Green Thumb Players Society

Overview

The Green Thumb Players Society, commonly known as Green Thumb Theatre, is a renowned Canadian nonprofit organisation dedicated to developing original plays for young audiences. Founded in 1975, it has become a leading entity in children's theatre across Canada and globally.

History and Impact

Since its inception, Green Thumb Theatre has been at the forefront of the Theatre in Education movement. The organisation produces plays that aim to educate and empower young people by tackling complex issues and encouraging dialogue about social concerns. It has a long history of touring across Canada, the United States, and internationally, with performances in countries such as the UK, Germany, Australia, and Singapore.

Productions and Reach

Green Thumb Theatre has performed over 15,000 times to more than 4 million people worldwide, including every province and two territories in Canada, and 36 states in the U.S. Its productions have been staged by over 200 theatre companies worldwide and translated into multiple languages. The organisation is known for creating performances that challenge young audiences to re-examine their beliefs and define their aspirations in diverse Canadian society.

Awards and Recognition

In 2011, Green Thumb Theatre was associated with the Siminovitch Prize, one of the highest awards in Canadian theatre, highlighting the organisation's impact and excellence in the field.

Operations and Mission

As a nonprofit organisation, Green Thumb Theatre operates with a mission to provide high-quality, original performances to young audiences. It regularly engages with schools and communities, offering educational tools and resources to support theatre in education. The organisation's goal is to foster respect, understanding, and empathy among young people by leveraging the emotional impact of live theatre.

Auditions and Community Engagement

Green Thumb Theatre occasionally holds auditions for performers, often recruiting talent from regional areas to contribute to its future productions. This practice helps ensure that local talent is nurtured and involved in its performances.

Charitable Status

The Green Thumb Players Society is also recognized as a charitable organisation, which underscores its commitment to providing cultural and educational services to the community.