TORONTO, November 23, 2009—At the AGM of the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) Executive Director Jacoba Knaapen announced today a new program exclusive to TAPA members. The Travel, Retreat and Initiatives Program – TRIP, is a multi-tiered program designed to assist TAPA members with travel associated with touring, international collaboration and professional development. In addition, TRIP offers a unique retreat opportunity to the TAPA membership.
TAPA announced three new partnerships that are key sponsors in the launch of the TRIP Program: Porter Airlines; Steve Beatty, in association with MHC Insurance Brokers and Premiere Insurance Underwriting Services Inc; and the Valleyview Artist Retreat.
TAPA is committed to investing in the health of Toronto’s professional theatre, dance and opera industry and has created TRIP to assist the artists and administrative leaders of the TAPA membership. “TRIP provides members with a much-needed new funding source in support of touring and professional development initiatives”, says TAPA Past President Celia Smith, who will Chair the new TRIP Committee, “and offers three distinct components to TAPA members designed to aid in the expansion and continued growth of Toronto’s theatre, dance and opera companies”.
The Porter Component: With an emphasis on customer service and a willingness to consider innovative ideas, Porter Airlines is the ideal partner for TAPA in the creation of the TRIP Program. As the official airline of TRIP, Porter Airlines is providing six return flights to anywhere Porter Airlines flies. Current Canadian destinations include: Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Mont Tremblant, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax and St.John’s. Current US destinations include: Chicago, New York, Myrtle Beach and Boston.
The Flight Component: Recognizing the financial challenges that many TAPA members face in travel costs, Steve Beatty, in association with MHC Insurance Brokers and Premiere Insurance Underwriting Services Inc; are providing $7500 cash sponsorship to cover air travel costs, nationally and internationally to anywhere that Porter Airlines does not travel.
An established leader and founder of the “Act One Theatrical Insurance Program”, Steve Beatty has worked to make Act One an affordable and comprehensive theatre insurance program for commercial and not-for-profit companies for over 12 years. Commenting on the new TRIP initiative Mr. Beatty said “We are very excited to sponsor and support TAPA in this important new program. We are confident that this wonderful fund will help provide an opportunity for the talent and passion of Toronto producers, actors and performers to be experienced first-hand by audiences internationally.”
The Retreat Component: Valleyview Artist Retreat is located north-west of Toronto in the Hills of Caledon in a secluded rural setting. Offering an environment conducive to inspiration and rejuvenation, artists will be free to pursue their work without interruption. Artistic Directors and General Managers are welcome to apply to this component of TRIP and consideration will also be given to those working in arts administration seeking a day facility for visioning meetings and workshops (suitable for 6-8 people).
There will be two annual TRIP application deadlines. The TRIP Selection Committee; Celia Smith (Chair), Jim Aldridge (Mirvish Productions) Steve Beatty, Allen MacInnis (Lorraine Kimsa People for Young People), and Alexis Da-Silva Powell (TAPA); will meet to review submissions and identify successful applicants.
Successful applicants will be asked to write a brief report on their experiences and submit it to the TRIP Selection Committee within a month of their trip or visiting artist’s trip.
Please visit the TAPA website www.tapa.ca/trip for full Eligibility Rules.
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: the T.O. TIX Booth—Toronto’s One-Stop Ticket Shop at Yonge-Dundas Square and online at www.totix.ca; the Dora Mavor Moore Awards; 5 STAR EXPERIENCE Theatre & Dining Packages, Toronto’s Official Theatre Guide, featuring comprehensive listings for theatre, dance and opera performances & Toronto theatre map; hipTIX, offering $5 tickets to students between the ages of 15 and 29, and the Commercial Theatre Development Fund. For more information visit www.tapa.ca and www.totix.ca
