The Howland Company is a Toronto-based, artist-led theatre company that produces new Canadian plays, as well as adaptations of classics, with the aim of reflecting the times we live in, challenging and inspiring audiences and artists alike – and nurturing the next generation of theatre artists and theatre-goers.

“There’s no finer ensemble of young actors in the city than The Howland Company. Their willingness to live in the silences, to throw their bodies and minds into the work, to embrace the theatrical power of a soliloquy in the midst of a naturalist show: all exceptional and truly awesome.”

– Holger Syme, who translated the script for their production of Casimir and Caroline

Striving to create innovative art and foster eclectic storytelling, they incorporate a collective leadership model to empower artists to develop a sense of creative agency, offering opportunities for skills and growth, as well as outreach and engagement, through their Reading and Training groups. Highlights of their work include critically and audience-acclaimed productions of 52 Pick-Up, Casimir and Caroline, Three Sisters, Prodigal and Heroes of the Fourth Turning.

(Photo credits – clockwise from top left: Mac Fyfe & Cameron Laurie in Heroes of the Fourth Turning; Shauna Thompson, Hallie Seline & Caroline Toal in Three Sisters; and the cast of Entrances and Exits: Home for the Holidays. Start Exploring page: Qasim Khan, Cheyenne Scott & Akosua Amo-Adem in The Home Project. All photos by Dahlia Katz.)

What we like about this theatre company

We love the intimate nature of The Howland Company’s work, whether it’s a production of a new play like Paolo Santalucia’s The Prodigal or Santalucia’s adaptation of the Chekhov classic Three Sisters. A vibrant, energetic and incredibly talented group of young actors, they really connect with their audiences – making us think as they entertain and challenge us with storytelling that reflects our modern-day world and social environment.

They have a great casual, social vibe, as evidenced by their Reading Group events, where all are welcome to do a cold read (read at first sight, without preparation) of a play. And they’re dedicated to supporting the professional development of emerging and established actors, making space for them to explore their craft and process – with a consistent eye to producing stories that are relevant for our times. (Written by C.M.)

Accessibility information: Please refer to the performance venue.

Ideas for where you can go from here:

• See one of The Howland Company’s plays.
• Attend the Reading Group, where all are welcome to drop by for a cold read of a play. And take a look at their past play readings.
• Are you an actor? Check out their Training Group to see what’s coming up, and view past training sessions and instructors.
• Check out their past productions.

We love theatre companies because they inspire you to get out and experience live theatre. Experiencing live theatre allows you to immerse yourself in the characters and story in a deeper, more meaningful way. Immersing yourself in the characters and story in a deeper, more meaningful way is part of the flourishing offline life Young W helps you discover: by exploring PERFORMANCE and the other 8 pillars of Arts & Letters, including those you may be hesitant to try.

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