Piindigen Indigenous Young Artists Program
Mar 3, 2026 TO May 5, 2026
Are you an emerging Indigenous artist living and creating in and around Hamilton? Does learning from and working with artists alongside other Indigenous peers sound exciting? Then this might be the program for you! All participants invited to join Piindigen will gain new skills and insights into the world of professional theatre and build community with Indigenous peers and artists.
This year, the program offers two training streams:
🔥 Mentorship Stream — for emerging Indigenous playwrights
Selected participants will be paired with a professional mentor and supported through bi-monthly dramaturgical meetings. Over the course of the program, they will develop a new piece that will receive a 20–25 minute workshop presentationas part of a two-day showcase at the end of the program (May 15h – 17th 2026). Theatre Aquarius will provide artistic support, including actors, a director, and production resources. In addition, they will also have the opportunity to participate in the “workshop stream”.
Applicants to this stream should submit material they are currently developing or a strong idea for a piece they wish to shape into a theatrical work. Those selected will be granted an interview.
🔥 Workshop Stream — for Indigenous participants exploring multiple disciplines
Participants in this stream will have the opportunity to attend six workshops led by industry professionals. These workshops offer training across various areas of the performing arts, including playwriting, movement & storytelling, design & space as story, voice & song, and more. In addition, for those who wish to deepen their learning, there will be opportunities to shadow various Theatre Aquarius productions.
Workshops Dates:
March 3rd, 17th, 31st / April 14th, 28th / May 5th – From 6 to 9pm
For both streams, participants expenses will be compensated.
How do we define Indigenous?
Piindigen defines “Indigenous” as self-identified (status or non-status) First Nations, Inuit and Métis from Turtle Island (North America) as well as Indigenous peoples from other regions including but not limited to Latin America, Australia, New Zealand and Greenland.
The deadline for submission: January 16th 2026
Generously funded by:
LOCATION
Theatre Aquarius190 King William Street, Hamilton
PIINDIGEN PROGRAM MANAGER
dmcafee@theatreaquarius.org
Jan 31, 2026 - Jun 6, 2026
Once Upon A Stage Acting: Grades 2 - 3
Welcome to Once Upon a Stage! In this exciting acting class, our youngest actors will build confidence and express their creativity as they bring the fun-filled play Peter Pan and the Lost Girl to life. Through games, character work, and foundational performance skills, young actors will create a hilarious show that celebrates collaboration and the joy of performing! Appropriate for first time and long-time participants.
Drama Dreamers Acting: Grade 4-6
Get your spreadsheets ready! Students will invest in the hilarious world of Snow White and the Seven Entrepreneurs. Through script exploration, stage presence and teamwork, the Drama Dreamers will further develop their acting skills while working toward the Spring Showcase performance! Appropriate for first time and long-time participants.
Theatre Lab Acting: Grade 7-8
“Aaron is failing history and feeling under pressure. One day in the park he meets a talking bunny — and then a talking rainbow shows up. Both are determined to cheer him up”. Theatre Lab is a wonderful class for students who want to work on character study and performance techniques and this fairly odd show is the perfect vehicle! Appropriate for first time and long-time participants.