Court Courtroom (in person only)

Accessibility: There will be light snacks provided, so please note any dietary restrictions. Location is wheelchair accessible. 

Do you have a concert, cabaret, or theatre show coming up — and no idea how to get people in the seats? This practical, low-pressure workshop is for self-producing musicians, theatre makers, and independent performers who want to promote their work without feeling “too markety.”

We’ll explore creative, DIY strategies for sharing your shows through social media, word of mouth, and community connections. Learn how to identify your audience, make your show easy to find and attend, and use simple tools (like Canva, Instagram, and email lists) to spread the word sustainably. This workshop combines sharing, discussion, and a hands-on activity or two, so you’ll leave with concrete ideas and your next promotional step mapped out.

Who Should Attend

This workshop will be beneficial for indie producers, solo creators and collectives, small-scale performing arts organizations, and any artists or creators looking to promote and market their work sustainably and efficiently.

Key Takeaways

• A roadmap for promoting your next show that feels authentic and achievable

• Simple tools to create clear, engaging show communications

• Fresh ideas for social media, posters, and community-building

When: April 7, 2026 | 1 - 2 pm ET

Cost: Free 

Location: Zoom

Accessibility: ASL, captions, translated captions. Recording included. 

Union and non-union members are invited to request an audition. For LEONARD COHEN: TEN YEARS GONE we seek an actor-singer to complete the four-person ensemble that will re-devise our 2017 hit tribute. For ROMEO & JULIET we seek six actors of assorted ages and abilities. 

How to Apply: Auditions may be requested by submitting headshot, resume, and self-tapes via email. Visit our website for specific submission requirements.  

Deadline: March 30, for shows in fall 2026 and spring 2027. Deadline to submit audition requests is 11:59 p.m. 

Pay: Both shows will be profit shares under the CAEA Artists' Collective Policy. 

Questions: Please contact bearandcompanytheatre@gmail.com. 

Accessibility: This is a call-out for audition requests to be submitted virtually. 

Lead weekly sensory classes for babies & toddlers 

How to Apply: Email: ottawa@lullalandsensory.ca 

Deadline: March 31, 2026 

Pay: Hourly.  

Questions: Please contact ottawa@lullalandsensory.ca. 

Accessibility: In person

"Welcome to the Glebe" Large-Scale Mural Artist Open Call

Location: 14 Chamberlain Avenue, Ottawa

Size: 25′ high x 31′ wide

Medium: digital design files transferred to vinyl print application

Eligibility

• Artists must be Capital Region based (Ottawa, Gatineau, and surrounding areas)

• Designs with advertisements or promotion for product or viewpoint will not be chosen.

• Designs may not include any breach of intellectual property, trademarks, brands, or images

of illegal activity.

Deadline to apply: Friday, March 6, 2026 – 12pm

In 2026, the GBIA is partnering with Your Credit Union Glebe to install a large-scale mural on the top 2 storeys of the YCU building at 14 Chamberlain Avenue and positioning this as a hallmark Welcome to the Glebe mural. 

How to Apply: To apply, By email, requirements here: https://intheglebe.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Welcome-to-the-Glebe-Call-for-Artists.pdf 

Deadline: March 6, 2026

Pay: Fee: $10,000 

Questions: For questions please email: julia@intheglebe.ca. 

Accessibility: Virtual application, in-person installation 

Auditions for a show at the Ottawa Fringe Festival 

How to Apply: Email lockpicktheatre@gmail.com with the subject “Aberration Audition”, including your name, a bit about you, what character(s) you would like to read for, and your preference for audition date/times. Our team will then confirm your audition slot and provide you with a selection of scenes from the show. 

Deadline: March 7 and 8, 2026

Pay: Profit Share

Questions: Please contact lockpicktheatre@gmail.com. 

Accessibility: virtual and in person auditions available. Audition venue is wheelchair accessible and has gender neutral washrooms, with street parking. Rehearsal venue has one flight of stairs. For further accessibility questions contact Iris at LockpickTheatre@gmail.com 

What does home mean to you?

Is it a place, a feeling, a memory, a person, or something you carry with you? Home Beyond Borders invites artists to reflect on how home is shaped by movement, memory, culture, faith, relationships, and lived experience. Home is not only where we begin; it can also be something we build, lose, rediscover, and carry across time and space.

We are seeking artists working in all mediums (visual art, photography, painting, sculptures, mixed media, and poetry) who are interested in exploring what home means to them. Whether your roots are distant, layered or imagined we welcome work that speaks honestly to your experience.

This one-day multidisciplinary exhibition is developed as part of the WARP Mentorship Program and curated by Danayit Zeru. Home Beyond Borders will debut at Pique: Summer Edition 2026 in Ottawa.

Selected artists will be contacted before March 20, 2026, by email. We encourage submissions from emerging and established artists alike.

I am excited to imagine and or reimagine what home means to you.... 

How to Apply: To apply, please use the Google Form application here.  

Deadline: March 10, 2026

Pay: Yes 

Accessibility: Virtual application and installation at Arts Court 

We are looking for innovative site-specific installations that highlight the Arts Court layered history—from courthouse to contemporary arts hub—and its connection to Ottawa’s cultural evolution.

Specifically, we are looking to animate overlooked spaces at Arts Court, such as

• elevators

• sculpture garden

• jail cells

• exterior fence

• building walls/facade

This project is supported by Ottawa Tourism as part of the 200th anniversary of the founding of Bytown. 

How to Apply: To apply, please use the Google Form application here.  

Deadline: March 15, 2026

Pay: Fee: $1,800 per project

Questions: For questions please email: hello@debaser.ca. 

Accessibility: Virtual application, in-person installation 

We invite you to embark on a transformative journey  as we seek local artists to join us for another spellbinding instalment of Alchemy Fest. This fusion and contemporary dance showcase aspires to elevate movement to an art form that defies convention and pushes the boundaries of creativity.

Alchemy Fest is an exploration of the magical synergy that arises when diverse dance styles converge. We are on the lookout for performers who are not just dancers but alchemists of movement, capable of seamlessly blending tradition and innovation. We welcome those who can infuse the ancient with the modern, the classical with the avant-garde, and create a dance narrative that transcends the ordinary.

As a participant in Alchemy Fest,  you will be an integral part of a choreographic tapestry where each step, each gesture, and each emotion contributes to the alchemical transformation of the performance. This is an opportunity to showcase your skills in a space that celebrates the fusion of styles and the creation of something entirely new.

If you are a visionary dancer ready to explore the realms of possibility within the universal language of dance, we encourage you to apply. Be prepared to be part of a spectacle where movement becomes a powerful force, and where together, we unlock the secrets of transformation.

Join us on this extraordinary journey, where artistry knows no bounds, and let your dance be the catalyst for the alchemy that defines this unique and captivating performance.

Who can apply? Applications are open to dancers and dance groups aged with a vision to inspire audiences with unique and original choreographies. Alchemy Fest is an equal opportunity space; dancers of all  backgrounds are welcome. 

What types of works are being considered? 

At this time we are curating a show dedicated to original fusion and contemporary works. In order to provide fair representation of all applicants, selected dance pieces must be five minutes in length or less. 

How to Apply: To apply, please use the form on our website here.  

Deadline: Applications close at 11:59 PM (23h59) on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Selected performers will be contacted in early May. 

Pay: We do our best to provide benefits for dancers participating in Alchemy Fest, but we also operate as a not-for-profit event, and so we cannot guarantee honourariums or sales-sharing will be possible. 

Questions: Reach out to us through our contact page here.

Accessibility: Virtual application and installation at Arts Court 

Our first public workshop is around the corner, and it is a heavy but necessary work by Michael Milech, that was derived verbatim from 7 inmate interviews this playwright facilitated that were affected by the Canadian prison system in 2022; asking us the question: how can we truly affect meaningful change in our society? Politics? Art? Or a bit more truly collective action? 

To that end we are seeking two indigenous actors and one south asian or middle eastern actor to join our cast for this paid workshop engagement being held between March 21-23rd with the reading being shared the evening of the 23rd at 6:30pm EST! 

How to Apply: To apply, submit application through form here.

Deadline: February 23 

Pay: $500 + HST if applicable 

Questions: Please contact hello@unexpectedtheatre.ca. 

Accessibility: In person event with wheelchair accessible entrance, parking in the venue and intentional space for all other access requests to be implemented. 

The Director of Development (DoD) plays a vital role in leading OrKidstra’s fundraising efforts and cultivating donor relationships, working closely with the Executive Managing Director, Board, and staff teams. This full-time senior leadership role is ideal for a collaborative, mission-driven professional with experience in major gifts, grants, donor cultivation, fundraising and communications strategies. Building on a strong record of year-over-year fundraising growth, the DoD will expand donor engagement and increase revenue to support OrKidstra’s strategic plan, as the organization looks to organically grow to a fourth afterschool hub.

The successful candidate will inspire stakeholder engagement through transformational (not transactional) relationship building, grow sustainable revenue streams, and help advance OrKidstra’s vision for equitable, high-quality music education for children and youth.

How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume care of chantalle@lefriendconsulting.com telling us why you are a great candidate for this role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled; early applications are encouraged. This position requires enhanced police clearance, reference checks, and aptitude screening.

We thank all applicants for their interest and application; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Deadline: Until position is filled. 

Pay: OrKidstra offers a competitive compensation and benefits program, including health, dental and wellness benefits, a flexible workplace, and the opportunity to join a dedicated team thattruly believes in the power of music to build community and transform children’s lives. This position invites you to bring your passion and values to an organization that transforms lives by empowering kids and fostering community through music and offers a clear path for growth and future advancement. Annual starting salary range: $90-$97.5K, commensurate with experience and qualifications.  

Questions: Please contact RebeccaRussell@orkidstra.ca . 

Accessibility: Please contact

Since 2010, the Brain and Mental Health Art Show has been an annual event that brings together the scientific and mental health communities in Ottawa through art in support of a wonderful local charity. Exhibit and sell your art work in an silent auction!

Details:

Date: Saturday, May 2nd, 2026

Location: Glebe Community Centre

Time: 6:00 PM

Tickets: $15 for students, $20 for general – Available online and at the door!

How to Apply: To apply, please use this Form here.  

Deadline: March 30, 2026 

Pay: Exhibition and selling opportunity 

Questions: For questions please email: submissions@sfn-ottawa.ca. 

Accessibility: Please contact. 

Digital Arts Resource Centre (DARC) seeks a production and technical pro for our Technical Manager position. Reporting to the Director, the Technical Manager will be responsible for managing and leading DARC’s technical department and technical staff, including our equipment rental services, post-production facilities and services on offer. The Technical Manager will be responsible for managing daily technical operations and technical maintenance of DARC facilities, equipment and assets. The Technical Manager will lead the technical department through excellent day-to-day member relations including providing technical support and guidance to DARC membership as they navigate their technical experience (both production and post-production). 

This position welcomes a tech savvy, communicative production professional who wants to enter into an emerging management role. The ideal candidate is passionate about media art, film and artist-run production centres, while also understanding the sectoral challenges that artist-run-centres are facing in 2026. They have a knack for collaboration. As a member-facing role, this position will be on-site/in person only. Training with the former Technical Manager will be provided.

How to Apply: To apply, please submit a PDF of  your cover letter and CV by email to Emily Ramsay, DARC Executive Director, at director@digitalartsresourcecentre.ca. We will begin reviewing applications and conducting interviews as they are received. Deadline: January 31, 2026, midnight. Anticipated start date: February 16, 2026. 

Deadline: January 31st

Pay: Full-time position (37.5 hours per week), $45,000 per annum. 

Questions: Please contact director@digitalartsresourcecentre.ca. 

Accessibility: Please contact

Nuit Blanche Ottawa will make its long-awaited return on Saturday, September 26, 2026, under the theme Where Innovation Meets Art. For this new edition, the ByWard Market will be transformed into a vast, free, immersive nighttime art experience, bringing together local, national, and international artists. 

Produced by Les Forains, Nuit Blanche Ottawa invites the public to experience an entire night dedicated to contemporary art, where innovation, creativity, and civic engagement come together through installations, performances, and artistic projects accessible to all. 

Call for Submissions Now Open

To ensure a strong, cohesive program that reflects artistic diversity, the application process for the 2026 edition will take place in two stages.

Stage 1 – Call for Expressions of Interest

January 28 to February 19, 2026

This first stage allows artists, collectives, cultural institutions, and organizations to submit a preliminary project idea and indicate their participation category (funded or independent projects).

An information session (Town Hall), held both virtually and in person, will take place on February 12, 2026, to present the theme, guidelines and to answer questions from interested participants.

Stage 2 – Call for Proposals (by invitation only)

February 26 to March 19, 2026

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a detailed project proposal. 

How to Apply: To apply, please use this Form here.  

Deadline: February 19, 2026 

Pay: Opportunity for funding/pay. 

Questions: For questions please email:info@nuitblanche-ottawa.ca. 

Accessibility: Please contact. 

National Arts Centre English Theatre Artistic Director Nina Lee Aquino will be conducting general auditions at the NAC in Ottawa on February 16 and 19, 2026. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. 

How to Apply: To apply, submit application via online portal here.

Deadline: Submission deadline: February 4 at 5pm 

Pay: Opportunity for paid work

Questions: Please contact Judi Pearl judi.pearl@nac-cna.ca. 

Accessibility: Please contact

The Artist/Creator Grant Program, is a one-time funding opportunity offered by the City of Ottawa in celebration of Ottawa 200: the 200th anniversary of Bytown. This program will contribute to Ottawa’s creative economy, strengthen cultural identity and vitality of Ottawa, and foster dynamic and inclusive public spaces by:  

• providing support to local artists and creators; 

• supporting artistic expression that explores Ottawa’s shared history, present and collective future; 

• supporting artistic creation city-wide that can be experienced by residents and visitors to Ottawa’s many communities and neighbourhoods; 

• supporting emerging creatives through mentorship opportunities; and by 

• amplifying diverse voices across Ottawa, with priority given to the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation, urban Indigenous and equity-denied communities.

Artist/creator-led projects may take the form of visual arts, performing arts, media arts, or interdisciplinary practices, including community co-creation, temporary public installations, and activations.  The Artist/Creator grant program will support projects across the City of Ottawa and will demonstrate the collaborative, community-driven strengths of Ottawa’s arts and culture community. 

This program was developed in partnership with Arts Ottawa and the Ottawa Art Gallery.

How to Apply: To apply, submit application via online portal here.

Deadline: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 4 pm

Funding: The following two streams have been added to the Creation and Production Fund for Artists (Stream 1) and the Arts Funding Program (Stream 2). 

Stream 1: Artist/Creator Grant for individuals 

Grants up to $10,000 for artists/creators with a professional practice. 

Stream 2: Signature Project Grant for organizations 

Grants up to $100,000 for local arts organizations supporting local first-time or emerging artists / creators to realize their work by providing mentorship throughout the creative process. 

Questions: Please contact a cultural funding officer here. 

Accessibility: Online application. For assistance please contact a cultural funding officer.

The ART+ Series celebrates cultural exchange and the creative and professional expressions of artists from diverse backgrounds. This program will feature 20 artists across two visual arts exhibitions and two performing arts showcases at Arts Court, Ottawa, with each selected artist receiving a $500 honorarium.

Eligibility Criteria: 

Artists must reside in the National Capital Region (travel and per diem expenses are not included).

Priority will be given to artists from Equity-Deserving Groups.

Open to professional artists.

Artists who participated in the 2024 and 2025 ART+ Series are ineligible to apply.

Assessment Criteria: 

Artistic Merit: MAC-CAM values diverse cultural expressions and uses decolonial frameworks to assess artistic quality, moving beyond Western aesthetic standards.

Balanced Representation: Consideration will be given to artistic disciplines, geographic diversity, and Equity-Deserving Groups.​ 

How to Apply: To apply, please use this Google Form here.  

Deadline: January 31st, 2026 

Pay: $500

Questions: For questions please email: multicultural.artists.coalition@gmail.com. 

Accessibility: In-person, Shenkman Arts Centre, Orleans 

Zine R.A.C.K. is seeking submissions of all literary and visual arts including but not limited to: poetry, collage, painting, short stories, articles, digital art etc.

To be eligible for Zine R.A.C.K. you must:

Live in Ottawa

Belong to a marginalized community (BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, Disabled & Neurodivergent, etc)

Be 18 years of age or older

Zine R.A.C.K. highly encourages submissions from artists from equity-deserving groups as well as emerging artists.

You are limited to 3 submissions. For each submission please include the following:

Title and Year (for example - Title of Piece, 2024)

Medium (for example - collage, poetry, photography etc)

Statement (this is a written statement on what the piece is about, what it means to you, describing the significance of what you've submitted etc. This is very open ended, it just gives us a better idea about the concept of your piece.)

Upload (you are limited to upload 5 files per submission - this is especially important if you are submitting a series of related pieces together as one submission. Please only use this feature if your submission is a series.)

Zine R.A.C.K. will be published in June 2026. Limited printed copies will be given to collaborators for this issue. Zine R.A.C.K. will also be available free online to ensure accessibility to the public.

How to Apply: To apply, please use this Google Form here.  

Deadline: March 31st 2026 at 11:59pm 

Pay: All artists chosen for Zine R.A.C.K. will receive a $50 honorarium for their work. 

Questions: For questions please email: sarah.ivanco@gmail.com . 

Accessibility: In-person in Sparks Street and Ottawa BIA locations 

The Ottawa Music Industry Coalition is a member-driven non-profit connecting and expanding Ottawa's music ecosystem. Part of the way we do this is by engaging partners, artists, curators and audio techs to embed music into community spaces all around the city.

All artist/bands that would like to be considered for all 2026 OMIC performance opportunities should take about 15 minutes to fill out this Artist Submission Form. Note that contacting happens all throughout the year and that you will be considered for all the opportunities listed on our website, and more like Capital Music Week (CxMW)!

Are you a touring artist hoping to make a stop in Ottawa ? Let us know what dates you will be nearby so we can match potential shows to your tour route. Please note that for non-local artists to be considered they must interact with the Ottawa music community around the same time frame (ticketed show at a local venue, co-write with a local artist, record music at a local studio or other).

Disclaimer: Filling out this form DOES NOT GUARANTEE you a performance slot. Performance opportunities are limited each year, and our goal is always to match artists with the shows where their music can shine brightest. 

How to Apply: To apply, please use this Google Form here.  

Deadline: Ongoing 

Pay: Possibility for paid gigs. 

Questions: For questions please email: jessy@ottawamic.com . 

Accessibility: In-person in Sparks Street and Ottawa BIA locations 

Unexpected Théâtre has partnered with Sol One Arts to bring Ottawa a five-day deep dive into the art and business of making theatre happen. This program is designed for emerging and mid-career creators in Ottawa who want to build sustainable, confident producing practices. Through hands-on assignments, real-world case studies, and guided discussions, participants explore every stage of the producing lifecycle from identifying the right project and understanding the state of the industry, to navigating contracts, budgets, mandates, grants, sponsorship, marketing, pitching, partnerships, and team management.

Each participant will use their own project as the lens for learning; building practical tools, sharper instincts, and a clearer artistic vision. By the end of the intensive, producers leave with actionable strategies, a reinforced sense of purpose, and a deeper understanding of how to bring bold, meaningful work to life with clarity, courage, and care. 

How to Apply: To apply, please use this Google Form here.  

Deadline: Applications close: January 26, Program runs: March 16-20th from 11-5pm daily 

Pay: Minimum honorarium of $500 for the week 

Questions: For questions please email: hello@unexpectedtheatre.ca. 

Accessibility: This is an in-person experience with free parking vouchers made available to participants 

The Ottawa School of Theatre is looking for a teacher to start immediately, for Primary Musical and Teen Acting and Performance classes on Thursday evenings from January 29 through June 4.

We are also looking to expand our roster of contract teachers for summer camps and our 2026-2027 classes. 

We would be pleased to receive applications from teachers of various skill sets and theatrical backgrounds, with a particular interest in those with experience in directing and in musical theatre. We are also interested in meeting with artists who may not be traditional theatre practitioners, but whose practices include dance or other arts focuses. Preferred language of instruction can be English or French.

About OST /  À propos de l'ÉTO  

Ottawa School of Theatre (OST-ETO) is a non-profit, charitable organization providing excellence in drama and theatre education to over 600 students of all ages in both English and French. L'École de théâtre d'Ottawa (OST-ÉTO) est un organisme à but non lucratif qui offre un enseignement et une expérience en matière d'art dramatique et de théâtre à plus de 600 élèves de tous âges, en anglais et en français.

L'École de théâtre d'Ottawa est actuellement à la recherche de nouveaux enseignant.e.s contractuel.le.s pour ses cours de 2025-2026.Nous recherchons également un enseignant.e disponible immédiatement pour donner des cours de Comédie musicale et Théâtre pour ados les jeudis soirs, du 29 janvier au 4 juin.Nous serions ravis de recevoir des candidatures d’enseignant.e.s aux compétences variées et aux parcours théâtraux divers, avec un intérêt particulier pour celles et ceux ayant de l’expérience en mise en scène, en théâtre musical et en scénographie. Nous souhaitons également rencontrer des artistes qui ne sont pas nécessairement des praticiens traditionnels du théâtre, mais dont la pratique inclut la danse ou d'autres formes artistiques. 

L'enseignement peut être dispensé en anglais ou en français.

Les enseignant.e.s sont rémunéré.e.s à l’heure selon une grille salariale transparente, basée sur l’éducation et l’expérience, qui sera fournie sur demande.

How to Apply: To apply, please send an email to Megan Piercey Monafu at megan@ost-eto.ca stating your interest, and including your CV or link to your online CV. If you require assistance with your application, please call our office at 613-424-3678. Pour postuler, veuillez envoyer un courriel à Megan Piercey Monafu à megan@ost-eto.ca, en indiquant votre intérêt et en joignant votre CV ou un lien vers votre CV en ligne. Si vous avez besoin d’assistance pour votre candidature, veuillez appeler notre bureau au 613-424-3678. 

Deadline: ASAP. Artists may apply at any time, but CVs will be considered on a rolling basis for immediate needs and summer camps.

Les artistes peuvent soumettre leur candidature en tout temps, mais les CV seront examinés au fil de leur réception pour les besoins immédiats et les camps d'été.

Pay: Hourly fee according to a transparent pay scale based on education and experience. Les enseignant.e.s sont rémunéré.e.s à l’heure selon une grille salariale transparente, basée sur l’éducation et l’expérience, qui sera fournie sur demande.

Questions: For questions please email: megan@ost-eto.ca . 

Accessibility: In-person, in an accessible City of Ottawa building (Shenkman Arts Centre). Free parking. 

A Pretty Gay Goose Play will explore queer community, resilience, and solidarity through clown and of course geese. This show will involve audience participation and throwing Molotov Cockatiels. Remember don't just touch grass, eat it!

For this show we will be casting 3 principal roles as well as 2 understudies. As this is specifically a queer play - we will only be casting queer and trans performers. We will also only be accepting performers who live in the National Capital Region (Ottawa/Gatineau).

A Pretty Gay Goose Play will be performed at the Ottawa Fringe Festival from June 18 - 28th. If you are auditioning please make sure you are available for these performance dates. We will be collaborating and rehearsing from approximately March - June. Performers are paid on a profit share model - the money we make from ticket sales gets divided among the team. We are also in the process of applying for grant funding, depending on the success of the grants, more funding may become available.

Auditions will be held January 24 & 25 from 1 - 5pm in Studio 1202 at LabO (60 Waller St). Each time slot will accommodate a maximum of 5 performers. Time slots are filled on a first come first serve basis. 

Process to apply: To apply please fill out the following google form: https://forms.gle/peQm2jq3HNKkhqjq7 

Deadline: Wednesday January 21st 11:59pm

Paid opportunity: This is a paid opportunity - performers will be paid based on a profit-share of ticket sales. 

Questions: Please contact thelightertouch@proton.me  with any questions. 

Accessibility: This is an in-person audition - LabO Studio 1202 is accessible via a ramp at the Waller Street entrance. For any other accessibility requests or questions please email thelightertouch@proton.me 

ELEVATOR THEATRE COMPANY AUDITIONS

Production: ONCE by Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, and Enda Walsh

Performance Dates: June 3-13, 2026

Director: Josh Rigo

Stage Manager: Kenzie Barrera

Performance Location: The Gladstone Theatre

Audition Deadline: End of day on Wednesday, January 21

ABOUT THE SHOW

Winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Once tells the story of a Dublin street musician and a Czech immigrant whose chance encounter sparks an unexpected connection. As their relationship deepens over the course of one week, the lines between friendship and love blur in a story about hope, heartbreak, and the power of music to bring people together.

Performed by actor-musicians who play their own instruments on stage, Once is an intimate and emotionally charged celebration of music, community, and courage.

INSTRUMENTS TO BE PLAYED BY CAST MEMBERS

Instruments in the show include Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Violin, Cello, Accordion, Percussion, and Drum Kit.

Additional folk instruments to be incorporated into the production: fiddle, mandolin, ukulele, banjo, and harmonica.

ROLES TO BE CAST

Note: Every performer in ONCE must play at least one instrument live on stage. The specific pairings below represent traditional and/or required instrumentation, but there is room for flexibility depending on the strengths of the ensemble. (For example, the role of Baruska typically plays the accordion, but could instead play violin if that better suits the performer.)

GIRL

Female presenting, stage age of 20–35

Direct, intelligent, and witty. A Czech immigrant and pianist who meets Guy and changes both their lives. Has worked hard and expects nothing for free.

Must play: Piano

Accent: Czech

GUY

Male presenting, stage age of 20–40

A struggling Dublin street musician on the verge of giving up. Sensitive, soulful, and magnetic in his vulnerability.

Must play: Guitar

Accent: Irish (Dublin)

BILLY

Male presenting, stage age of 25–50

Owner of the music shop where Girl plays piano. Loud, opinionated, loyal, and funny.

Typically plays: Guitar (open to other instruments)

Accent: Irish (Dublin)

REZA

Female presenting, stage age of 20–35

Girl’s vivacious and flirtatious Czech roommate. Big-hearted and full of life.

Typically plays: Violin (open to other instruments)

Accent: Czech

BARUSKA

Female presenting, stage age of 45+

Girl’s mother. Loving, generous, and idealistic with a sharp sense of humor.

Typically plays: Accordion and Piano (open to other instruments)

Accent: Czech

BANK MANAGER

Any Gender Identity, stage age of 30–50

Corporate on the outside, artistic at heart. Uptight but secretly passionate about music.

Must play: Guitar

Also typically plays: Cello (open to other instruments)

Accent: Irish (Cork or Dublin)

DA

Male presenting, stage age of 50+

Guy’s father. A quiet, caring man who supports his son’s dreams in his own understated way.

Typically plays: Guitar (open to other instruments)

Accent: Irish (Dublin)

SVEC

Male presenting, stage age of 20–40

An eccentric Czech roommate obsessed with television and coffee. A comedic wildcard.

Typically plays: Drum Kit / Percussion (open to other instruments)

Accent: Czech

ANDREJ

Male presenting, stage age of 20–35

Earnest and hopeful Czech roommate with big dreams of success. Gentle and optimistic.

Typically plays: Guitar and Electric Bass (open to other instruments)

Accent: Czech

EAMON

Male presenting, stage age of 25–50

The studio manager who records Guy and Girl’s music. Gruff but ultimately compassionate.

Typically plays: Guitar (open to other instruments)

Accent: Irish (Dublin)

EMCEE

Any Gender Identity, stage age of 25–50

Host of the open mic at the Dublin pub. Warm, charming, and full of personality.

Typically plays: Guitar and/or Accordion or piano (open to other instruments)

Accent: Irish (Dublin)

*We are not holding auditions for the roles of Ivonka and Ex-Girlfriend.

*This is a non-equity production. Equity actors must obtain exemption pre-approval from CAEA if interested in auditioning.

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals will take place three evenings per week in downtown Ottawa.

Rehearsals are usually held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with occasional dates on Wednesday or Sunday. The rehearsal period will begin late February/early March.

Tech week begins May 25, and nightly availability will be needed from May 25 through June 13.

Process to apply: Submit online here. 

AUDITION VIDEO

Please submit a single video that includes the following elements:

1. Monologue

Perform a 1-minute contemporary monologue that showcases your emotional range and connection to character.

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2. Accent Sentences

-Read the following in a Dublin/Irish accent:

“I never thought a street corner could feel like home until tonight. There’s a kind of magic here I can’t explain, but it’s real.”

-Read the following in a Czech accent:

“Music is the only language that doesn’t need translation. It speaks to everyone, whether you understand the words or not.”

​

3. Song

Sing a 1-minute cut of a song of your choice, accompanying yourself on your main instrument. Choose something that reflects the style and emotional tone of Once — folk, acoustic, or indie-inspired.

​

4. Instrument Showcase

Briefly demonstrate any other instruments you play.

Video Length: The entire video should be no longer than 5 minutes.

CALLBACKS

All actors will receive an update once the audition window has closed.

Individual callbacks will be arranged for those moving forward in the process.

All communication will come from info@elevatortheatrecompany.ca, please be sure to monitor your inbox and spam folder for a message from this address.

Deadline: January 21

Paid opportunity: Each actor will receive a $400 honorarium following the final performance.

Our goal at Elevator Theatre Company is to steadily increase our actor pay over time. Thank you for your interest in being part of this growing company.

Questions: Please contact info@elevatortheatrecompany.ca with any questions. Thank you!

Accessibility: Virtual Auditions. ETC VALUES: At ETC, we prioritize empathy, depth, and artistry in every production. We are committed to casting with openness and inclusivity, and we strongly encourage submissions from artists of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

The Thought Network is a paid, multi-stream research residency empowering artist-producers to explore urgent questions in the performing arts sector.  Anyone who creates and/or produces performing arts work in Canada, professionally and/or in community contexts, is eligible to apply. The program runs from March to September, 2026.

ABOUT

We believe that artist-producers are well positioned to envision and enact progressive change in performing arts practice, the performing arts industry, and beyond. The Thought Network Residency is intended to empower those working in live performance, as creators and/or producers, to invest time and attention in investigating the most urgent questions they have identified while engaged in their practice. 

Participants will receive support through the residency process, including facilitated coaching sessions, mentorship, peer support sessions, and a research/materials budget.

The residency findings and creations will be shared at the Thought Network Symposium (June 9 2026, Toronto), as well as in a series of public resources created by the Residents in collaboration with Generator’s staff and community. 

SCOPE OF DESIGN RESIDENCY

We invite applications from designers (theatre designers, installation artists, etc) who are interested in creating exploratory artistic responses to sector research questions.  Each of the three Designers-in-Residence will be paired with a Thought Network Researcher-in-Residence. Designers will receive resources and support to create an artistic companion piece (response, reflection, and/or representation) to each research process. Designers can be practicing in any visual and/or audio medium.

KEY INFORMATION

• There are three Designer-in-Residence spots available.

• The Designer-in-Residence program runs from April-June 2026.

• Applicants can be based anywhere in Canada.

• Designers will attend a series of meetings with Thought Network researchers and Generator staff in April-May 2026.

• Designers will receive resources to undertake a creation process (in their hometown) to develop their artistic response piece in May-June 2026

• The work created by the designers in the Thought Network residency will be presented at the Thought Network Symposium on June 9, 2026 in Toronto. Generator will cover any necessary travel expenses.

How to Apply: Please apply through the linked Google Form.  

Deadline: Deadline extended until January 20th. 

Pay: Stipend: $2,500 per designer (plus mentorship, materials budget, and additional resources).

Questions: Please direct any questions to Director of Programming, Nikki Shaffeeullah, at nikki@generatorto.com. 

Accessibility: Please contact. 

MASC is a dynamic, mid-sized charitable organization that has brought professional creatives from diverse cultural backgrounds into schools and communities for over 35 years. We aim to deepen awareness and encourage understanding through our performances, workshops, artists-in-residence programs, and annual festivals.

The MASC Office and Event Coordinator is a BILINGUAL position, responsible for the efficient running of all office administrative, financial and support systems, event support, volunteer management, as well as managing a portion of the bookings for MASC artists in schools.

MASC is looking for an organized and efficient person who believes in our mission and is excited to join an engaged, busy team. Someone who enjoys making a difference through the arts. This position requires a bilingual person (English and French) who can take initiative, identify and solve issues, works well in a dynamic team, and on their own, often under pressure. 

How to Apply: email CV and letter of interest to michelineshoebridge@masconline.ca. 

Deadline: Open until position filled, December 21. 

Pay: Paid, $54,080-$62,400/year  

Questions: Email michelineshoebridge@masconline.ca. 

Accessibility: Hybrid work, physical work to support event includes carrying boxes, valid drivers license and access to reliable car an asset. 

The Artistic Managing Director (AMD) plays a vital role in co-leading OrKidstra’s vision, program delivery and artistic direction. In shared leadership with the Executive Managing Director, the AMD ensures alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic goals. This full-time, in-person role is ideal for a passionate, collaborative leader with a strong background in music education and program management, eager to foster artistic excellence and community engagement. The successful candidate will have proven experience in artistic leadership, team management, and a commitment to OrKidstra’s values of love, courage, excellence, and belonging. 

How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to workwithus@orkidstra.ca telling us why you are a great candidate for this role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until January 4; early applications are encouraged.

This position requires enhanced police clearance, reference checks, aptitude screening and participation in an on-site evaluation.

We thank all applicants for their interest and application; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Deadline: Rolling basis until January 4th, 2026.

Pay: OrKidstra offers a competitive compensation and benefits program, including health, dental and wellness benefits, a flexible workplace, and the opportunity to join a dedicated team that truly believes in the power of music to build community and transform children’s lives. This position invites you to bring your passion and values to an organization that transforms lives by empowering kids and fostering community through music and offers a clear path for growth and future advancement. Annual salary range: $90-$110K, commensurate with experience and qualifications 

Questions: Email RebeccaRussell@orkidstra.ca. 

Accessibility: OrKidstra is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We enthusiastically encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, newcomers to Canada, IBPOC, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and members of racialized and marginalized groups. We believe our community is stronger when it benefits from the understanding and wisdom of people who have lived experiences with the communities we serve. OrKidstra is a place of belonging.

Arc Poetry Magazine is once again serving as a recommender for the Ontario Arts Council’s Recommender Grants for Writers program!

Arc is interested in all styles and forms of poetry. We look forward to seeing work from Indigenous poets as well as other under-represented communities. Priority is given to regional poets from Ottawa, including but not limited to Indigenous artists, artists of colour, and new generation poets.

Deadline: January 15, 2026 

Funding requests: $1500 - $5000 

Process to apply: To apply, complete and submit an application in OAC's Nova funding portal. Your application will include: basic information about your project, your answers to application questions, name of recommender you are applying to, artistic examples (up to 10 pages of your recent literary work, preferably including an excerpt from the work for which you are seeking support), and support documents. 

Questions: Email managingeditor@arcpoetry.ca. 

Accessibility: Please contact. 

Writing a project grant for the August OAC deadline? Get started now and I’ll help you do it. 

I’m responsible for over two million dollars in successful grant funding at Outside the March Theatre + in my own practice + for others. I’ll help you plan your grant, prep your budget/support material and edit your copy. 

CONSULTATION SCHEDULE

May: grant strategy + support material planning + budgeting (60min Zoom call)

June: first draft review (60min Zoom call)

July: helpline support + final draft edit (email/phone as needed)

P.A.Y.M.E. (Pay According to Your MEans): 

💵Full consultation fee: $400. 

💵Sliding scale: you decide how much you can afford from $0 (“I have no resources and need support!”); to $400 (“I’m an individual/project/organization with financial resources already behind me/my project that I can reasonably afford to deploy”); or somewhere in between.

💵Free for new generation/BIPOC/Queer/Disabled artists/collectives/organizations

Limited slots. First come, first served. 

Deadline: May 16, 2025

Process to apply: Email mcinnes[dot]griffin[at]gmail[dot]com with: • 1-2 sentence description of your project; • the consultation fee you can afford (if you don’t mention a fee, I’ll assume you need free support, no questions asked); • any additional context you think I should have about your level of experience with grant writing.

Questions: Email mcinnes[dot]griffin[at]gmail[dot]com

Accessibility:  Email mcinnes[dot]griffin[at]gmail[dot]com if you have accessibility questions.

Bywords.ca seeks unpublished poetry from current and former Ottawa students, residents and workers. Payment is $40 and guidelines are on the site. Poems published between 09/23 & 08/24 will be considered for the 2024 John Newlove Poetry Award. 

Paid: $40 per poem.

Deadline: The 15th of every month. 

How to Apply:  Read guidelines on site here. Send poems, bio, connection to Ottawa, legal name and current mailing address to submissions@bywords.ca 

Questions: If you have any questions email: amanda@bywords.ca 

Accessibility: virtual. questions: amanda@bywords.ca 

Calling all stage managers, musicians, lighting designers, set designers, sound designers, technical directors, set builders, and more! Have an interest in working behind the scenes at Elevator Theatre Company? You are in the right place!

Please submit our google form to be added to our contacts and talent pool. As each production approaches, we will refer to this list as one of our tools to help us fill available roles.

Please contact info@elevatortheatrecompany.ca with any questions. Thank you! 

Paid Opportunity: Yes. Minimum guaranteed stipend per project. See description for details. 

Deadline: Ongoing

Accessibility: Please contact.