THE VICTORIA PLAYHOUSE INC.
Prince Edward Island’s Longest Running Little Theatre
Mission Statement
The Victoria Playhouse, an integral part of Island artistic life, is a vibrant centre of creativity, inspiring imagination, stronger communities and love of live performance.
The VPI has produced more than forty years of professional theatre emphasizing contemporary Canadian comedy and drama. We produce an annual summer season of live theatre, musical concerts and performance arts events in the beautiful historical building at the centre of the village of Victoria by the Sea, PE. The Playhouse audience is a diverse mix of full-time Island residents, summer residents and tourists. We aim our programming to appeal to a broad range of tastes across generations and diverse cultures, presenting work that entertains, surprises and moves our patrons.
The Victoria Playhouse (VPI) is excited to extend an invitation to independent theatre companies, theatre artists and/or producers to submit a proposal to present a theatrical production as part of the Victoria Playhouse 2026 Festival Season. We are offering an incentive guarantee to enable artists to develop and present their ideas.
Background
The VPI has produced more than forty years of professional theatre emphasizing contemporary Canadian comedy and drama. The Playhouse audience is a diverse mix of fulltime Island residents, summer residents and tourists. We aim our programming to appeal to a broad range of tastes, presenting work that entertains, surprises and moves our patrons. In 2025 we offered a season of mostly music with a new approach to engaging innovative original theatrical presentations through an RFP process. This led to the presentation of a one person performance with Poet Laureate Tanya Davis, as well as our first Playwright in Residence. We continue to consider new approaches to engage theatre creators and audiences to offer another exciting theatre festival for the 2026 season.
For the 2026 summer season, we are offering another opportunity for new creative partnerships with Island Theatre artists. To do so, we are sharing this call for expressions of interest from independent theatrical producers to be a part of our 2026 season. Details on the expression of interest and further steps are on the next page.
The deadline for the expression of interest is November 20, 2025.
Applications will be screened, and a short list will be created by November 30, 2025.
The shortlisted applicants will be notified and given further instructions and selection criteria.
Expressions of Interest should be submitted online by the end of day November 20, 2025.
“Victoria Playhouse” admin@victoriaplayhouse.com
Thank you for your interest. We look forward to reviewing your proposal.
RFP (Request for Proposal) Process
Step 1: Expression of Interest
We are currently seeking expressions of interest in the form of a brief overview document of your theatrical production. This expression of interest must be no longer than 5 pages, and must address the review criteria outlined below.
Step 2: Shortlisting
The selection committee creates a shortlist.
Step 3: Full Application Package
The shortlisted applicants will provide a more detailed production plan. During this time, there will also be meetings scheduled with the selection committee to assist with the development of this plan.
Step 4: Final Selection
The selection committee and board of the playhouse will determine a successful applicant.
Expression of Interest Criteria:
The prospective Independent Producers (IP) will:
- provide the title and description of the production and names of the currently known key players involved (artistic and administrative) along with a detailed outline of the work or theme; or the completed script if available (a completed script is not included in the 5-page limit)
- describe the context and rationale for the work, and why it is relevant in a diverse, inclusive culture
- describe the work in terms of anticipated audience engagement
- outline any innovative thinking regarding potential partnerships that could enable the work to be shared and marketed to diverse audiences
- describe how they will meet responsibilities for all areas of their production including design and providing a stage manager.
- provide an overview of all anticipated scenery, props, costume requirements.
- provide a simple set and lighting concept.
- include a preliminary budget overview.
The production will:
- feature a maximum of four actors.
- ideally have two acts with an intermission
As part of this expression of interest, prospective IPs are asked to describe how the proposed play/presentation aligns with both the history and vision of the Victoria Playhouse. As such, we encourage submissions that reflect an understanding of the breadth and depth of professional theatre on PEI, as well as an appreciation for innovation. We welcome and encourage expressions of interest from diverse communities.
Role of the VPI
The Victoria Playhouse (VPI) will, to a successful applicant:
- provide some rehearsal space through May and June to be negotiated with the IP.
- provide one sound/lighting technician and one backstage crew member for all performances, and 3 days of tech/dress rehearsals, and load-ins
- provide full Box Office and ticketing services, Front of house and concession services
- share marketing services as negotiated with the IP.
Financial Arrangements:
- The VPI will pay the successful applicant a guarantee of $10,000 for 8 performances between July 1 and August 31, 2026 with specific dates to be negotiated with the IP.
- After $20,000 in NET sales the successful applicant and VPI will split the proceeds 60/40.
Schedule for Proposal Process
- Call for statements of interest September 29, 2025
- Questions/clarifications: September 30 – October 30, 2025
- “Victoria Playhouse” admin@victoriaplayhouse.com
- RFP expression of interest deadline: November 20, 2025
- Panel review period: November 21 – 29, 2025
- Selection of short list: November 30, 2025
- Informing shortlisted applicants and providing further requirements for a final submission
- Communication or meetings with IP: December 1 – December 8, 2025
- Final RFP submission deadline: December 10, 2025
- Announcement of winning RFP: December 20, 2025