MT Space World Theatre Day: Talks, Panels & Circles

MT Space is back at the Registry Theatre this month to celebrate World Theatre Day! Since 1962, people from all over unite with the common goal of promoting theatre in all its forms and the value it provides to communities.

This March 27, we’re hosting a number of events focusing on the many issues facing theatre today. Come join us not just in celebration, but also reflection on our relationship with the artform.

11:00 AM – NOON | Gatekeeping 101

A Coffee Chat with Sam Varteniuk (Executive Director, Registry Theatre) & Pam Patel (Artistic Director, MT Space)

Join Sam and Pam as they share a conversation to unpack the nuances of gatekeeping - and their role in it. As leaders of two organizations who hold valuable resources and access in the local arts community, Sam and Pam explore what this means while they remain committed to their respective and intersecting values.

1:30 – 3:00 PM | The Thirst for Dialogue: Our Role in Politicizing Art

Inspired by the idea of the “thirst for dialogue,” articulated by Syrian playwright Saadalla Wannous in his 1996 World Theatre Day message, this panel explores the urgency of storytelling and the power of art to spark dialogue, build solidarity, and ignite action.

As social injustice and political tensions continue to shape our world, where do we stand as artists and leaders—and what actions can we take within this landscape? What responsibilities do we carry to amplify oppressed and racialized voices and respond to injustice in both our global and local political realities?

3:00 – 5:00 PM | Sharing Circles

After a day of deep and candid conversations, we will open up the space to share our emotions, thoughts and ideas in small group sharing circles. Active listeners from MT Space will help facilitate these circles in the hope of simultaneously modeling what holding space for ourselves and each other can mean.

We encourage folks who want to participate to register in advance as MT Space will have limited active listeners on site. This event will begin promptly and no latecomers will be admitted due to the vulnerable nature of this session.

7:00 – 9:00 PM | TELL! Us On World Theatre Day

Come join us for a spring potluck and our open mic as we celebrate theatre in all its forms and styles.

To attend or sign up to present, click here.

Be advised that photographs and video may be taken for use on MT Space web/print materials and shared on social media accounts. By attending this event, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed. If you would like to attend, but not have your image captured, please connect with us (email [email protected]) or speak with our onsite staff.

The theatre has a small laneway for a few vehicles, mainly for personnel, artists, and renters. On weekends and weekday evenings after 5PM, the parking lot for the Region of Waterloo building next door (the one with the entrance bars) usually becomes an open lot – we advise parking there if there is space.

The bars do lower at 11PM; any cars can still exit by driving slowly toward the bars (they will rise). Free street parking can be found down Spetz and Scott streets across the road from The Registry. Paid parking is available across the street, underground at the KPL – Main Branch, and the parking garage on Duke St (the last two are free on Sundays).

Grand River Transit’s routes 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 20, 204, and the ION all have stops within a block or two of the theatre. GO Transit route 30 also stops within a block of the theatre.

Patrons with difficulty navigating stairs can access the theatre via an elevator at the side of the building, to the right as you face it. While there is a call button, we recommend emailing us beforehand so we can be prepared for your arrival.

You can also email us with any other accommodation requests at [email protected].

Info: To attend or sign up to present, click here.

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