Odyssey Theatre is proud to be a recommender for the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators. This program assists Ontario-based professional theatre creators and informal collectives of creators by funding them to develop new work.
Applications Open September 2, 2025!
Deadline for Submissions: January 9, 2026 at 1pm
How to Apply
1. Ensure your project falls within Odyssey’s Program Priorities:
We support writers, collaborative artists and collectives working on independent projects, as well as those who wish to have their work produced by Odyssey.
As our expertise is in physical forms of theatre including mask, clown, puppetry, Commedia dell’Arte, international forms of dance-theatre and circus arts, we prioritize applications in these fields. We also prioritize innovative projects that incorporate theatre forms from diverse cultural traditions.
Within this field, we give priority to artists who identify as members of an OAC priority group. We welcome applications from professional writers and creators of all races, cultural backgrounds, abilities, gender identities or expressions, religions and sexual orientations.
2. Decide on grant request:
Applicants can request $1,000 to $3,000. Odyssey generally awards $1,000 for a specific phase of work.
3. Ensure you meet OAC’s eligibility, allowable costs and timing criteria.
4. Prepare required documents.
5. Please send us an enquiry if you have questions about the application process.
6. Apply directly to the OAC, selecting Odyssey as a recommender.
2025 Recipients
Jewels Krauss – Elsbeth
Elsbeth is the story of one woman, grandmother Elsbeth, who suffered from OCD for most of her life amidst the confining structures and gender barriers of post-war Germany, told through the eyes of her granddaughter who is grappling with her grief of losing her grandma and simultaneously understanding the impact Elsbeth’s lived experiences and traumata still have on her body, two generations later.
Jewels Krauss was awarded a grant from the OAC to support her 2nd draft, as well as an explorative workshop investigating physical storytelling through mask and movement and how materials, puppets and objects could speak to the inner experience of each character.
Sanskruti Marathe – At the End of Kaliyuga
Sanskruti Marathe is an Indian Canadian multidisciplinary artist. She is driven by a passion for connecting communities through culturally informed storytelling, bridging the traditional and contemporary to create meaningful artistic experiences.
Her notable works include At the End of Kaliyuga, a thought provoking children’s show that seamlessly integrates the elegance of Indian classical dance with the expressive artistry of clowning. This production was showcased at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is now scheduled for presentation at the Toronto Fringe Festival. Sanskruti was awarded a grant from the OAC to support the development of her work, specifically in deepening the storytelling and physical language of the piece.
Michael Sobol – A Master of Two Servants
A Master of Two Servants draws inspiration from Commedia dell’Arte to tell an Eastern Ontario story set in the 1890’s about a young man’s quest for love amid corrupt lumber barons and grifters. He was awarded a grant from the OAC to support his 2nd draft script. Odyssey provides ongoing dramaturgical support.
Michael Sobol is an Eastern Ontario writer, who has worked for companies including the Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, Theatre Aquarius and Playhouse Theatre Centre of B.C. He has written a variety of unpublished short stories, plays and novels as well published works including a radio play (CJET), television comedy (CBC Writing Competition), a creative essay on Norman Bethune, and most recently, was a runner-up in the Lanark Lit short story competition. He has also received a Chalmers Award and a Dora Mavor Moore Award related to his work experience in Theatre.
Eric Woolfe and Craig Lauzon –Unholy Ground
Unholy Ground is created and performed by Craig Lauzon and Eric Woolfe. An Indigenous family moves into their first home only to discover it is haunted and built on a Sacred Suburban burial ground and the conformist spirits are still trying to “Kill the Indian in the Child”.
Craig Lauzon and Eric Woolfe were awarded a grant from the OAC to complete the first draft of their script. Unholy Ground will incorporate mask performance and puppet work.
Afsaneh Zamani – The Rain Bride
The Rain Bride is an interactive piece inspired by a rain ritual from Iran that is traditionally performed with a puppet. Afsaneh is an award-winning theatre director, puppeteer and performer. She has created and performed numerous interactive theatre and puppetry shows focusing on rituals and folk stories.
Afsaneh Zamani has been awarded a grant from the OAC to create The Rain Bride, which included a developmental workshop featuring puppet construction and performance, as well as audience participation.
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