The Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre has opened its doors at 877 Yonge, representing Toronto’s newest arts facility and theatre. The project was developed in a partnership between Tapestry Opera, Nightwood Theatre, and St. Clare’s Housing Society.
With the closure of many arts venues over the last few years, the initiative was designed to fill a gap in Toronto’s performing arts scene. It will serve as a connection point between artists and the community, particularly for younger, emerging and independent artists.
The Centre is located in the lower lever of the building at 877 Yonge Street.
Back in 2002, Nightwood Theatre and Tapestry Opera both moved into what was then the new Artscape Distillery District Studios. Along with the other arts organizations that would join them, they helped to turn the Distillery District into the landmark neighbourhood it has become.
Unfortunately, and after two decades of residency, that tenancy agreement ended for Nightwood, Tapestry Opera, and more than 70 other arts organizations when the lease agreements were not renewed. That loss included office as well as studio space.
That led to the current partnership, together with St. Clare’s Housing. The building at 877 Yonge had been used for social housing previously, and maintaining affordable housing space was also a priority as they transformed it into a new cultural hub.
“Finding a home and a sense of belonging is vital in these challenging times, not only for Nightwood Theatre and Tapestry Opera, but for the many artists and audiences that will walk through the doors at The Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre,” says Andrea Donaldson, Artistic Director, Nightwood Theatre in a statement.
“We need spaces in Toronto that intentionally reach out for people to gather, that allow for creative dreaming, bold action, and courageous expression.”
“As tenants of St. Clare’s — Canada’s largest developer of supportive not-for-profit mixed income housing — we share their belief that everyone deserves a home and furthermore, that everyone deserves access to creativity and cultural experiences,” adds Nightwood’s Managing Director Naz Afsahi. “Nightwood, Tapestry, and St. Clare’s are proving that collaboration means we can achieve more together than on our own.”
The revitalization project was designed by Hilditch Architects, with guidance from Theatrical Project Manager Remington North. Along with state-of-the-art technology for performance and more, the design incorporated a reduced energy consumption profile, and uses all available space.
Accessibility is one of the guiding principles of The Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre, with its central location near public transportation.
Tapestry Opera and Nightwood Theatre, both known for their innovative original productions, and support for next generation artists, will stage performances and other programming at the facility. That will include multi-disciplinary performance, artist residencies, workshops, and other activities.
For artists, it’s a place where new works in the fields of theatre, opera, dance and more can be developed, workshopped, and showcased. For audiences, it’s a place to connect with the arts community, and experience groundbreaking new works.
There are multiple ways to connect with their programming as the season begins now.
Residencies and other artist programs will be available. Tapestry Opera has announced the inaugural residencies with Cultureland and Opera Q for 2025-2026, as well as the continuation of LIBLAB, an opera creation intensive from July 15 – 25.
“Creating new performing arts spaces that are affordable for artists and independent companies became a high priority for us,” says Tapestry Opera Artistic Director Michael Hidetoshi Mori, “and it is thrilling to see that dream realized. At the same time we are thrilled to provide a new venue where locals and all Torontonians can experience some of Toronto’s most dynamic music, theatre, opera, and dance artists!”
Jaime Martino, Executive Director, adds that the, “partnership with Nightwood and St. Clare’s have made this ambitious venture possible, and proven the value of working together and thinking outside the box in these changing times.”
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