Identity area
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Authorized form of name
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Description area
Dates of existence
History
Equity Showcase Theatre was a not-for-profit organization founded in 1960 to provide acting opportunities during a time that acting roles were difficult to come by. It produced up to four productions a year. Among its founding members were Charmion King, Amelia Hall and Christopher Newton. Canadian actors who have graced its stage or given classes over the years have included Gordon Pinsent, Sandra Oh, David Smukler, Rosemary Dunsmore, and Scott Speedman.
In 1978, Equity Showcase Theatre expanded its scope to focus on the artistic development of theatre professionals. To do so, it provided training, performance opportunities and professional development opportunities to writers, actors, producers and all others associated with the theatre. Equity Showcase Theatre also encouraged artists to hone their skills and contribute to Canadian theatre. With the reduction in funding from the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association and the Canada Council for the Arts, the theatre was forced to close in 2008.
However, the organization later re-emerged as “Equity Showcase” which continues to support the Canadian Theatre community. It does so through its Cayle Chernin Fund/Awards, Mavericks Indie Theatre initiative and its Art Club. It holds an annual “Cayle Chernin Awards Gala” at which six awards are handed out: The Cayle Woman of the Year, The Cayle Media Development Award, The Cayle Media Production Award, The Cayle Theatre Development Award, the Cayle Theatre Production Award, and the Mavericks Indie Theatre Award.