NightwoodTheatre 2017-18 annual report

Samantha Vu and Cathy Huang at Fempocalypse 2018. report from the artistic director report from the managing director

I am so pleased to report on the myriad of successes in Nightwood’s 2017-2018 Season. It has been yet another successful season at Nightwood Theatre and we are This year we found ourselves at the epicentre of a deeply relevant social dialogue with our extremely proud of the effect that we continue to have on artists, audience members, audience. Indeed, the world experienced a larger cultural shift and we were excited to not donors, and advocates for female identified voices. only be ahead of the wave but to be defining the conversation around women and systemic power imbalances. Operationally, one of our priorities over the past four years has been the financial stability of the organization. We are proud to have finished the 2017-18 Season Just days before we opened our two-play series and symposium, The Consent Event, which with an operational surplus of $24,456, leaving us with an accumulated surplus included the world premieres of Asking For It by Ellie Moon and Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells) by of $41,488. This financial success was largely due to an extremely well received Rose Napoli, the Harvey Weinstein case broke in the news. As the #MeToo movement production season, with overall box office revenues surpassing original projections by unleashed itself these two young writers were “bringing the dialogue about sexual assault $33,198, as well as an increase in individual donations of $27,238. to the next level” (Susan Cole, NOW Magazine). Asking for It played a sold out run and was nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Ensemble, while Lo (or Our success at the box office can be attributed not only to the robust programming, Dear Mr. Wells) was nominated for Outstanding Performance for the electrifying Vivian and the extensive reach of our marketing efforts but also to “outside of the box” Endicott-Douglas along with Outstanding New Play. First developed in our Write From The marketing approaches such as hiring Kim Katrin Milan, a multidisciplinary artist, Hip emerging writers unit, we’re thrilled that Lo will be produced this coming season at the activist and educator who facilitates radical community dialogue, to promote Great Canadian Theatre Company in and Neptune Theatre in Halifax, fulfilling our Calpurnia via social media to her extensive list of followers. mission to disseminate more widely the voice of women in Canadian theatre. We had unprecedented media exposure this season, with the success of Nightwood Further to this, The Globe and Mail named our revival of Diane Flacks’ Unholy as one of the Theatre over recent years being featured in The Globe and Mail. Artistic Director Kelly top ten theatre performances of 2017, and called it “a sharp script other theatres across Thornton was also a sought-after voice in the wake of the viral #MeToo movement should look into picking up now that director Kelly Thornton’s excellent inaugural and was interviewed on CBC’s The Current with as well as production has had two tours of duty.” We are thrilled to have brought it to Zoomer Media with . in the Fall of 2018 where it was filmed for Vision TV in front of a live studio audience. This deeply relevant look at women, religion and systemic power continues to garner interest We have begun engaging “angel donors” who provide financial assistance to specific across the country. activities undertaken by Nightwood. These donations increased our private sector revenues and helped us invest more money into play development and various Indeed, many of our shows have ignited a pertinent dialogue this season, and captured productions. We are very grateful to those individuals who financially support our widespread attention. Calpurnia by Audrey Dwyer was a searing look at the collision of organization and help us increase our capacity to elevate more female voices than race, class and gender in the home of a wealthy Jamaican-Canadian family. Upending we have been able to in the past. the beloved novel To Kill A Mockingbird, it spared no one in a confrontation with our blind spots. Yet it also revealed our intersectionality and called for allyship as we go forward. We greatly value our talented and dedicated staff at Nightwood and it is our priority “Destined to be one of the most talked-about shows of the season” (NOW Magazine), to ensure they are appropriately compensated for their work. Our goal of increasing Calpurnia enjoyed a sold out run and picked up a Theatre Critics Award for Best our Director of Marketing & Development and our Business Manager’s salaries to Performance for the astonishing Carolyn Fe. a competitive rate in two years was accomplished after only six months. We now provide full-time staff with health benefits that are covered by Nightwood Theatre. Of course, Amy Nostbakken and Norah Sadava’s Mouthpiece also enjoyed a stellar revival after returning from a private performance for Jodie Foster and friends in Los Angeles. This Our board continues to be instrumental in ensuring the good health of Nightwood world-class production also garnered a Stage Award at the Edinburgh Festival and its film Theatre and have been very generous with their time and expertise. All members adaptation by Patricia Rozema opened the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival. are donors, actively engaged in governance, advocating for our organization and supporting our fundraising efforts. We were thrilled to have Chantria Tram join our In the 2017-2018 Season brochure, I mentioned that the electrical current that ran Board of Directors in September 2018. through our season was embodied in the question raised in our pop-up show 7th Cousins by Christine Brubaker and Erin Brubacher: “How Can We Be Together?” As we grapple Overall, this season has been a huge success and it can be attributed directly to the with our world, our differences and our collective hopes and dreams for our future, these support and work of Nightwood’s extremely talented staff, board members, donors, triumphs on stage have made Nightwood an undeniably relevant institution on the audience members and volunteers, including the many lawyers who volunteer their national landscape. time working on our annual fundraising event, The Lawyer Show. This success attests to the passion and drive that Artistic Director Kelly Thornton brings to I salute the astonishing efforts of our staff, the steady and determined hand of my Nightwood Theatre and her insight into selecting high-calibre productions that bring co-executive Beth Brown, our dedicated Board of Directors, the lawyers of our wildly forward relevant and fulsome dialogues addressing issues faced by society today. successful Lawyer Show, and all of the artists, audiences, donors, sponsors and public With another successful season under our belts both artistically and administratively, funders who sustain us. We share our success with all of you. we are excited for the future of Nightwood Theatre.

– Kelly Thornton Photo: Brooke Wedlock. – Beth Brown mission and vision OUR MISSION OUR VALUES As Canada’s foremost feminist theatre, Provocation Nightwood provides an essential home We use theatre to provoke a deeper conversation about the diversity of for the creation of extraordinary theatre our lived experiences. by women. Empowerment report from the board chair Theatre is a tool of empowerment for the individual and for the community. Feminism We believe in equality for all genders. Theatre has the power to As the Chair of the Board of Directors of Nightwood Theatre, it is OUR VISION To be a world-renowned cultural centre challenge stereotypes and social assumptions about race, gender and my privilege to work with the Management, Staff and Board of this for provocative theatre, bringing sexuality. passionate organization. audiences, artists, and activists together Inclusivity to elevate women’s voices. 2017-18 was an exceptional year, by any measure. We have a responsibility to produce art that gives voice to the diverse society we live in. First and foremost, the company once again mounted a season we were all truly proud of, which kept its finger on the pulse of society’s relevant conversations and garnered unprecedented media coverage. Nightwood continued to Integrity further its mission to produce theatre for everyone, made by women, and the season was both critically acclaimed and It is critically important to operate with integrity, be truthful in our recognized at the Dora Mavor Moore Awards. interactions and accountable for our actions. Opportunity Strong management and success at the box office ensured that Nightwood once again finished the year in a healthy It is our responsibility to mentor and share knowledge with emerging financial position with an accumulated surplus of $41,488. Our financial health is crucial for the company’s continued talent and seed a new generation of Canadian theatre practitioners. growth and ensures that talented women in theatre are able to continue to find a base and a voice with Nightwood. Respect The Board continued to be active, creative and committed. Governance remained in good hands under The Hon. Sarmite All of our relationships, whether with artists, producers, employees, Bulte, and Hilary Green continued to lead our Development committee with vision and discipline. We are indebted to donors or audiences must be conducted with full transparency, open Dr. Barbara Moses, who has devoted countless hours to the crafting of a corporate training program, and who held a communication and an emotional intelligence that approaches human fundraiser at her lovely home. Sharlene Kanhai completed her first year on the board and made valuable contributions relationships with fairness and collaboration. and introductions in the advancement of the corporate training program. Maria Zakos once again provided focused and attentive input to all board activities. We are indebted to Karon Bales, our past chair, for her wise guidance and perspective. We were also delighted to welcome Chantria Tram, who will sit on our Finance committee. Finally, Board Secretary, Brent Vickar took a star turn in this year’s Lawyer Show production of The Drowsy Chaperone, proving that his lawyer and board member skills are just the beginning of his talents!

Speaking of the Lawyer Show, The Drowsy Chaperone played to rave reviews and sold out houses at the St. Lawrence Centre. This important fundraiser not only helps to support the company financially, but allows members of the legal community to experience the magic of theatre. We are so proud and grateful for the commitment that all of the Lawyer Show participants show to Nightwood.

Our Dinner with Friends event welcomed many of Nightwood’s long-standing supporters to Le Sélect Bistro for an evening of food, wine, conversation and a preview of the 2018-19 Season. We were also thrilled to see many new guests of our Board of Directors in attendance. We look forward to more of these events in the year ahead.

It has been a terrific year with Nightwood. I have loved getting to know the Management, Staff and Board Members better and I am energized and excited for the year to come.

– Susan Hodkinson

Heath V. Salazar as Gay Jesus ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT

“ I am a playwright, a director, a teacher, a dramaturge and most recently an Artistic Director – thanks to Nightwood’s impact on my career for the ten plus years DEVELOPING PLAYS, In play development we launched six new plays in our annual Groundswell Festival with readings by Elena Belyea, Deanna I’ve had a relationship with them.” Kruger, Michelle Langille, Gitanjali Lena, Hannah Rittner and Lisa Ryder. Anna Chatterton joined us as Playwright In DEVELOPING PEOPLE – Audrey Dwyer (Playwright and Director, Calpurnia) Residence with her play Heroine, and we hosted a fruitful workshop with her collaborator Shahrzhad Arshadi. In June, the two travelled to the Kurdish Mountains to meet with female resistance fighters as research for their play. Playwright Karen Hines also received a week-long workshop in the Spring for her play All The Little Animals I Have Eaten, which read to a captivated audience in our studio. One of the greatest contributions Nightwood makes to Canadian theatre is through artistic development. Our dedication to both artist development and play development has a huge impact on the theatre ecology, both locally and nationally.

Significant time and resources are dedicated as we shepherd world premiere productions from page to stage. It is no surprise that this often results in accolades and dissemination of our plays across the country. In the past two years, we have enjoyed Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations for Outstanding New Play for Diane Flacks’ Unholy (2017) and Rose Napoli’s Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells) (2018), and stirring responses to Audrey Dwyer’s Calpurnia, Ellie Moon’s Asking For It and Erin Brubacher & Christine Brubaker’s 7th Cousins.

Nightwood offers a platform for these burgeoning voices, giving them broader exposure and the necessary resources to achieve a world-class production. Investing time in an artist gives them a safe place to experiment so they can succeed in the long run. From Napoli’s development as a playwright, graduating from Write From The Hip to our mainstage and beyond, to Dwyer’s development as a playwright and director, through Write From The Hip and an Artistic Direction Clockwise from Top Left: residency, we are not only a pipeline for plays, but also people. This is where Nightwood has been excelling. We identify Michelle Langille, Deanna talent and we invest in it, giving independent artists a platform from which to establish themselves. Kruger, Elena Belyea, This year, we welcomed 15 emerging artists into our Young Innovators program, where they received mentorship in Hannah Rittner, Lisa Ryder, fundraising, marketing and producing. Their training culminated in the sold-out Fempocalypse, a cabaret in celebration of Gitanjali Lena. International Women’s Day, with all proceeds going to Sistering. We also welcomed Sadie Epstein-Fine as Intern Artistic Director, thanks first to Canada Council and then the Metcalf Foundation. Other interns included Tsholi Khalemi and Michelle Langille as Assistant Directors for Calpurnia and Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells), respectively, and Angie Ho as a Co-op student from Centennial College, who upon graduation was hired as our Marketing & Development Assistant. We are thrilled to have her join the team.

This page: Carolyn Fe, Audrey Dwyer, and Meghan Swaby. Photo: Victoria Laberge. Page 7, at top: (Clockwise from top left) Adriana DeAngelis, Julie Foster, Bryn Kennedy, Lauren Wolanski, Kelly Thornton, Keshia Palm, Melissa Taylor, Andrea Rankin, Cathy Huang, Cate McKim, Bárbara Cotado Martinez, Samantha Vu, Mirka Loiselle and Justine Christensen. Not pictured: Ellen Denny, Natalie Liconti, Lucy McPhee and Rachel Mutombo. the consent event the consent event asking for it LO (or Dear Mr. Wells) An In Association production, in association with Crow’s Theatre, A Nightwood Theatre production in association with Crow’s Theatre Nightwood Theatre and Necessary Angel Theatre Company Cast: Vivien Endicott-Douglas 2018 Dora Mavor Moore Award nomination for Cast: Sam Kalilieh Outstanding New Play Christine Horne Steven McCarthy 2018 Dora Mavor Moore Award nomination for Creative Team: 2018 Dora Mavor Moore Award nomination for Ellie Moon Outstanding Performance - Ensemble WRITTEN BY Rose Napoli Outstanding Performance – Female Jaa Smith-Johnson DIRECTED BY Andrea Donaldson for Vivien Endicott-Douglas ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Michelle Langille Creative Team: “[The] disturbing conclusion, offering LIGHTING DESIGN Kaileigh Krysztofiak WRITTEN BY Ellie Moon SOUND DESIGN Deanna H. Choi DIRECTED BY Brendan Healy no clear answers but lots of questions, STAGE MANAGER Ken James Stewart MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN Richard Feren is just one reason why this play is PRODUCTION MANAGER Suzie Balogh LIGHTING DESIGN André du Toit essential viewing.” COSTUME COORDINATOR Kathleen Johnston STAGE MANAGER Jordana Weiss – NOW Magazine PROPS COORDINATOR Care Robertson “Napoli’s skill as a wordsmith (particularly “one of the most timely and important for writing dialogue) shines, shows to hit a Toronto stage in years.” as does a mesmeric central – tanisha taitt performance in which Vivien Endicott-Douglas’ particular “We need more talents and attributes lock playwrights like into a role that perfectly Napoli. She’s a real suits them.” talent with something – toronto star powerful to say and the ability to communicate it with candour and clarity.” – now magazine

Ellie Moon and Jaa Smith-Johnson in Asking For It. Photo: Jeremy Mimnagh. Sam Kalilieh and Vivien Endicott-Douglas in Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells). Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann. 2017-18 audience engagement by the numbers

Nightwood was thrilled to expand the conversation beyond the stage this year to discuss the pertinent issues raised by our productions. 85 In the Fall we presented The Consent Event, a symposium facilitated by Catherine Public performances Hernandez, featuring a diverse group of experts and activists engaging in two panels & literary readings – Get Consent and Sex Talk – along with a candid conversation with playwrights Ellie Moon of Asking For It and Rose Napoli of Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells). Covering a multitude of perspectives, panelists for Get Consent included Deepa Mattoo, Director of Legal Services at Barbra Schlifer Clinic; Wendy De Souza, ReAct Youth Program Coordinator at METRAC; Carly Boyce, MSW, working in body autonomy, queer sexual health, 14 trauma and consent; and Alexander Waddling, grassroots organizer engaging young Works performed men on gender equality issues. Our Sex Talk panel explored human relationships from a sex-positive perspective. Panelists included award-winning speaker Dr. Jessica O’Reilly (Dr. Jess), sexologist; Carlyle Jansen, Founder of Good for Her; and Andrew “As politics and news Gurza, host of Disability After Dark, shining light on sex and disability. continue to stir the 8623 conversation around Our remount of Diane Flacks’ Unholy saw lively post-show discussions on the issue of Attendees misogyny and religion. We welcomed back provocateur and pundit Gretta Vosper, the equality, Toronto’s self-proclaimed Atheist Minister of the United Church of Canada, as well as a panel female-fronted with representatives from the Jewish and Muslim communities of Toronto: Cynthia Levine-Rasky and Sabreena Ghaffar-Siddiqui from Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom; Nightwood Theatre has been Shlomit Segal from the Winchevsky Centre; and writer and community activist 6889 burning brighter Farheen Khan. Tickets sold (including by than ever.” In preparation for Calpurnia, playwright Audrey Dwyer visited Toronto bookstores to – The Globe and Mail, read from her play and discuss the lasting impact of so-called classic novel To Kill a subscription) Mockingbird. The book crawl toured A Different Booklist, Another Story Book Shop December 2017 and Glad Day Bookshop, offering a provocative discussion, as well as recommended reads on race and class, challenging us to discuss issues of oppression, minus the white lens. During the production we hosted a Community Meal at The Theatre 179 Centre catered by Catherine Hernandez, Artistic Director of Sulong Theatre, featuring Subscribers delicious Filipino home cooking! We also engaged with renowned international activist Kim Katrin Milan to further our reach for the show culminating in a workshop on Race, Intersectionality and Allyship led by her partner Tiq Milan. In celebration of Black History Month we hosted a post-show talkback, moderated by Kayla Carter. 83 Our remount of Mouthpiece by Amy Nostbakken and Norah Sadava enjoyed post- show talkbacks led by acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Patricia Rozema and renowned Artists activist and author, Michele Landsberg, O.C.

Our pop-up presentation of Christine Brubaker and Erin Brubacher’s 7th Cousins toured to a multitude of community-based venues throughout the season, instigating a conversation around common humanity in a divisive age. The final performance 10 was a partnership with the Ismaili Centre in Toronto and Minister Gretta Vosper’s Artistic & “Art is our weapon. congregation at West Hill United Church. administrative positions Keep fighting.” It was undeniably a year of upheaval and social change in our world and Nightwood showed itself to be a leader in this pertinent discussion. In the words of Artistic Director, – Kelly Thornton Kelly Thornton, “This is about power imbalance, be it gender, race, class, or sexuality. Our responsibility to humanity is to redress these structures, through our voices, through allyship, through love and through art… Art is our weapon. Keep fighting.” 6068 Volunteer hours (including Lawyer Show)

Page 11: (Clockwise from top left) Myriam Zitouni and Derrick Chua. Michele Pearson and Audrey Dwyer. Andrew Gurza, Catherine Hernandez, Dr. Jessica O’Reilly and Carlyle Jansen. Participants of The AMY Project at Mouthpiece. unholy calpurnia A Nightwood Theatre production A Nightwood Theatre and Sulong Theatre co-production (out of 4) “Audrey Dwyer’s gutsy new comedy will Cast: “Brilliantly acted, it’s at Cast leave you cringing in your seat as it Diane Flacks Don Allison fearlessly confronts the racism and Barbara Gordon times moving and, at others, Matthew Brown Niki Landau surprisingly steamy.” Carolyn Fe inequality festering under the surface of Blair Williams – the Globe and Mail Natasha Greenblatt liberal Toronto.” Bahareh Yaraghi Andrew Moodie – Toronto Life Kevin Bundy (appearing in the role of Richard from November 23-26) Meghan Swaby (out of 4) (out of 4) Creative Team: “Completely immersed in Creative Team: WRITTEN BY Diane Flacks WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY Audrey Dwyer “...likely to prompt many a soul-searching DIRECTED BY Kelly Thornton the social and political ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Tsholo Khalema conversation about how race, privilege, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Sadie Epstein-Fine conversation of 2017” SET DESIGN Anna Treusch and gender intersect... It’s more outspoken MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN Richard Feren – Toronto Star COSTUME DESIGN Jackie Chau LIGHTING DESIGN Bonnie Beecher LIGHTING DESIGN Bonnie Beecher and insightful about these issues than any ASSOCIATE LIGHTING DESIGN Noah Feaver SOUND DESIGN Johnny Salib Canadian play I’ve seen.” SET & COSTUME DESIGN Lindsay C. Walker “Diane Flacks has written PROPS COORDINATOR Christine Urquhart – Toronto Star PROJECTION DESIGN Laura Warren exactly the right play to see ASSISTANT SET DESIGN Megan Cinel ORIGINAL MOVEMENT DIRECTION Viv Moore ASSISTANT COSTUME DESIGN Emma Welsh WARDROBE COORDINATOR Christine Urquhart right now.” STAGE MANAGER Christina Cicko NNNN STAGE MANAGER Christina Cicko – Stage-Door.com ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER Neha Ross “Race politics, class differences and one PRODUCTION MANAGER Suzie Balogh PRODUCTION MANAGER Suzie Balogh of the most beloved novels of our time ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER Adriana DeAngelis ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER Adriana DeAngelis get savagely skewered in Audrey Dwyer’s new sure-to-sell-out play that will get you laughing, thinking and (occasionally) shifting uncomfortably in your seat.” – NOW Magazine

Niki Landau and Barbara Gordon in Unholy. Photo: John Lauener. Andrew Moodie and Meghan Swaby in Calpurnia. Photo: Dahlia Katz. mouthpiece 7th cousins A Nightwood Theatre presentation of a Quote Unquote Collective production, A Nightwood Theatre presentation of a 7th Cousins production in association with Why Not Theatre Cast | Creative Team: Cast | Creative Team: CREATED & PERFORMED BY Erin Brubacher and Christine Brubaker CREATED & PERFORMED BY Amy Nostbakken and Norah Sadava COLLABORATORS Samantha Gignac DIRECTED & COMPOSED BY Amy Nostbakken Kaitlyn Hickey MOVEMENT DIRECTION & DRAMATURGY Orian Michaeli Erum Khan LIGHTING DESIGN André du Toit Andrea Nann SOUND DESIGN James Bunton Simon Rabyniuk STAGE MANAGER Rebecca Vandevelde Christopher Stanton

– The Globe and Mail “A smart show, beautifully put together and performed, and one that speaks up for all the women who daily bite their “An engrossing and tongues.” virtuosic performance” – The Guardian – Toronto Star

Norah Sadava and Amy Nostbakken in Mouthpiece. Photo: Joel Clifton. Christine Brubaker and Erin Brubacher in 7th Cousins. Nightwood is grateful for the invaluable support of our generous community of donors and partners.

GOVERNMENT FUNDERS Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council

CORPORATE SUPPORTERS BMO Financial Group, CIBC, Scotiabank, TD Bank Group

FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS Citrine Foundation, Metcalf Foundation, S.M. Blair Foundation, Theatre Ontario

COMMUNITY PARTNERS The AMY Project, Big Rock Brewery, Bombay Palace, Incredible Printing, Phancy Food and Catering, Sublime Catering, The Food Dudes

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS $10,000+ Anonymous, Kate Amesbury, Barbara Moses PhD, Tamara Zielony $5,000 - $9,999 Anonymous, Anonymous**, Kingfisher Foundation**, Theresa Mersky, McLean Smits Family Foundation, Nancy’s Very Own Foundation $2,500 - $4,499 Susan Hodkinson, Florence Minz, The Patricia J. Fleming (FBG) Fund at Toronto Foundation, Mary Thomson & Jan Ruby $1,000 - $2,499 Anonymous, Anonymous*, Anonymous**, Jacqui Allard, Diane Blake, Dr. Susan Brunt, The Hon. Sarmite D. Bulte, P.C, Susan Cumming, OUR SUPPORTERS Heather Gardiner, Susan Gerhard, Shelley Hobbs, Valerie Hussey, Astrid Janson, Michele Landsberg & Stephen Lewis, Frances Macklin**, John McGowan***, The Pat & Tony Adams Freedom Fund, The Paul Butler and Chris Black Foundation at Toronto Foundation, Brent Vickar, Waterford Property Group**, Peggy Wente, Julie White, Maria Zakos

Every year we are continually impressed with the depths of our supporters’ commitment and engagement with our $500 - $999 Zanana Akande, Karon C. Bales & Charles E. Beall, Krishna Balkissoon, The Butterfield Family Foundation, Philip & Joyce Epstein, organization. Our 2017-18 Season was no exception, with the continuation of new traditions such as our second annual Lisa Goodfellow, Kamala-Jean Gopie, Hilary Green, Michael Healey, Lawrence Hill, Jessica Jennings, Sharlene Kanhai, Sam Marinucci, Dinner with Friends, celebrating an exclusive Season Launch in the company of our closest supporters. We were thrilled Amy Maree Pollitt, Steven Rayson, John Rider & Karim Karsan, Priyanka Sheth & Heather Turnbull, Caroline Ursulak, Andrew Valentine***, to welcome a few new faces to the event who joined the Nightwood family as season subscribers to the upcoming Lyane van Schaik-Munk* 2018 -19 lineup. $250 - $499 Anonymous***, Anderson Wilson LLP***, Artbooks, Jennifer Babe***, Catherine Bate***, Keri Bennett***, Kim Blackwell, Yvonne The Artistic Director’s Social Circle for donors of $1,000+ continued to thrive as we worked with Write From The Hip Bland***, Anne Brown, Viviana Comensoli, Laurence Dabin, Sandie Drake, Linda Silver Dranoff, Jocelyn Edmison, Andrew Fleming***, Margot alumna Jordi Mand alongside hosts Karon Bales and Charles Beall to plan a group trip to Stratford Festival’s production Franssen, Judy Gladstone, Peter Hamiwka**, Shira Hart, Harvey Kalles Real Estate LTD., Brokerage***, Pamela Hillen, Taras Hrycyna, Judith of Brönte: The World Without in September 2018. We also welcomed some esteemed new members into the circle Huddart, Jane Hutcheson, Donna Inch, Elizabeth Janak, Danny Kastner***, Brett Ledger & Patricia Olasker, Lois Lorimer-Nunn, Mr. Larry Lubin, Jenna Zuschlag Misener, John & Lissa Peck, Judith Ramirez, Sharon Ranson*, Deanna Rosenswig, Jill Schoolenberg, Shelley Scott, Katie this season thanks largely to an intimate fundraising soirée at the home of our board member Dr. Barbara Moses. For Severs, Katherine Siminovitch, Avery Swartz, Leeanne Weld, Firth Whitwam, Catherine Wiley the second year in a row, Barbara opened up her stunning home to guests to enjoy scintillating excerpts performed by $100 - $249 the artists in our season. It has been so impactful to be able to share a taste of our work with such an intimate and Anonymous X 4, Anonymous** X 3, Anonymous***, Ahmad Afsahi, Craig Allardyce, Moira & Ed Bacon, David Barrons***, Jeff Berryman**, passionate group of people every year. Henry & Marcia Blumberg, Dianne Bradley, Jean & Dave Brown, Margaret Bryce, BSIDE Beauty**, Betty Carlyle, Saara Chetner in honour of Shelley Hobbs, Susan Coyne, BJ Danylchuk, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP***, Misha Dubbeld, Hugh Dyer***, Kinnon Elliott, Elsie Sparks & The increase in major gifts this season played a huge part in allowing us to celebrate a surplus for the second year in Ross Tucker, Karen Ewing***, Cidalia Faria, Lois Fine, Barbara Fingerote, Matt Fowler***, Lib Gibson, David Goldbloom, Good For Her**, a row. Some of our “angel donors” expressed an interest in supporting a specific production, artist, or activity; such Dean Gresdal***, Liz Hache**, Valerie Hay, Dany Horovitz, Rose Janson, Alicia Jeffery, Joyce Jennings, Diane Karnay, Sarah King, Cecil King, as Kate Amesbury, who was particularly keen to invest in the exceptional talents of Quote Unquote Collective’s Amy Eva Klein, Erica Kopyto, Cathy Lloyd, Kelly MacIntosh, Robin Mackie, Nancy MacTavish, John Maillard, Sheila Martin, Mary Milne, Jerome Nostbakken and Norah Sadava, in their return engagement of Mouthpiece. Meanwhile, two of our strongest supporters of Morse*, Mark Murray**, Miriam Newhouse, Tara Nicodemo, Eva Nicols, Penny Noble, Ed Nowina, Eleanor O’Connor, Brigid O’Reilly, Oasis Aqualounge**, Shelley Page**, Judith Parker, Colleen Pollreis, Evguenia Potachenskaia, Catherine Riggall, Ken Rosenstein***, Nika Rylski, new work created the Paul Butler and Chris Black Play Development Fund through the Toronto Foundation, committing to Janice Sandomirsky**, Geri Sanson, Douglas Scott, Linda & Alan Slavin, E. Jane Thompson, Catelyn Thornton, John Thurlow***, Donald an annual contribution of $2,000 over the next five years. Alternatively, some of our major donors simply want to see their Toumey***, Denise Trottier**, Nadya Tymochenko, Wendy Vance**, Martin Wasserman, Barbara Watson, Anthea Windsor, Hersh Zeifman funds dispersed into the areas of greatest need. We cannot understate the value these long-term gifts have in the health $1 - $99 and longevity of our company. Anonymous X 3, Anonymous**, Anonymous*** X 2, Naz Afsahi, Diane Baker Mason***, Barbara & Jack Millar, Mike Berger***, Mary Bredin**, Beth Brown, Julia Burgess**, Pamela Cameron, Micheline Chevrier, Colin Chant & Jen Mactaggart, Evelyn Crea**, Elizaville The Lawyer Show is always a fast-paced, hugely ambitious, and absolutely unforgettable way to cap off our season. The Beekeepers Association, Kevin Genirs***, Amanda Hale, Joan Harvey, Karen Hines, Veronika Hurnik, Devin Jarcaig***, Pamela Johnston, cast of the 9th annual Lawyer Show was a particularly tight-knit group, with fast friendships forming around our production Ashwin Joshi**, Jim Kirkwood, Melanie Kneis***, Barbara Linds, Esther Louis***, H. Ian & Dorothy Macdonald, Alissa Markovic***, Linda of The Drowsy Chaperone. It was such an honour to work with these 40 passionate theatre lovers to bring the hilarious McLaughlin, Daniela Moretti***, Flynn Paquin***, John Penn***, Catherine Pickett, David Portilla***, Anne Prowse**, Georgia Quartaro, Patrick Rennick***, Janet Rubinoff, Harveen Sandhu in memory of Jon Kaplan, Ellen Schoenberger, Lindsay Schwietz, Allyson Scott, Paula Toronto-born musical to the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, raising over $145,000 for Nightwood Theatre through their Grgurich Shewchuk in memory of Angelica Milo, David Sobel, James Sonne***, Ms. Rebecca Sugarman, Delaine Tiniakos-Doran, Rhys tireless efforts, helping us secure sponsorships, donations and program ad sales, in addition to selling out the entire Trenhaile**, Janet Walker, Sybil Wilkinson**, Sandy Wu three-night run. Donations between April 2017 and July 2018 This passion and commitment demonstrated by our supporters is central to our success at Nightwood and we are *In support of 7th Cousins eternally grateful for your engagement. **In support of Asking For It ***In support of the 2018 Lawyer Show

The 2018 Lawyer Show production of The Drowsy Chaperone. Photo: John Lauener. The Team

2017-2018 Statement of Operations STAFF Playwrights/Creators Erin Brubacher, Manager) Producers Catherine Kelly Thornton (Artistic Director), Christine Brubaker, Audrey Dwyer, Diane Herdandez, sandra Henderson, Kelly Beth Brown (Managing Director), Naz Flacks, Ellie Moon, Rose Napoli, Amy Read, Geneviève Trottier Production REVENUEs 2018 2017 Afsahi (Business Manager and Artistic Nostbakken, Norah Sadava Directors Personnel Christine Urquhart (Head Earned: Associate), Victoria Laberge (Director Andrea Donaldson, Audrey Dwyer, of Props), Charissa Wilcox (Head Single ticket sales $ 138,774 $ 111,305 of Marketing & Development), Cate Brendan Healy, Amy Nostbakken, Kelly Carpenter) Lawyer Show Participants Co-productions 26,443 - McKim (Outgoing Director of Marketing Thornton, Sadie Epstein-Fine (Assistant Craig Allardyce, Cathy Bate, Mike Berger, Other 6,507 4,878 & Incoming Distribution Manager), Sadie Director), Tsholo Khalema (Assistant Edina Cavalli, André Chamberlain, Workshops, classes and events 1,815 4,420 Epstein-Fine (Intern Artistic Director), Director), Michelle Langille (Assistant Anthea Cheung, Daniel Cook, Alexis Private Sector: Angie Ho (Marketing & Development Director) Choreographers Cathy Bate, Dill, Ben Edgecombe, Courtney Evans, Donations and sponsorships 245,906 218,721* Assistant), Andrea Donaldson (Write Orian Michaeli, Viv Moore, Sadie Epstein- David Feldman, Linda Galessiere, Henry Fundraising events 78,721 71,710 From The Hip Facilitator), Kinnon Elliott Fine (Fight Coordinator) 7th Cousins Gluch, Mel Herbin, Shelley Hobbs, Dany Foundations 38,861 54,300 (Graphic Designer), Chris Mustard of Collaborators Samantha Gignac, Kaitlyn Horovitz, Karen Jackson, Devin Jarcaig, Public Sector: Young & Associates (Financial Advisor) Hickey, Erum Khan, Andrea Nann, Simon Lisa Jørgensen, Danny Kastner, Brian Federal 102,500 106,767 Rabyniuk, Christopher Stanton Write Kuchar, Heidi LeBlanc, Valerie Lord, Provincial 62,948 61,321 BOARD OF DIRECTORS From The Hip Playwrights Elena Belyea, Ilana Ludwin, Diane Baker Mason, Municipal 75,932 93,000 Susan Hodkinson (Chair), Sharlene Deanna Kruger, Michelle Langille, Kate McNeece, John McGowan, Llana Kanhai, Ana Sainz (Treasurer), Brent Gitanjali Lena, Hannah Rittner, Lisa Nakonechny, Christine Naycalo, Tracy TOTAL 778,377 726,422 Vickar (Secretary), Karon Bales, The Ryder Playwrights In Residence Anna A. Pratt, John Rider, Emma Romano, Honourable Sarmite Bulte, Hilary Green, Chatterton, Amy Nostbakken, Norah Alia Rosenstock, Leo Salloum, Robin Dr. Barbara Moses, Chantria Tram, Sadava Set & Costume Designers Senzilet, Marah Smith, John Sorensen, EXPENSES Caroline Ursulak, Maria Zakos Jackie Chau, Rachel Forbes, Anna Brent Vickar Young Innovators Justine Artistic and Programming: Treusch, Lindsay C. Walker, Kathleen Christensen, Bárbara Cotado Martinez, Artistic salaries and fees 256,038 206,167 ENSEMBLE Johnston (Costume Coordinator), Care Adriana DeAngelis, Ellen Denny, Julie Venue rental 61,659 54,348 Mainstage Actors Don Allison, Matthew Robertson (Props Coordinator), Christine Foster, Cathy Huang, Bryn Kennedy, Production and technical fees 47,164 27,757 Brown, Erin Brubacher, Christine Urquhart (Set and Costume Coordinator), Mirka Loiselle, Lucy McPhee, Rachel Production costs 18,582 8,915 Brubaker, Kevin Bundy, Vivien Endicott- Megan Cinel (Assistant Set Designer), Mutombo, Keshia Palm, Andrea Rankin, Royalties 12,486 9,161 Douglas, Carolyn Fe, Diane Flacks, Adriana DeAngelis (Assistant Costume Melissa Taylor, Samantha Vu, Lauren Marketing and Development: Barbara Gordon, Natasha Greenblatt, Designer), Emma Welsh (Assistant Wolanski Interns Bryn Kennedy, Mirka Fundraising costs 77,668 83,098 Christine Horne, Sam Kalilieh, Niki Costume Designer) Lighting Design Loiselle, Rebecca Ostroff Volunteers Marketing salaries and fees 68,656 46,765 Landau, Steven McCarthy, Andrew Bonnie Beecher, Kaileigh Krysztofiak, Brynn Cutcliffe, Sarah Marchand, Lauren Other marketing costs 7,971 6,484 Moodie, Ellie Moon, Amy Nostbakken, Steve Lucas, André du Toit, Noah Maykut, Arianna Moodie, Kate Morrison, Advertising purchases 7,746 13,313 Norah Sadava, Jaa Smith-Johnson, Feaver (Associate Lighting Designer) Gillian Reed, Isabela Stille, Emma Administration: Meghan Swaby, Blair Williams, Bahareh Composers/Sound Designers James Westray, Myriam Zitouni Administration salaries and fees 131,096 118,136 Yaraghi Groundswell Actors Shelly Bunton & Amy Nostbakken, Deanna General administrative costs 64,342 62,461 Anthony, Dalal Badr, Raoul Bhaneja, H. Choi, Richard Feren, Johnny Salib PARTNERS Amortization 513 720 Augusto Bitter, Rachel Cairns, Diane Musicians Paul Moody, Ethan Rotenberg 7th Cousins Productions, Buddies In D’Aquila, Monica Dottor, Leah Doz, (Assistant) Media and Projection Design Bad Times Theatre, Crow’s Theatre, In TOTAL 753,921 637,325 David Ferry, Deidre Gillard-Rowlings, Laura Warren Stage Managers Christina Association, Necessary Angel Theatre Angel Glady, Carman Grant, Janet- Cicko, Ashley Elliot (Assistant Stage Company, Quote Unquote Collective, EXCESS OF REVENUES OVER EXPENSES 24,456 89,097 Laine Green, Cynthia Hicks, Fiona Manager), Neha Ross (Assistant Stage Sulong Theatre, Why Not Theatre Highet, Elvira Kurt, Jesse Lavercombe, Manager), Kaitlyn Smith, Ken J. Stewart, Diana Luong, Faith-Ann R. Mendes, Rebecca Vandevelde, Jordana Weiss Jane Moffatt, Rachel Mutombo, Nicole Production Managers Suzie Balogh, net assets (deficit) - beginning of year 17,032 (72,065) Nwokolo, Liisa Repo-Martell, Lisa Christina Cicko, Rebecca Vandevelde, Ryder, Meghan Swaby, Richard Young Adriana DeAngelis (Assistant Production net assets - end of year $ 41,488 $ 17,032

*Includes tax-receiptable portion of Lawyer Show tickets. NightwoodTheatre

Left to right: Beth Brown, Andrea Donaldson, Angie Ho, Kelly Thornton, Victoria Laberge, Sadie Epstein-Fine and Naz Afsahi. Photo: Brooke Wedlock.