About The Passionate Players

The Passionate Players is a joint initiative between Convergence Theatre and Outside the March, two of Toronto’s leading independent Theatre companies.

Founded in 2013 as a fundraising endeavour for our 2013 co-production of Passion Play, The Passionate Players has gone on to see five incarnations to date, and has included upwards of 60 participants, ranging in age from 15-80.

The Passionate Players is an ever-expanding group of non-professional performers, but professional theatre-lovers. People come to us with a range of goals and experience (including none at all!), each sharing in a desire to develop their acting skills in a friendly and encouraging environment. Participants receive dedicated training in voice, movement, character development, and script analysis, and are directed by a team of leading professional theatre artists from both companies, as well as renowned guest artists.

The training and rehearsal process culminate in a series of public benefit performances, the proceeds of which (along with the players’ participation fees) go toward supporting future Convergence and OtM productions. Through this rigorous process, the Players experience what it’s like to be immersed in the world of professional theatre, all the while learning new skills, meeting new people, and making new friends along the way.

Interested in becoming a Passionate Player?

The company of A Midwinter Night’s Dream in 2014. — *The company of* A Midwinter Night’s Dream *in 2014.*

Testimonials from Players

“I am still managing to be in a somewhat euphoric state of mind. It could be the season but also the amazing sense of belonging to this wonderful family. All of you provided a warm, nurturing environment to allow each of us to grow. You encouraged us to be outrageous and to play.”

— Jeanette Cairns, five-time participant

“Being part of this was one of my most exciting experiences this year!”

— Pat Cochrane, three-time participant

“I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed my first acting experience. I am so impressed with your energy, organization, the professionalism, and the direction. You are all masters at creating a safe place for us to challenge ourselves and to grow into our roles. I learned so much, both behind the scenes and of course on stage. Thanks for taking a chance on an unknown. It was rewarding beyond all my expectations, and like many in the cast, I’m already missing the wonderful energy.”

— Pamela Paris, three-time participant

“Over the course of rehearsals, culminating in our weekend performances, I feel we really came to deserve our moniker – The Passionate Players. The passion on stage was palpable. And it was there because of all of the hard work of our directors and production team, and because of our own hard work and the trust that we were all able to build with each other, trust that enabled us to put ourselves out there fearlessly. I look forward to building more passion with you all.”

— Neil Naft, three-time participant

“Everyone in the group is so generous and it makes for a very comforting and supportive atmosphere. I haven’t experienced this kind of freedom in years, and I certainly haven’t laughed out loud so much since…I can’t remember when! So glad I’m a part of this.”

— Maureen Murray, two-time participant

Becoming a Shakespearian Actor by Peter Sevitt

A Note from Our Town Player Patricia Golubev

In Conversation with the Players