Event Details

SummerWorks supports work that has a clear artistic vision and explores a specific theatrical aesthetic. It encourages risk, questions, and creative exploration while insisting on accessibility, integrity and professionalism.

This application is for the “SummerWorks’ 35th Anniversary Festival'' taking place June 30 to August 17, 2025, in various locations in Toronto. Programming includes:

(1) SummerWorks Programming Launch Party (June 2025) with host DJs Fly Lady Di, Orange Pekoe and Tdesu;

(2) Social Media Blitz Event (mid-July 2025) featuring pop-up performances and interactive audience engagement experiences from Festival artists and local drag and cabaret performers including Gay Jesus, BoylesqueTO, and Dainty Smith / Les Femmes Fatales;

(3) SummerWorks Festival Opening Night Kick-Off Party (August 7, 2025);

(4) SummerWorks @ Union 35th Anniversary Celebrations (August 2025) presenting Light Fires / DJ Regina Gently, Vivek Shraya, Maylee Todd, Henri Faberfe, Fontine, Mykalle Bielinski, and more;

(5) Performance Interventions at Evergreen Brick Works (August 8-10, 2025) engaging artists Heidi Strauss / Marie-France Forcier / He Jin Jang (South Korea), Emily Jung / Theresa Cutknife / Baram Company (South Korea), HORSE (Taiwan), Theatre Poulet and SummerWorks’ Festival Elder Dr. Duke Redbird; and

(6) Closing Night Celebration & Block Party (August 17, 2025) with a full remount of d’bi.young.anitafrika’s play blood.claat and installation artists Johnnie Walker, Cheldon Patterson (slowpitchshound), Wayne Burns, Sammy Chien and Caroline MacCaull (Chimerik), and Jenny Laiwint.