For Toronto’s independent artists, it’s become a difficult task to find an affordable, accessible space to rehearse, create and perform. But, a new venue is changing the game; The Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre has opened its doors downtown offering an accessible space, created with artists in mind.
The performance centre, located at 877 Yonge St., is tucked into the lower level of a St. Clare’s housing building and the centre isn’t just another performance venue – it’s a much-needed space for emerging, independent and equity-deserving artists navigating a city where creative real estate is hard to find.
The collaborative effort between Tapestry Opera, Nightwood Theatre, and St. Clare’s Housing was created not only to offer a stable home for artists but to foster deeper ties between the arts and Toronto’s broader communities.
With rents climbing and rehearsal spaces dwindling, the centre arrives at a perfect time for artists.
Among the many artists excited by the centre’s potential is Teiya Kasahara, a transgender opera singer and interdisciplinary theatre creator known for their powerful performances and bold reimagining of opera classics. Kasahara has worked with both Tapestry Opera and Nightwood Theatre over the past decade.
“Theatrical and operatic works take so much time to develop. The creation process is long, unexpected, and the needs of each project are unique and varied, so having a new, accessible and versatile space such as the Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance centre will be such a welcomed addition,” Kasahara told Now Toronto via email. “Not to mention it’s a necessary addition in general, as artistic spaces are so scarce in this city. I’m looking forward to presenting my works in development here.”
Kasahara, who premiered their operatic play “The Queen in Me” at the Canadian Opera Company in 2022, co-directed by Nightwood’s Andrea Donaldson, has long been connected to both companies and has performed in numerous Tapestry productions, including “Shelter” and “Pomegranate”.
“It’s absolutely invaluable,” said Kasahara, reflecting on the need for affordable rehearsal and performance venues.
“Rental rates are a huge line item in artistic project budgets, so when you can find affordable, reliable and accessible places to rehearse, create and perform, it alleviates so much stress and eases the process as arts funding is always under pressure of being cut by private and government funding bodies,” they said.
Kasahara is not the only artist celebrating the opening of the accessible space.
Pianist, voice coach, and Royal Conservatory of Music lecturer Daniel Eliakis, who frequently collaborates with local opera singers, including Kasahara, emphasizes how transformational a venue like this can be for the arts scene in Toronto.
“This is huge. Rehearsal spaces for artists in this city are few and far between, let alone affordable. Having a space that allows you to find the freedom to create and take risks is critical to our process, but can also be time-consuming and costly,” Eliakis told Now Toronto via email.
Eliakis also sees the potential in the centre’s location.
“Many artists and even Torontonians will agree it’s not always easy getting audiences out to performances, especially during the colder months. Having a venue like this so central will allow everyone along both subway lines to enjoy what the new Nancy and Ed Jackman Performance Centre has to offer – which will be plenty,” he said.
He also believes this space will have a lasting ripple effect, and will continue on and inspire new Canadian works to be produced.
“With both Tapestry Opera and Nightwood Theatre in the same space it can only result in a bounty of creativity that will draw artists and creators from all over the city and abroad… This kind of collaboration under one roof is what the future of arts in Toronto needs to keep growing,” he continued.
HOW THE NANCY & ED JACKMAN PERFORMANCE CENTRE CAME TO BE
The idea for Tapestry Opera, Nightwood Theatre and St. Clare’s Housing to collaborate was born after the closure of the Artscape Distillery District Studios in 2022, which displaced over 70 arts organizations, including the two theatre companies.
Rather than give up, they joined forces to transform the under-utilized space under St. Clare’s development into a cultural hub.
“Finding a home and a sense of belonging is vital in these challenging times, not only for Nightwood Theatre and Tapestry Opera, but for the many artists and audiences that will walk through the doors at The Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre,” Andrea Donaldson, artistic director atNightwood Theatre, said in a press release.
“We need spaces in Toronto that intentionally reach out for people to gather, that allow for creative dreaming, bold action, and courageous expression.”
For Kasahara, the centre’s biggest promise lies in its mission to support equity-deserving artists.
“Both Nightwood and Tapestry uplift equity-seeking artists as much as possible, and so I know they will privilege those who are in need, those who have been historically marginalized and will continue to do so as long as their doors are open.”
