The Canadian Theatre Critics Association (CTCA) is renowned not only in Toronto but across Canada and beyond. The organization plays a pivotal role in fostering and enhancing Canadian theatre. Learn more about the history of CTCA on toronto-trend.com.
How It All Began
The story of the CTCA dates back to 1972, a period of significant growth in Canadian theatre. This era saw the rise of new plays and playwrights such as George Walker, David French, Michel Tremblay, and James Reaney. Theatre companies like Thompson’s Theatre Passe Muraille and George Luscombe’s Toronto Workshop Productions were instrumental in promoting Canadian theatre alongside their founders.
In 1972, Floyd Chalmers, one of Canada’s most prominent patrons of the arts, approached several Toronto theatre critics with the idea of forming a jury for the newly established Chalmers Play Awards. This initiative led to the formation of the Toronto Drama Bench, an organization comprising critics from newspapers, magazines, radio, and alternative weeklies.
The group regularly gathered at the Variety Club, under the leadership of Gino Empry, the director of Mirvish Theatres. Together, they developed programs to support young actors and the Toronto theatre scene.
The Toronto Drama Bench soon created its own awards, including the Toronto Drama Bench Award for outstanding contributions to Canadian theatre and the Nathan Cohen Award for excellence in theatre criticism.
This group proved that critics could do more than exchange pleasantries in theatre foyers; they could collaborate, discuss their profession, and significantly impact the Canadian theatre landscape.
Founding and Growth of the Canadian Theatre Critics Association
In 1980, the CTCA was established, expanding the efforts of the Toronto Drama Bench to a national level.
In its first year, CTCA set out to identify Canada’s best theatre journalists. Without the benefit of the internet, Patricia Keeney, a Toronto Scene Changes editor and critic, wrote letters to newspapers across Canada, inviting theatre writers to join the new organization. This effort drew numerous applicants eager to become members of CTCA.
The Toronto Drama Bench is widely credited with paving the way for CTCA’s creation. Founding members included Herbert Whittaker and Geneva Berger, who served as the association’s first president. CTCA began its journey as a national organization and was federally registered in 1981.
CTCA’s activities extend beyond conferences and discussions on theatre criticism. The association is an active member of the International Association of Theatre Critics under UNESCO’s aegis and participates in global events.
In 2008, CTCA hosted an international seminar on the history of theatre criticism in Toronto, Stratford, and Niagara-on-the-Lake during the theatre season. This landmark event brought together critics from Canada, the United States, and around the world, strengthening relationships and promoting theatre in the media.
The Canadian Theatre Critics Association continues to grow and strives to achieve the following objectives:
- Enhancing Theatre Criticism: Promoting excellence in theatre criticism across Canada.
- Developing Ethical Standards: Establishing a code of ethics for professional critics.
- Improving Public Perception: Raising awareness about the value of theatre criticism.
- National Theatre Advocacy: Disseminating information about Canadian theatre on a national level.
- Supporting Theatre through Media: Informing and developing Canadian theatre via critical discourse in all forms of media.
- Encouraging Excellence: Supporting Canadian theatre through national awards.
- Improving Working Conditions: Advocating for better education, work environments, and status for theatre critics.
CTCA remains a vital force in Canadian arts, fostering dialogue and collaboration among critics and promoting the growth of theatre at home and abroad.
