2025-26

AMP

Applications for 2025-26 will open April 1, 2025.

What is the Artist Mentorship Program

Now in its 12th Year, The Artist Mentorship Program (AMP) by Black Theatre Workshop supports emerging and established artists on their journey to becoming self-sustaining, production-literate theatre professionals. AMP is a national program that focuses on bridging the learning gaps, and access faced by Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (POC) artists in their theatre careers. In 2023, the program welcomed its first French language artists while also pivoting its focus to address an industry-wide shortage of theatre practitioners with production knowledge.

The program has several components: 

• Workshops: Over 15 workshops led by industry professionals from across Canada, tailored to the needs of the cohort. Topics include, theatre production, collaboration, playwriting, dramaturgy, finance etc. 

• One-on-One Mentorship: Artists are paired with a mentor that aligns with their career trajectory. 

• Project Development: Six months of guidance and advice provided to each artist towards the development of their projects.  

• Peer-to-Peer: The opportunity to network with artists and theatre practitioners from across the country & establish long term relationships that translate into jobs, collaborations and mentorships. 

• Theatre Engagement: Outings to see professional interdisciplinary theatre and critically engage in conversations about the work. 

• A National Gathering: An in-person meeting for the entire cohort at a National Arts Organization. 

• Space to Develop your Work! : A direct investment from Black Theatre Workshop into your project along with the space and resources to get it on its feet and in front of an audience. 

 

Is this a paid program? 

Yes. All participants in the program receive an honorarium for their six-month participation. 

Who is this program for? 
This program is open to both established and emerging professional theatre artists, and prioritizes those who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, and/or part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. This program is built for artists looking to enhance their skills in theatre production, creation, and collaboration, as well as build self-sustaining, long-lasting professional careers in the theatre arts.  

Are you a theatre designer wanting to produce your own show but unsure where to begin?  

A visual artist interested in exploring theatrical collaborations. 

A performer or playwright seeking guidance to bring your own project to life?  

A drag artist looking to create interdisciplinary theatre?  

An experienced producer looking to build new partnerships? 

This program is for you! 

Timeline and Commitment 

The AMP Program runs from September to March each year – Six months. 

We meet online on Zoom between 1PM-4PM Eastern Standard Time, three Mondays a month for a workshop.  

In addition, you will have one-on-one mentorship once a month for one hour, for six months with your designated mentor. 

We also meet at least once a month to experience many different kinds of live performance! 

 

Accessibility 

A number of accessibility measures have been put in place to ensure that artists engaging with the program are able to do so without limitation. 

The Artist Mentorship Program is offered in both English and French. Artists wishing to engage in these languages can let us know during the application/interview process. 

We are also able to accommodate the needs of artists with disabilities.  

All workshops will be live captioned and recorded so artists can review the information shared in their own time, at their own pace. When applicable, presentations documents are shared with all participants, so they review information prior to attending a workshop. 

 Accommodations are be made for ASL/QSL interpreters, and everyone is encouraged to make use of chat features while attending on Zoom.  

Guest Speakers and Moderators will identify themselves prior to speaking. Participants in the program are welcome to turn cameras off or keep them off for the entire meeting, as needed. They are welcome to fidget, stand up and stretch, or attend while lying in bed. Nothing was interpreted as disinterest or “unprofessional.” Instead, we welcome all bodies in all states of being, and all modes of communication are treated equally. 

Who can apply? 

Established and Emerging Professional theatre artists from across Canada are encouraged to apply. 

How do I apply?  
Applications open on April 1st, 2025 

Applications close on April 30th, 2025 

Travel 
As a cohort, we visit a national arts organization/ or festival to experience local and international work, meet influential artists, build community, and develop critical skills while enjoying high-quality professional theatre. Travel is usually 2-3 days, and the transportation and accommodation costs are paid for by Black Theatre Workshop. This is also an opportunity for the cohort to build community and foster future collaborations. 

What do I need to apply? 

• Your updated CV/resume 

• A short artist biography (max 200 words) & headshot. 

• Completion of the google form with your personal information. 

• A short summary of an artistic project that you would like to work on (max 500 words) 

• A one-page letter of Intent (max 700 words) – Some of the things were looking for are: 

1. Why you want to be a self-producing artist?  
2. Why do you think you’d be a good fit for AMP? 
3. Why you want to work in professional theatre and what would you like to learn? 

Access Accommodation 
If you would like to submit your application in video format, we are happy to receive them. Please send a private Google drive, YouTube or Vimeo link, with password. 

A PDF Version of the form will be made available below. 

We are unable to discuss or provide feedback, due to the volume of submissions, but all applicants will be notified of their status of their application by the end of May 2025.