Our Story: Part 2 - Helpers Along The Road

Through the years of our existence as a company, from Theatre Arcturus, to Articus Productions, and the recent addition of the TriCity Centre for Circus Arts, we have been lucky enough to meet some generous people who were there to lend a hand when we needed it most.

In 2015 we were welcomed into the community at 918 Bathurst in Toronto, and given this beautiful, huge space to train and rehearse in, three times a week, at a highly subsidized rate. That made it possible to create WEIRD: The Witches of Macbeth, which we last performed right before the pandemic. Even though we were there because of the support of Menon Dwarka, he made it clear that we were not second-class citizens. When another tenant complained that we were loud during rehearsals one evening, he told us, “you have just as much a right to be here as anyone else. This is your space too.”

Take up space. Speak up for yourself. You’ll need to.

All the while there was another supporter who worked behind the scenes, tirelessly explaining to us again and again what a financial statement was, how cash flow works, and everything else about finances that you don’t learn in theatre school. His name was Andrew Sheppard of Sheppard Financial Services. He became our first mentor, sponsor, and supporter.

Yes, we have put in endless amounts of sweat equity, worked absurd hours for little or no pay, took major risks, failed, succeeded, then failed again. Yet we did not do it all alone. There were people along the way who saw our vision, felt our passion, and climbed on board with whatever resources they could offer. They are the helpers along the road of the hero’s journey.

This shot is another one from 918 Bathurst, taken during a rehearsal for an early version of WEIRD.

Check in next Friday to hear about the next leap of faith in our journey of building TriCity Circus and Articus Productions.