ORILLIA, Ont. — Arts Orillia has launched an expanded phase of its Artists-in-Residence program, building on post-pandemic momentum and new federal funding to broaden creative opportunities for professional artists, students and the wider community at the Orillia Opera House.
The January expansion marks a renewed partnership between Arts Orillia and the Orillia Opera House, transforming the historic venue into a hub of experimentation, mentorship and technical innovation across multiple performing arts disciplines.
Arts Orillia first scaled up its residency program following the global pandemic, after securing a competitive grant from the Canada Council for the Arts to support dance and design artists. That funding enabled artists to develop scenic, lighting and costume elements for new productions, many of which premiered in Toronto before touring nationally, with return performances in Orillia.
Beyond professional development, the residency program has also been positioned as a creative incubator for youth. “We’re using this platform to train local co-op students,” said Kate Hilliard, Artistic Director of Arts Orillia. Through internships with Arts Orillia, students interested in careers in arts and culture gain hands-on experience in production, including backstage training at the Opera House.
In 2026, the initiative has gained new momentum with additional funding from the Canada Council and a mandate to expand the residency model into more areas of the performing arts. The January residency period brought a diverse group of artists to Orillia, resulting in what organizers described as an intensive and collaborative month of creation.
Performance and projection artist Mitchell Ayers led a lab at the Opera House, sharing technical expertise with local artists and technicians. Meanwhile, Stevie Baker developed early concepts for an upcoming Mariposa Arts Theatre production. Designers Chris Lewis and Rick Brown workshopped visual effects for The Wizard of Oz, scheduled to be staged later this spring at St. Paul’s Centre.
Other residencies explored emerging technologies and interdisciplinary storytelling. Rex and Shelton Deverell animated figures using projected 3D models, while Alondra Vega developed a “watery world” concept for her next youth opera. The week-long residency period blended experimentation with practical learning, creating what Arts Orillia described as a rare opportunity for artists to collaborate closely with a fully equipped technical team.
The program also attracted artists from outside the region. Toronto-based performance maker Jenn Goodwin worked with Orillia Opera House Technical Director Mark Webster on a new production inspired by the often-overlooked stage resets between concert performances — moments that, while brief, play a critical role in live music experiences.
Celebrated playwright and Orillia native Rex Deverell returned home to develop a performance centred on Chouchiching Park and the removal of the Champlain monument. The work, created with actor Colton McClune, explores diverging perspectives and how communities interpret shared public spaces.
Set designer Jillian Peever travelled from Burk’s Falls with components of a whimsical set for a new solo work scheduled to tour nationally. The piece draws on themes of care and motherhood, reflecting Peever’s personal experiences alongside her professional practice.
Local choreographer Severyn Dahlke also presented new work during the residency, exploring the ecological crisis through movement. Her choreography was enhanced through collaboration with Arts Orillia’s Sean Rees and Opera House technician Max Kane, integrating projection and sound design to translate studio work into a fully realized stage production.
Looking ahead, Arts Orillia is preparing for additional community-focused programming. Spoken word artist Alasoba Kelsy Braide is set to lead workshops for young Black students, using poetry and performance to foster confidence, creative expression and leadership.
Organizers say the sustained activity reflects both the demand for and the value of structured creative development opportunities outside major urban centres. Arts Orillia noted that securing resources to support this work remains a priority, particularly as the Opera House becomes increasingly animated by innovative projects involving professional artists, technical staff and co-op students.
As the residency program continues to grow, Arts Orillia says its focus remains on strengthening the local arts ecosystem while preparing the next generation of artists and audiences to thrive in a rapidly evolving cultural sector.
