Event Details

Incorporated in 2017 as a registered, not-for-profit, charitable organization, the Sudbury Performance Group (SPG) is Greater Sudbury’s newest performance arts company. SPG focuses on three main aspects of performance arts: comedy, music, and theatre. Current SPG programming includes the monthly “Jokestack” stand-up comedy series; a weekly music series at Trevi Bar & Grill; and a variety of live theatre for all ages at venues across Greater Sudbury. SPG enlists the contributions of over 50 local actors, over 100 professional musicians and over 35 professional comedians annually. The head of the SPG board is Mark Mannisto, former executive Director of Theatre Cambrian, which OCAF supported on three occasions.

This application is for “2024-2025 Festival Expansions”, taking place between August 2, 2024, and March 16, 2025, at various locations in Sudbury. In response to the success of SPG’s 2023-2024 Festivals, the SPG aims to broaden their audience base through culturally diverse programming and to promote tourism in Greater Sudbury through amplified promotion opportunities. The Festivals will host new artists from across the province at 54 local establishments, including low cost and free pop-up performances taking place at locations such as the main halls of elementary schools in all four boards as well as public libraries in Greater Sudbury. Programming will include:

(1) "Her Northern Voice" (August 2 – 11, 2024): dedicated to presenting Francophone and First Nations performers. This festival component aims to increase in geographic reach of the artists and the geographic marketing reach. Artists include Suzi Kory; Mimi O’Bonsawin; Gaslighter; Christina Hutt; The Fitzgeralds; and Rosa Cora Perry;

(2) The Northern Arts Festival (February 7-9, 2025): will include the addition of a youth component to the festival as well as an evening dedicated to Black and First Nations artists, including Sass Jordan; Choir! Choir! Choir!; Chanelle Albert; Thea May; The Mudmen; and DESTROYER; and

(3) "1 Act Festival" (March 7-16, 2025): will also be including a youth component, along with increasing the number of Canadian works presented, and providing performances with First Nations artists. Artists and acts include Chantal Forde; Pete Paylor; Norm Foster; Real Love: Kenny& Dolly; Tea With Roger by Peter Paylor; My Narrator by Norm Foster; The Italian in Me by Dina Morrone; and Take Care by Ellen Denny.