Announcement: New Spring/Summer Theatre & Dinning Packages With Added Value Launched, TAPA

TORONTO – The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) announced today new Theatre & Dining Packages for the Spring/Summer season featuring both new and returning partners.  Barrel of Laughs is back and the new Luminato Theatre & Dining Packages include a ticket to one of five shows and dinner at one of three favourite local restaurants.

Save up to 40% off the regular Luminato ticket price and customize your own Luminato Theatre & Dining Package.   Treat your taste buds to some of Toronto’s savoury international cuisine at Spring Rolls Restaurant, Marcel’s French Bistro, or Il Fornello, then discover a world of creativity with one of five “must see” Luminato productions.  A memorable night out starting at only $49.95!

Barrel of Laughs is the longest running and most popular package, and includes a tour (and tasting!) at Steam Whistle Brewing, dinner at The Red Tomato, and a night of legendary comedy at The Second City for only $49.95.

For the first time, package purchasers can experience Toronto in a whole new way with value added ShopDineTour Toronto “Sightseeing Tour” coupons in each package.

“TAPA is proud of the partnerships that we have created with our Theatre & Dining Packages.” says Executive Director Jacoba Knaapen “Each package allows both tourists and Torontonians to experience a wide variety of what Toronto has to offer; theatre, dance, opera, comedy, music and culinary delights at unbeatable prices.”

Packages are on sale now at T.O. TIX, Toronto’s Official One-Stop Ticket Shop at Yonge-Dundas Square, in person Tues-Sat, 12noon – 6:30pm or online anytime at www.totix.ca.

Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts: The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) is an arts service organization that represents 175 professional theatre, dance and opera companies in the City of Toronto, and works to create an environment in which the performing arts may flourish and maintain its leadership role in the vitality of the City of Toronto.

Among the programs and services provided by TAPA are: T.O. TIX – Toronto’s One-Stop Ticket Shop at Yonge-Dundas Square and online at http://www.totix.ca; the Dora Mavor Moore Awards; Toronto Theatre & Dining Packages, Toronto’s official Theatre Guide, featuring comprehensive listings for theatre, dance and opera performances & theatre map; hipTIX, offering $5 tickets to students between the ages of15 and 29, TRIP – Travel, Retreat and Initiatives Program and the Commercial Theatre Development Fund. For more information visit www.tapa.ca and www.totix.ca.

Job Posting: Associate Officer Arts Education and Northern Arts, Ontario Arts Council

Starting Salary Range:  $51,600 – $58,050

Term: One year maternity leave contract effective July 12, 2010

Hours: 36.25 – 44 hours/week

Ontario Arts Council (OAC) requires an accomplished Arts Professional with broad knowledge of all art forms and practices represented in arts education and arts activity in northern Ontario.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the delegated arts education program and responsibilities and the Northern Arts program.
• Provide information and consultative advice on arts education and northern arts to existing and new artists, and arts organizations;
• Collaborate with program managers in other sectors on issues facing Ontario artists and arts organizations regarding arts education and northern arts;
• Contribute to policy development, strategies, programs and services that will best support OAC’s on-going commitment to arts education and northern arts;
• Manage program budgets, program workflow and staff;
• Facilitate assessment of grant requests in collaboration with jurors and advisors;
• Work collaboratively within a team setting;
• Attend events on evenings and weekends and travel throughout Ontario at least 20 days of the year to meet with artists and arts organizations.

Summary of Key Qualifications:

• 3 – 5 years of progressive experience in arts education;
• Bachelor’s degree (arts administration or relevant field) or equivalent in work experience;
• Knowledge of arts education and northern arts trends, networks, resources and  issues;
• Knowledge and understanding of the education systems in Ontario, including Aboriginal education systems, as they pertain to artists working in the schools;
• Knowledge of the unique issues facing Ontario’s Aboriginal, culturally diverse, Francophone, regional and new generation communities regarding arts education and northern arts;
• Experienced and knowledgeable in grant writing and public funding systems;
• Proven ability to provide direction and leadership in the development and implementation of arts education and northern arts strategies, programs and initiatives;
• Solid project planning, organizational skills, administrative practices and the ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment;
• Sound judgment and ability to problem-solve;
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills;
• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation and consultative skills;
• Computer proficiency in Excel, Work, Outlook and database programs;
• Proficiency in French is an asset.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and résumé by May 12, 2010 using one of the following methods:

Mail: Ontario Arts Council, Human Resources Office, FILE #02-10, 151 Bloor Street West, 5th Floor, Toronto (Ontario)  M5S 1T6.

Web: http://www.arts.on.ca/Page3435.aspx

The Ontario Arts Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strongly supports and values diversity in the workplace. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome and individuals from equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

www.arts.on.ca

Event: Plans for Culture Days Unveild in Toronto, Culture Days

Culture Days unveils first-ever Canada-wide celebration of arts and culture.  Annual event celebrates the creative vitality of our communities by bringing creators and public together

St. Albert, AB; Regina, SK; Winnipeg, MB; Toronto, ON; Charlottetown, PE (April 20, 2010) – Plans for Culture Days, a free annual event that invites people to celebrate and explore arts and culture in every province and territory in Canada, were unveiled Tuesday at events in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Prince Edward Island. The Canada-wide celebration represents the largest-ever collective public participation campaign undertaken by the arts and cultural community in this country. Culture Days will take place on September 24 to 26 in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec (under the existing event Journées de la culture), New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island; and on September 17 to 19 in Alberta (under the existing event Alberta Arts Days). Dates for Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon will be announced shortly.

Attended by Ministers of Culture, local performers and artists in each province, the announcements called on the arts and cultural community to offer activities that invite the public to participate in hands-on, interactive experiences during Culture Days. Interested artists and organizations can register online at www.culturedays.ca. Those who register activities will benefit from a national marketing and communications campaign as well as access to materials to help promote activities within their communities. …READ MORE

Event: FRINGE FAMILY REUNION 2010!, Toronto Fringe Festival

Get ready for the zaniest family reunion / theatre fundraiser of the year! Join us for a night of laughter, entertainment, drinks, prizes, food, and games to win over $6,000 in prizes and help raise money for the Toronto Fringe Festival!

1.   $99 – Join the Fringe Family for a delicious pasta dinner catered by Magical Catering before catching our fantastic cabaret. After the show, join us for “the after party” with desserts, our best-ever high-roller raffle, more instant-prizes and a live auction for three very special biddable packages. Arrivals begin at 6:00pm, dinner is served by 7:00pm.

2.   $39 – Includes a pre-show schmooze-a-thon with instant-prizes, plus a ticket to our fantastic cabaret. After the show, join us for “the after party” with desserts, our best-ever high-roller raffle, more instant-prizes and three special big-ticket auction packages. Arrivals begin at 6:30pm, theatre doors open at 7:30pm.

When: Thursday, May 27th
Where: The Great Hall (1087 Queen Street West)
How much: $39 ($25 tax receipt) or $99 ($65 tax receipt)

Tickets: On Sale Now! By phone at 416-966-1062, or online at www.fringetoronto.com

NOTE: Space is limited so book your tickets ASAP!