F.A.Q.

Why “Intermission”?

Intermission was chosen to represent the dual serving nature of the group. We are the link between theatres and communities, bringing benefits and new opportunities to both.

What is the program like? How does it work?

We see a show every other week during the program. On the in-between weeks, we meet to discuss and critique the piece, to share our thoughts and find a way to clarify our reactions. Mentors – students from universities and high schools – help by joining us at the theatre and prompting discussion, asking questions and encouraging participants to share their ideas. Dinner is provided during the discussion group weeks, and TTC tokens are provided every week.

The program “works” by allowing people in need (people who frequently are too busy working to read a book, under a lot of stress from their life and finances, feeling left behind or excluded) to share culture and community with Toronto at large. Attending the performances is not just leisure, it is being a part of a larger world, laughing and thinking together with others in the audience, joining in the shared activity of culture. They are inspired, motivated, welcomed. At discussion groups, the new experiences are considered and pieced together. We teach more about the play itself, and about observation and critical thinking. All participants are encouraged to voice their opinions, speak their minds, and in doing so, practice everything from debating, public speaking and simply sharing to organizing their thoughts, and discovering new things about themselves through their reactions to the theatre pieces and discussions.


I’m a little confused on terminology. Who are participants, theatres, etc?

Participants will always, to the best of our ability, refer to members of the program – the people who are seeing the shows and discussing the works.

Theatres will be referred to as theatres, as opposed to participating theatres, theatre participants, etc, to avoid confusion.

Mentors are volunteers at the program. They apply directly to Intermission, and are chosen for their abilities to promote discussion, foster creativity and encourage participation.

Who qualifies for the program? How can I apply to be a participant?

At the moment, all “applications” are done externally. Community centres and organizations recommend participants to Intermission from among their communities. The community centres are better placed to know who is most interested, who is in need, and to keep information about specific needs confidential.

How can I apply as a theatre or production company?

Give us a shout! We would love to discuss this with you!

How can I apply as a mentor?

Likewise give us a shout. Please be aware that we only have space for so many mentors per participants, but don’t let that discourage you from talking to us. We’d like to hear from all interested volunteers, and may have other opportunities besides mentoring too.

How can I help otherwise?

Interested donors, please email us. We would love to talk with you.

Besides financial donations, we can use help on three other fronts.

We need TTC tokens, which are provided to ensure there is no barrier to attending.

We also need food donations. A small dinner is provided on discussion weeks, and any donations make it that much more affordable for us to offer these meals. Perishable donations can sometimes be accommodated the day of discussion, and non-perishable donations can be made at any time.

Lastly, spread the word! The more who discover us, the better! We want to be heard in all corners of Toronto.