Threshold Theater Group of Kingston

Threshold Theater Group of Kingston is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of education in the arts, specifically theatre. Registered under the business number 846280956RR0001, the group is recognized for its innovative approach to theatre, encompassing a variety of forms including site-specific work, physical theatre, collective creation, solo performances, installations, and radio theatre.

History and Formation

Threshold Theater Group originated from the creative partnership between Mark Cassidy and Suzanne Hersh, who began collaborating after graduating from the University of Toronto's UC Drama Program. Their initial impact was marked by a vibrant adaptation of Black Sun at Toronto's Theatre Centre. The company was formally established in Kingston, Ontario, when Cassidy and Hersh joined Queen's University’s Artist in the Community Program. Rooted on the shores of Lake Ontario, Threshold quickly gained recognition through productions such as A Day After the Fair, As I Lay Dying, Beautiful Losers, White Buildings, and In the Language of Love. The company became known for its passionate blend of verbal and visual storytelling, mixing the sensual and surreal with personal and political themes. During its early years, Threshold served as the resident company at Kingston’s Baby Grand Theatre[1].

Artistic Vision and Work

Threshold Theater Group is committed to intimate and inventive theatre created through collaborative processes of improvisation and experimentation. Their work spans a broad spectrum of theatrical styles and formats, constantly adapting to best illuminate the themes of each production. After returning to Toronto, the company continued to develop its artistic vision with a diverse repertoire including The Hairy Ape, Howl, Forms of Devotion, That Time, Terror, Kafka and Son, Swan Song of Maria: A Tragic Fairy Tale, Change Room, Allistonian Brockvillian Dionysian, and Late Nights with Mark the C.

Alongside its performance work, Threshold engages deeply with the local community through educational programs, workshops, and events, maintaining strong ties with the St. Clair West/Oakwood Village area in Toronto[1].

Community Engagement and Festivals

As the resident company of the Baby Grand Theatre in Kingston, Threshold has initiated several community-centered projects and festivals. Notable among these are the Direct From Kingston Festival, the Centripetal Force Series, and the Kingston Playwrights’ Workshop. These initiatives combine theatrical elements with varied forms of audience interaction, including installations, readings, videos, and community gatherings. Threshold continues to explore innovative, interactive event formats, such as the Lunation series in Toronto, which reflects their dedication to expanding the boundaries of conventional theatre experiences[2].

Recognition and Classification

Threshold Theater Group is classified as a charitable organization with a focus on education in theatre and the arts. Its work contributes significantly to the cultural landscape of Kingston and Toronto by supporting emerging artists and fostering community participation in the arts[3][4].

This overview summarizes Threshold Theater Group of Kingston as a vibrant, community-engaged nonprofit theatre company with a robust history of experimental and collaborative performance art, educational outreach, and festival creation in both Kingston and Toronto.