Studio 180 Theatre: Provoking Thought, Catalyzing Change

Studio 180 Theatre: Provoking Thought, Catalyzing Change

Nestled in the vibrant artistic city of Toronto, Studio 180 Theatre was founded with a mission to engage, provoke, and entertain. This non-profit organization transcends the traditional confines of theatre, venturing boldly into the realm of societal introspection and transformation. At the heart of their vision lies a commitment to leveraging live theatre as a catalyst for deeper societal engagement and change.

Central to Studio 180’s approach is the amalgamation of compelling, thought-provoking plays — often Canadian or North American premieres of internationally renowned works — alongside innovative, beyond-the-stage experiences. These multifaceted productions serve as a platform to address pressing social and political issues, deftly woven into narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.

“Our work is theatre that makes people think, challenging preconceived notions and addressing critical issues,” says Matthew Emek, the President and Board Chair of Studio 180 Theatre.

What sets Studio 180 apart is not just the quality of their performances but their commitment to forging partnerships and fostering collaborations. Operating without a dedicated venue, the theatre company collaborates extensively with various organizations. This collaborative spirit extends beyond artistic endeavours, enabling them to expand their reach and impact within the community.

“When I first heard about Capacity Canada’s Governance BootCamp through another board member, I knew it would be helpful for me to attend. My experience at the BootCamp was transformative, particularly for a newly-appointed Board Chair. The session focusing on strategic planning and modern board challenges offered tangible insights into enhancing governance practices and steering our organization towards greater efficacy,” Matthew added.

He further expressed that the Essentials track was an excellent experience for him. “Our organization is in the early stages of creating our next strategic plan, and I found the session on strategic planning to be the most valuable. I can see our Board using key learnings from the session during the process. I recognize the importance of implementing policies that fortify our organization’s governance structure and found the session helpful in understanding that.”

For next year, Matthew says he would love to see other staff and board members attend future BootCamp sessions as he feels everyone can benefit from the learnings.