Offices located down the stairs inside the Directors' Office on the admin level of the Festival Theatre.
Founded by Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino in 2013, the Laboratory is the Stratford Festival’s research and development wing. It is a portfolio of experiments and explorations that drive our artistic and organizational evolution. We work from the values of love, creativity, respect, empathy, feedback & criticism, the 7 Grandfather teachings, and most of all a trust in artistic process.
With a focus on advancing expansive and innovative practices, the Lab produces workshops for projects in development, hosts creation residencies, fosters unity in the company and institution through Festival Classes, and connects artists from across the country and beyond to share practices, questions, challenges and strategies.
The Lab has facilitated the development and presentation of the following work on our stages:
Get That Hope by Andrea Scott (2024)
Salesman In China by Jovanni Sy and Leanna Brodie (2024)
Casey and Diana by Nick Green (2023)
Every Little Nookie by Sunny Drake (2022)
Mother's Daughter by Kate Hennig (2019)
Paradise Lost by Erin Shields (2018)
The Breathing Hole by Colleen Murphy (2017)
Bunny by Hannah Moscovitch (2016)
The Last Wife by Kate Hennig (2015)
and more!
“Welcome to the 2025 Stratford Festival Acting Company.
I hope that this next season brings new artistic growth for each of us. The range of experiences, skills and talents within this group is extraordinary and a source of strength. What a brilliant opportunity this gives us to learn from each other.
To enhance that possibility we have put together a series of group classes. It is not often that an acting company, of this size, can meet together in the work and become better at what we do. I wanted to provide a chance to get to know each other and broaden our understanding together.
I invite you to take advantage of these classes and urge you to take advantage of all the opportunities that our outstanding coaching team provides.
May this season bring you friendships and artistic journeys that last a lifetime.” -Antoni
Free Festival Lab Classes!
There is a selection of classes that are open to all current staff and artists, and other classes that are geared towards the acting company only. Registrations
are appreciated for planning purposes, but most classes are available
for drop-in as well. Please note that class attendance is 100% voluntary and
all events are free of charge. As more classes are announced this link will be
shared again.
Questions?
The Lab is here to support, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Beka Morrison, Producing Assistant & Lab Coordinator (mat leave coverage) - bmorrison@stratfordfestival.ca