North Toronto Players

The North Toronto Players (NTP) is a Canadian nonprofit theatre organization dedicated to vocal music and musical theatre. Established in 1966 originally as the St. Timothy Players, the company has grown into a vibrant community group focused on delivering innovative, fun-filled musical theatre productions to a broad audience at an affordable price. The organization operates as a charitable non-profit with membership open to all individuals who share an interest in musical theatre.

History and Background

Founded in 1966, the North Toronto Players began as the St. Timothy Players and later adopted its current name. Over the decades, NTP has developed a reputation for its Gilbert and Sullivan works but also distinguishes itself by creating original productions and innovative adaptations. Their performances are regularly staged at Papermill Theatre, located in the historic Todmorden Mills area of East York, Toronto.

Mission and Community

North Toronto Players is an inclusive and supportive community for musical theatre enthusiasts. The organization aims to bring quality musical theatre to the community while fostering participation among members, regardless of experience. With volunteer involvement central to its operations, NTP provides opportunities for members to engage both onstage and behind the scenes. The company’s goal is to make musical theatre accessible and enjoyable without high ticket prices, thereby expanding audience reach.

Notable Productions

While the company is well known for its Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire, it also produces original works and creative adaptations. One notable example is H.M.S. Starship Pinafore: The Next Generation, a Star Trek inspired adaptation combining elements of Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore and Trial by Jury. In 2016, they produced Chelsea Moor Castle (or, The Contract to Marry), which featured music by Arthur Sullivan alongside original lyrics by the director Michael Harms and his wife Barb Scheffler.

Upcoming productions continue to reflect NTP's creative approach, such as their 2025 presentation of Dracula, featuring music by classical composers like Arthur Sullivan, Mozart, Puccini, Rossini, Wagner, and Handel, with a newly written book and lyrics inspired by Bram Stoker’s novel.

Organizational Structure

The North Toronto Players operates as a registered nonprofit organization focused on musical theatre. Its membership base comprises community members interested in vocal music, theatre performance, and production roles. The organization functions through volunteer efforts and community support, maintaining a charitable status under business registration number 136654175RR0001.

Categories: Theatre companies in Toronto | Community theatre in Canada | Non-profit organizations in Canada