We're excited to proudly announce a Creative Collaboration Initiative between Soulpepper, The Musical Stage Company, Obsidian Theatre, Bad Hats Theatre and The Toronto Fringe Festival! 

This Creative Collaboration Initiative focuses on community-building, shared capacity and creative cross-pollination, while allowing each organization to retain its unique artistic identity and autonomy. In practice, the initiative will include co-productions and presentations at Soulpepper Theatre, co-commissioning of new works, audience development and co-marketing initiatives, and a commitment for each partner company to amplify the work of the others. Each company will continue to present their own productions at any venue they choose and be free to collaborate with any other company.  

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CREATIVE COLLABORATION INITIATIVE (CCI)? Below are some FAQs.

Your Questions Answered

What is the Creative Collaboration Initiative (CCI)?

The CCI is a coalition of Toronto-based theatre organizations joining forces to expand artistic opportunities, strengthen community ties, and enhance long-term sustainability. CCI offers a flexible, non-binding framework grounded in mutual principles and aligned goals. It enables partners to co-create productions, pool resources, and reach wider audiences all while maintaining their unique identities. Each project operates under separate contracts, with annual reviews to ensure ongoing alignment. 

Where is the CCI taking place?

CCI projects are presented at Soulpepper Theatre, providing access to professional facilities and expanded production capacity. Together, the initiative amplifies the voices of all participating organizations while increasing collective audience reach and visibility across Toronto. 

When is CCI happening?

Launched in the 2024/25 season, CCI is a multi-year commitment to enrich Toronto’s cultural landscape by growing artistic output and deepening community engagement. In its inaugural year, CCI has already delivered over 115 additional performances and an expanded Fringe Festival hub with five venues and a central social area, and generated $450K in co-production contributions, with further collaboration and expansion expected in future seasons.

Why are we doing this?

CCI addresses the urgent need for innovation and teamwork in the arts sector. We recognize that:

• Working together creates more impact and operational efficiency.

• Social connection is increasingly vital in a city facing rising loneliness.

• Audiences are evolving, requiring bold, relevant, and inclusive artistic experiences.

Through this alliance, we reinforce our organizations, enrich local communities, and invigorate the broader arts ecosystem. 

Who are the CCI partners?

CCI brings together the following Toronto-based theatre companies, each dedicated to artistic excellence, community involvement, and long-term growth:

• Soulpepper Theatre

• Bad Hats Theatre

• Musical Stage Company

• Obsidian Theatre

• Toronto Fringe

Each company retains its distinct mission and voice. Through CCI, we collaborate on programming that complements rather than competes, creating space for diverse stories, increased access, and stronger collective impact. These partnerships are built on trust, shared principles, and a history of cooperation. 

How does CCI work?

CCI is structured to provide maximum flexibility and minimal bureaucracy, guided by the following principles:

  • Shared Intent, Separate Agreements: The initiative is governed by a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with individual projects managed through binding contracts as needed.

  • Joint Planning: Each spring, partners convene to identify opportunities and projects for the upcoming season.

  • Financial Responsibility: Co-productions must be financially viable, programmed only if they meet a break-even or better standard.

  • Autonomy & Alignment: Partners retain full control over programming. Collaboration is optional and mutually beneficial.

  • Transparency: Knowledge, data (where appropriate), and audience insights are shared to strengthen campaigns and outreach.

What are the benefits of participating in CCI?

  • Increased Visibility: Reach new and larger audiences through co-marketing and storytelling.

  • Cost Savings: Share production expenses, venue use, and promotional efforts.

  • More Programming: Present more performances and a wider range of stories than possible individually.

  • Shared Values: Align with organizations dedicated to creative risk-taking, accessibility, and community focus.

  • Creative Hub: Introduce our combined audiences to Soulpepper Theatre as a space they can return to year-round for exceptional, welcoming programming by the CCI. 

How is success measured?

Together, we’re tracking four primary outcomes:

  1. Number of performances added through collaboration

  2. Box office and ancillary revenue generated

  3. Donor-directed support and philanthropic growth tied to the initiative

  4.   Audience growth and engagement

These metrics help us evaluate both artistic and organizational returns, guiding future planning and growth.

What makes CCI different?

CCI is not a merger or collective. It is a cooperative framework that preserves each partner’s unique identity while enabling thoughtful growth, creative risk-taking, and increased resilience within a trusted network.

Together, we are redefining Toronto’s theatre ecosystem as one that is collaborative, community-centered, and driven by shared creative ambition.