Karine Ricard, Djennie Laguerre, and fellow artists and friends on tour in France to present Théâtre Français de Toronto’s tour of Le Concierge.
It was nice to share this moment with my teenager who at this point does not care about my work but mostly looks at her social media. The ups and downs of touring made her realize what hard work we do. It’s not that fun and not a party. She sees how much the mother part of me nurtures my work and her reality in the universe. And I got to spend my day off with the love of my life in the city of LOVE.
Théâtre français de Toronto
Théâtre français de Toronto
Supporting childcare: On tour and at home
Level UP! Strategy Area: Care Solutions
Pilot Project: Exploring childcare solutions for audiences and artists during a home season production, and for an artist on tour.
Project Duration: 2022/2023 Season
Continuing to Implement: Yes
Resources Shared: Email Template: Childcare Offer for Artists, Social Media Post: Childcare at the Theatre
About Théâtre français de Toronto
Location: Ontario
Artistic Discipline: Theatre
Operating Budget: More than $1,000,000
Théâtre français de Toronto (TfT) is a dynamic company that performs repertoire and new works for Francophones and Francophiles. Dedicated to fostering theatrical vitality, TfT serves various communities and school networks, acting as a vibrant gathering place. The company presents high-quality works with a diverse and inclusive program while supporting artistic growth and professional development within the community. TfT also plays an active role in education and theatrical outreach.
Théâtre français de Toronto’s Level UP! Project
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Karine Ricard, Théâtre français de Toronto explored various childcare solutions for artists and audience members during the 2022–2023 season. These initiatives included:
Project Highlights:
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- Childcare coverage for artists in the production of Le Concierge. Artists and workers could request reimbursements for childcare expenses incurred during evening and weekend rehearsals and performances.
- On-site childcare offered to audience members during a matinee performance of Aalaapi, a work co-presented by Native Earth Performing Arts and TfT in association with Luminato Festival Toronto. TfT engaged The Summerhill Babysitting Club in Toronto to provide childcare.
- Supporting an artist to bring her daughter on tour in France.
TfT has continued to offer childcare support beyond the scope of its Level UP! project. In 2024, the company provided transportation for a grandmother to come and help an artist with his newborn during rehearsals for Les Zinspiré.e.s. A bursary was also provided to another artist to cover babysitting costs during tech week.
Resources
Théâtre français de Toronto | Email Template: Childcare Support Offer for Artists
About This Resource Théâtre français de Toronto created this email template as part of their Balancing Act Level UP! Project. The resource includes both an English version and a French version of the template.
Théâtre français de Toronto | Social Media Post: Childcare at the Theatre
About This Resource Théâtre français de Toronto created this social media post in 2023 as part of their Balancing Act Level UP! Project. The post was used to promote free childcare offered during a matinee performance of Aalaapi, co-presented by Native Earth...
More Information
For more information about Théâtre français de Toronto visit theatrefrancais.com.
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