Welcome to Equity in Theatre

Canadian artists get better with age. Christopher Plummer won an Oscar at the age of 82. Alice Munro became a Nobel laureate at 82. Leonard Cohen took home a Juno award at 80.

Most senior artists say they are still doing their best work; some say their best is yet to come.

But age can present obstacles to the creative process. Maintaining Creativity: Turning Challenges into Possibilities is designed to help senior artists face those obstacles mentally, physically, and spiritually.

This one-day conference takes place on Monday, April 18th from 9:00 to 4:00 at the new Krembil Discovery Tower at Toronto Western Hospital. Presentations and workshops will provide information about the latest theories and ideas; offering solutions, therapies, practical tools, and techniques to inform, engage, and inspire senior artists to maintain vibrant and healthy creative careers.

Toronto is home to some 5,000 artists over the age of 55 [according to the last census]. While most Canadians are looking towards retirement by that age, research shows artists don’t recognize the concept. Most say they are still doing their best work, or their best is yet to come. An artist’s DNA is programmed to create, and doesn’t switch off at an arbitrary age.

Prominent artists and medical professionals will lead participants in the seminars and panel discussions. Paul Hoffert [founder of the legendary rock band, Lighthouse] will be keynote speaker, along with Dr. Samir Sinha[Director of Geriatrics at Mount Sinai Hospital]. Other artists confirmed to date include dancer and choreographerPeggy Baker, broadcaster and social activist Rita Shelton Deverell, actor and singer Sheila McCarthy, and actor and producer R.H. Thomson.

The conference costs $60, which includes lunch. An early-bird rate of $40 is available for a limited time. But, if you join our mailing list, you will qualify for a major discount.

Find out more about the program by clicking here. Register for the event by clicking here.