SOLAR SYSTEM
The Solar System Initiative is a series of networking events built to directly target a gap in the Toronto Professional theatre scene, directly connecting emerging and established artists and companies, without pretence. The goal is to create a supportive environment where attendees can build relationships, find opportunities, and foster career growth.
The inaugural networking event will take place Monday, May 11, 2026 at the Nancy and Ed Jackman Performance Centre, 877 Yonge Street, from 6:00pm-10:00pm.
Tickets starting at $5 go on sale Sunday, March 29.
Photo credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel
Who is that person you’ve seen in 4 Fringe shows and think is really cool but have never actually spoken to?
What about that indie company whose work you really like, but it’s never worked out for you to apply to work with them?
There are the people in your network that you know, and then there are the people that you orbit.
That’s where Solar System comes in. This new initiative of networking events is build to make those connections, and introduce emerging, early-career, and established artists and companies so that new partnerships and working relationships can flourish!
No more hesitating about whether now is a good time to reach out, or what to say when you walk across the room - just start with hello! Everyone at Solar System is there to meet people they don’t already know.
Who is in your orbit?
who is this for?
FOR ARTISTS
For emerging artists, this networking event provides the opportunity to introduce themselves to artists in the industry with whom they may collaborate. They will also have access to introduce themselves to indie and professional theatre companies in person, bridging the gap for those who are not invited to general auditions, or do not have direct pathways to companies for creative leadership or administrative positions.
For established artists, this event provides an opportunity to nurture new talent, meet potential collaborators, and be introduced to theatre companies that are generally outside of their regular working space.
For both established and emerging artists, the opportunity for two-way mentorship, knowledge sharing, and idea generation is facilitated through guided questions and a barrier-free space to open conversation.
FOR COMPANIES
For indie companies, this event provides a two-way introduction. Their participation in the event will generate wider awareness for their organization or collective, among emerging and established artist communities. It allows them to showcase their unique space in the Toronto theatre ecology and present their work to potential collaborators. It also allows them the opportunity to look for collaborators and recruit for specific roles within their organization, and access a wider network than their own audience.
For established companies, this event provides many of the same opportunities, with a specific emphasis on a barrier-free space for artists to introduce themselves and their work to these organizations. In particular, artists who are interested in creative team roles that do not have access to introductions through standard pathways like general auditions.