Victoria Playhouse Inc.
Prince Edward Island’s Longest Running Little Theatre
2027 Festival Season
Call for Expressions of Interest
Issue Date: July 16, 2026
About the Victoria Playhouse
The Victoria Playhouse is a vibrant centre of creativity and an important part of Prince Edward Island’s artistic community. Our mission is to inspire imagination, strengthen communities, and foster a love of live performance.
For more than 40 years, the Playhouse has presented professional theatre, concerts, and performing arts in the historic theatre at the heart of Victoria-by-the-Sea. Our audiences include Islanders, seasonal residents, and visitors from across Canada and beyond. We curate programming that entertains, challenges, and inspires audiences of all ages and backgrounds, with a strong commitment to Canadian storytelling.
Invitation
Victoria Playhouse Inc. invites independent theatre companies, producers, and theatre artists to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to present a theatrical production during the 2027 Festival Season.
Since introducing this process in 2024, the Playhouse has supported new creative work including our first Playwright-in-Residence program held by Tanya Davis, and The Wonder of it All by Mark Weatherly. We are seeking original, engaging productions that demonstrate artistic excellence and compelling storytelling.
We particularly encourage proposals that align with the Playhouse’s history while offering fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Applications from artists and producers representing diverse communities are welcomed.
Selection Process
Step 1 – Expression of Interest
Submit a proposal (maximum five pages) addressing the criteria below. Scripts may be included as an appendix and do not count toward the page limit.
Deadline: September 1, 2026
Step 2 – Shortlisting
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, and shortlisted applicants will be notified by September 15, 2026.
Step 3 – Full Proposal
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a detailed production plan and budget by October 21st. Meetings with the selection committee may be scheduled during this stage.
Step 4 – Final Selection
The Victoria Playhouse Artistic Programming Committee will select the successful proposal by November 1st.
Expression of Interest Requirements
Please include:
- production title and synopsis
- names of key artistic and production personnel
- description of the work and its artistic vision
- explanation of why the work is timely and relevant
- anticipated audience and audience engagement strategy
- proposed marketing or community partnerships
- production approach, including design responsibilities
- preliminary set, lighting, costume, and props concepts
- preliminary production budget
Productions should ideally be presented in two acts with an intermission.
Applicants should also explain how their proposal reflects the artistic vision and history of the Victoria Playhouse while contributing something new to PEI’s professional theatre community.
Victoria Playhouse Support
The successful applicant will receive:
- negotiated rehearsal space during May and June
- three days of load-in, technical, and dress rehearsals
- one lighting/sound technician and one backstage crew member for performances
- full box office, ticketing, front-of-house, and concession services
- collaborative marketing support, as mutually agreed
Financial Arrangements
Financial terms will be negotiated with the successful applicant based on the detailed production budget submitted during the final proposal stage.
Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| September 1, 2026 | Expression of Interest deadline |
| September 2–8 | Questions and clarifications |
| September 9–15 | Committee review |
| September 15 | Shortlisted applicants notified |
| October 1–15 | Meetings and proposal development |
| October 21 | Final proposal due |
| November 1 | Successful applicant announced |
Submission
Expressions of Interest should be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on September 1, 2026 to:
Victoria Playhouse Inc.
Email: admin@victoriaplayhouse.com
We appreciate your interest and look forward to learning more about your work.