We are now accepting applications for two cohorts!

Cohort 6 – Digital Media

This cohort supports performance-focused projects. Projects involving media elements such as film, digital, video etc. should apply to this cohort. Your project may include writing elements, but the primary goal should be to create something that lives on a screen. 

YES - What Makes a YES Digital Media Project?

Cohort 7 – Writing

This cohort is for youth developing writing-only projects. Projects focused on creating written work or running programs centered on the writing stage should apply to this cohort.

YES - What Makes a YES Writing Project?

Who is Guild Festival Theatre?

For more than a decade, Guild Festival Theatre has enchanted patrons at beautiful open-air productions at the stunning Greek Theatre in Scarborough's iconic Guild Park. Scarborough's only professional theatre, GFT is proud to champion local arts and culture and has been honoured with numerous awards and commendations, including “Best Live Theatre” (Scarborough Mirror), the Urban Hero Award (Metroland Media), the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Award, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and two Dora Mavor Moore Awards.

What You Get 

• A grant between $1,000 – $5,000 to fund your project

• Mentorship from a professional artist

• Hands-on project management and creative training sessions

• A chance to engage your community & connect with other young artist leaders

• A showcase to share your artistic project

What is the YES Showcase

• The showcase is an event produced by Guild Festival Theatre to celebrate, present and even pitch you and your project alongside other YES participants and invited guests.

• There will be minimal lighting, sound, technical, and staging elements available. There will be no rehearsals in the space, just a simple tech the day of the event.

• You can share up to 15 minutes of work—this could be an excerpt, a full piece, or a work-in-progress showing, etc. For writing this can be a reading. For the film it will be a screening in a cinema.

• Any related costs (e.g. actors, props, costumes, materials, etc.) should be included in your grant budget.

• If you choose to produce your own event (reading, show, cabaret etc), you will still be required to present at the YES Showcase. Please include the associated costs to your event (rentals, directors, technical needs etc.) in your grant budget. 

Application Timeline

Applications for Cohort 6 – Digital Media & Cohort 7 – Writing are being accepted and notified on the same schedule. However, each program operates on its own timeline.

Digital Media & Writing

• Applications Open: June 20, 2020

• Info Session: Thursday, July 2, 2026 6-8PM Zoom RSVP Link

• Applications Close: July 19, 2026

• Program Orientation: August 18th, 2026 6-9P

Digital Media Cohort ONLY

• Funding Released: September

• Project Period: September – March

• Skills-Building Workshops: TBD (One evening in September & October)

• YES Showcase: Week of March 1, 2027 @ Fox Theatre

Writing Cohort ONLY

• Funding Released: October

• Project Period: October – March

• Skills-Building Workshops: TBD (One evening in September & October)

• YES Showcase: Week of March 1, 20267

Who Can Apply?

• Youth (ages 15-30) with a connection to Scarborough

• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and youth with a granted refugee status

• Performing Arts-based projects that engage multiple youth in the community

• No prior professional creative or project management experience needed—just passion and creativity!

• Priority will be given to:

  • Indigenous youth

  • Visible minority/racialized youth

  • Youth with disabilities

  • 2SLGBTQ+ youth

  • Newcomer youth

  • Youth from official language minority communities (OLMC)

  • Youth living in rural or remote areas

  • Youth from low-income households

Not sure if you qualify? Reach out! outreach@guildfestivaltheatre.ca