ASSISTANTS &
ASSOCIATES
PROGRAM
The CGDC Assistants and Associates Program is an equal opportunity endeavour providing paid career training, development, mentorship, and work placement for artists looking to become professional directors and choreographers in Canadian theatre. Successful applicants will not only receive on-the-job work placement opportunities under esteemed creatives, but will also participate in an in-depth educational course to further their understanding of all aspects of the creative process.
WHO/WHY
Because assistants and associates are essential positions in theatre and integral to its ecosystem. The experience, education, and connections made while in these positions provide an artist with exponential professional growth. However, this path is not currently feasible for most. The CGDC will build pathways for young-in-craft artists who are seeking to become professional theatre creators in Canada and endeavour to ensure fair compensation.
TIMELINE &
COMMITMENT
The CGDC AAP Course consists of a 2 hour commitment via Zoom each Friday for a period of 3 months, January - March, 2025
Placement contracts will take place between April 2025 and December 2026.
IMPORTANT DATES
Applications open September 2, 2024
​
Applications close September 30, 2024
​
Notice of results by November 14, 2024
AVAILABLE POSITIONS &
HOW TO APPLY
1. Review each available position's description and criteria, and choose which position best suits and interests you most
​
2. Fill out the application below. You will need to:
​
- Provide information regarding your previous eligible work experience
- Include 2 reference letters from professional directors and/ or choreographers
- Attach your headshot and resume
- Answer a few short-form questions
​
3. Answer these short-form questions:
​
- What qualities do you possess that make you a great candidate for this position?
- Describe your work philosophy. What values do you hold in the workplace?
- Why do you want to do this work?
- Who's career do you admire?
- What do you hope to gain from this experience?​
​
4. Once you submit your application it will be reviewed. You will be notified by November 14, 2024 once final decisions have been made
​
*If you have applied to any of CGDC’s programs in the past, please feel free to reuse the reference letters you previously gathered.
​
Available Positions:
If there is any way we can make this application more accessible to you, or if you have any questions about the application process, please contact us at canadianguilddc@gmail.com
APPLICATION
The 2025/26 CGDC Assistants and Associates Program is made possible through the support of Canada Council for the Arts.
WHY I STAND WITH CGDC
JULIE TOMAINO
"When I made the transition from being a performer to learning the craft of choreography and stage direction, I was met with many brick walls. There was no clear path and no viable way to break into the industry in Canada. Through perseverance and a belief that I had something to offer, I slowly got opportunities to assist and be an associate, but I was never paid a living wage. What excites me about CGDC is that we can change that for the next generation. Access, a clear path, and abundant opportunities to work alongside established artists are the things I wish I had when I was emerging as a creative. It is so fulfilling as a mentor to see young-in-experience artists struggle and then succeed, and find their path forward. I love helping other artists as much as I love creating stories!"
SUPPORT CGDC