Meet a Stage Manager for World Theatre Day 2023!

March 20, 2023 - On March 27, 2023, the Playwrights Guild of Canada (PGC), in partnership with the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and the Association des théâtres francophones du Canada (ATFC) celebrates World Theatre Day! New this year: in place of a message, we are inviting you to learn about the profession of stage manager through an interview with Ghislain Basque, who has worked as a stage manager and production manager in Acadia for 32 years. 

During the interview, conducted by Matthieu Girard, Ghislain gives us an overview of the stage manager's role and explains its importance to a theatrical production. Through anecdotes and concrete examples, Ghislain conveys his passion for his chosen profession, and immerses us in the life of a theatre stage manager.  

The stage manager plays a core role in coordinating all the technical and artistic aspects of a theatrical production. This includes technical, logistical and artistic support for the design and implementation of lighting, sound, sets, costumes, make-up, and special effects, as well as management of the technical and artistic team.  

The stage manager works closely with the director, the production team and the producer to ensure that the production’s artistic vision is brought to the stage in an efficient and timely manner.

Theatre companies are suffering from a major labour shortage and we feel it is important to shine a spotlight on behind-the-scenes professions to spark interest and inspire people to take on these roles. If you would like to learn more about this profession, please consult this job profile. 

A video of the interview is presented with French or English subtitles and ASL or LSQ interpretation. The interview and kit are available on the ATFC website: https://atfc.ca/fr/nos-activites/journee-mondiale-theatre 

Our three leading organizations encourage the community to share these messages in the days leading up to World Theatre Day to help celebrate the joy and power of theatre.

Created in 1961 by UNESCO, World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on March 27 by theatre communities around the world. It celebrates the power of theatre as an indispensable bridge toward mutual international understanding and peace. This is a day that promotes and protects cultural diversity and identity. Since its inception, World Theatre Day has been celebrated on March 27 (the date of the opening of the 1962 season of the "Théâtre des Nations" in Paris) by the Centres of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) - which number more than 90 worldwide. Each year, a personality from theatre or from another field is invited to share their thoughts on theatre and on international harmony.

World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People

The World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People took place on March 20, 2023. This event was created by the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ) to highlight the value of theatre and the arts for children and to reaffirm commitment to the belief that every child has the right to artistic experiences created especially for them. This year, Giselle Clark-Trenaman was chosen to write a message. The French version of the Canadian message for World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People is available on the ATFC website.

About the ATFC  

The ATFC is a national arts service organization. It represents and serves seventeen members  –professional theatre companies operating in the Canadian Francophonie, along with some four hundred independent artists working in their orbit.

About PACT  

PACT is a professional association of Canadian theatres that represents the collective voice of its members. PACT is a leader in the national performing arts community and a strong advocate for the value of live performance. Since 1979, its goal has been to create a community in which theatre professionals (artistic and administrative) can come together to discuss important issues and work together to create innovative solutions.  

About PGC  

The Playwrights Guild of Canada is a registered national arts service organization whose mandate is to advance the rights and creative interests of professional Canadian playwrights, to promote Canadian plays nationally and internationally, and to foster an active and evolving community of writers for the stage.

Information

Kevin Monchaux – Communications
Association des théâtres francophones du Canada
613.562.2233, ext. 4
communications@atfc.ca