According to a national study, in the Canadian theatre industry women account for less than a third of the working directors and produced playwrights. And the numbers plummet further when you factor in gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender and non-binary individuals as well as cultural background, age, and physical/mental ability.

So as a direct response to the gross under representation of diverse women/gender non-conforming/genderqueer/transgender/non binary individuals in the role of playwright and director, and to further diversity in Canadian theatre, the Advance Theatre Festival was born. Advance Theatre showcases dramatic readings of five new plays written and directed by diverse women/gender non-conforming/genderqueer/transgender/non binary Canadian artists. These readings take place over five days during the Vancouver Fringe Festival, in September 2019.

If you are a playwright and your play is chosen to participate in the Advance Theatre Festival, Ruby Slippers Theatre and the Fringe Festival will cover the costs of all rehearsals prior to the day of the reading, your technical rehearsal, promotion, theatrical venue on Granville Island, and all artists’ fees.

If you are a director who wishes to participate, send us your resume and cover letter for consideration.

Playwrights: please send your play synopsis, brief bio, and a maximum ten page script excerpt to diane@rubyslippers.ca by February 15, 2019. One submission per person please. Successful candidates will be notified by May 30, 2019.

This is a curated process. Priority will be given to diversity.