Beyond the Stage

We build community through theatre.

Our Beyond the Stage programming keeps the conversation going, deepening our collective understanding of important issues and connecting to inspiring leaders and organizations actively engaged in making change. We are grateful for our Community Partnerships with service, advocacy, arts and education organizations, with whom we collaborate closely to develop interactive experiences that take you beyond the world of the play and have you talking long after you leave the theatre.

An audience member speaks at a reading
Chats & Talkbacks

Get an insider’s point of view. Join discussions about the themes of our plays and the stories behind our productions with pre-show expert chats and post-show artist talkbacks.

Audience members engage in an expert panel after NSFW
EXPERT PANELS

Go deeper with the issues. Subject matter experts and community leaders join us during panels that stimulate discussions of the Big Questions provoked by our plays.

A student stands with their artwork for the My Name Is Asher Lev Lobby Display
Lobby Exhibits

See it in a different way. The conversation continues in the lobby, animated with visual art exhibits providing context and illuminating diverse perspectives on the themes of our productions.

Tell It Like It Is Panelists
AT HOME

Continue the conversation. Through the pandemic, we brought direct to your home unique digital opportunities to interact with artists, delve into the creative process and chat about issues vital to our world, our communities and ourselves.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Our Beyond the Stage events accompany Mainstage Productions.

Details coming soon about the Beyond the Stage events our 25/26 Mainstage production of A Christmas Market!

25 26

Black Together Night

November 28, 2025

8:00 PM (performance + post-show celebration)

Studio Theatre, Streetcar Crowsnest (345 Carlaw Avenue)

BLACK TOGETHER NIGHT is an evening created for Black audiences to gather, celebrate, and witness stories by and for the Black community in a safe and affirming space.

Inspired by the BLACK OUT concept popularized by Slave Play playwright Jeremy O. Harris, this night uplifts Blackness on stage, off stage, and in community.

Join us for a special presentation of Kanika Ambrose’s powerful new play The Christmas Market and then stay for the post-show celebration in the lobby!

Related productions

THE CHRISTMAS MARKET, November 4–30, 2025

First Winters: Community Conversation

November 30, 2025

12:30 PM-1:30 PM (before the 2:00 PM matinée)

Nada Ristich Studio-Gallery, Streetcar Crowsnest (345 Carlaw Avenue)

Come and see the matinée of The Christmas Market and join the community conversation before the show!

Hosted by b current Performing arts, and facilitated by Dora Award-winning actor and playwright Peter N. Bailey, First Winters is a pre-show community conversation about what it’s like to experience a first winter in Canada.

Share memories – from the magic of a first snowfall to the shock of -30°C weather – or simply listen to the stories of others.

No preparation is needed – just come as you are for good conversation, delicious food, and the chance to connect with others who understand the unique experience of Canadian winters.

This event is free (with lunch!), but registration is required. Space is limited so book early!

Tickets to the matinée performance of The Christmas Market at 2:00 PM are sold separately.

For more information and to register, click here.

Related productions

THE CHRISTMAS MARKET, November 4–30, 2025

PAST EVENTS

Photos (left to right): An audience member responds at an IN DEVELOPMENT Reading talkback, photo by Dahlia Katz. The expert panel for NSFW. An IN CLASS student stands with their artwork for the My Name Is Asher Lev lobby exhibit, photo by Annie Clarke. A screenshot of the AT HOME: Tell It Like It Is panelists.