Théâtre Action is a provincial organization that is proactive and essential to the development, consolidation and expansion of French-language theatre in Ontario.

In the summer of 1971, at a Theatre Ontario conference, eight French-speaking participants refused to join the English-language workshops.

They formed the Groupe Arc-en-ciel, which took advantage of the opportunity to take stock of French-language theatre activity in Ontario and to try to define the needs of their community. In May 1972, they convened a provincial conference in Sudbury and created Théâtre Action (TA).

The first Franco-Ontarian arts service organization, TA created the Francophone cultural magazine Liaison, participated in the incorporation of Éditions L'Interligne, made possible the business plans of La Nouvelle Scène in Ottawa and the Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario in Sudbury, founded, with the support of partners, Réseau Ontario, participated in the creation and revitalization of the Alliance culturelle de l'Ontario, and supported the creation of the Ontario Arts Council's Jets de théâtre and Connexion Théâtre programs.

Since 1972, TA's programming has been marked by the supervision of the 1991 and 2008 États généraux du théâtre franco-ontarien and, more recently, by the organization of numerous festivals and events such as Les Feuilles vives, the Festival Théâtre Action en Milieu Scolaire, the Happening Théâtral Communautaire and the 24 heures de création pour les professionnels.

Mission

Théâtre Action is an organization that gives a voice to the Franco-Ontarian theatre community. Its programming and services ensure the development and influence of its members.

Vision

Present and connected to the communities across the province where its members evolve, Théâtre Action brings together the Franco-Ontarian theatre community in all its diversity and ensures its vitality and growth.

Values

Inclusion: We constantly strive to ensure that our activities and positions reflect and transcend the diverse perspectives of the community. To do so, we welcome members with diverse backgrounds and ensure that everyone can participate equitably in our activities, while taking into account regional, cultural, sectoral and practice differences. Diversity is our strength.

Rigor: In all its work, TA acts according to the principles of democracy and ethics, in compliance with laws, regulations and procedures. TA implements stimulating and efficient consultation mechanisms that meet the expectations of its members. We are committed to providing a climate of mutual support and solidarity within the Franco-Ontarian theatre community, with other theatrical and artistic communities, and with the Franco-Ontarian community.

Leadership: TA is a standard-bearer for the Franco-Ontarian theatre community and is committed to asserting and defending its interests before decision-makers, with representatives of other spheres of civil society and in the public arena.

Our Focus

Relations with members and the community: Create opportunities to meet and network, develop partnerships and implement communication strategies that mobilize and reach members and the community.

Convening Events: Initiate and coordinate convening, outreach, reflection, training and development events that provide opportunities for career development in theater in Ontario.

Resources and Services: To create and deliver effective and responsive resources and services that support the development of theatrical practice at both the artistic and administrative levels.

Théâtre Action represents over 200 members.

Today, Théâtre Action works with a dozen professional companies, theater centers and small creative structures, a hundred professional artists and cultural workers, thirty community-based companies and individuals, and twenty companies and individuals from the education sector.