About THE MUSICAL STAGE COMPANY:

The Musical Stage Company is Canada's largest not-for-profit, professional theatre company dedicated to developing musical theatre. Established in 2004 as Acting Up Stage Company, we strive to make Canada a leader in musical theatre by telling our most important stories with music.

We believe it’s better with music.

We are inspired by music’s unique ability to viscerally affect people and are committed to cultivating experiences – onstage and off – that transform lives, build empathy and create community through musical theatre.

We incubate new Canadian musicals from development to production, investing in Canadian musical theatre writers and building national and international partnerships. Our musical productions – including award-winning contemporary musicals, world premieres and concerts – are seen live by 30,000 people over the 80+ nights that we are onstage annually in venues both traditional and surprising. To date, our work has been recognized with 109 Dora Award nominations, 24 Dora Awards and 19 Toronto Theatre Critics’ Awards.

Our robust education programs develop the artists and audiences of tomorrow, offering musical theatre training that boosts self-confidence and self-expression for over 200 young people each year without cost to the participants. We also curate innovative musical programs in partnership with diverse organizations, maximizing the resonance of our work across disciplines and communities.

Regionally, we are the leading organization for musical theatre development in Toronto and are one of Canada’s most established venue-less companies, serving as a key part of the civic cultural landscape. Nationally, we are an important player in the development of resources and mentorship for Canadian musical theatre writers and the creation of a Canadian body of musicals.

Organizational Beliefs

1. Theatre is better with music

We produce thought-provoking and contemporary theatre, using the universal language of music to engage audiences emotionally, build empathy and spark dialogue.

2. Storytelling is better with music

We foster collaboration between Canadian playwrights, lyricists and composers, and produce their work across Canada and beyond, advancing our national culture. 

3. Learning is better with music

We build self-confidence in young people and help them reach their full potential through musical theatre training, ensuring affordability is not a barrier to participation.

4. Community is better with music

We showcase diverse voices and pursue innovative partnerships to bring people together through story and song.

Mandate

To develop and produce thought-provoking musical theatre with contemporary relevance, and to build and enrich communities through musical storytelling.