Backstage Pass
Frequently Asked Questions
Production
I have a basic understanding of how audio/video production equipment works, but am no expert. Can I still apply?
To be successful, applicants must have a sufficient level of experience in the area they are planning on working in: Photography, Video or Sound Recording Studio. The required level of technical proficiency will vary depending on the proposed project, the available resources and the support required.
Can I apply for performance or rehearsal space as well as production?
No – applicants can only apply for one program stream (production, rehearsal or performance).
Where can I find your equipment lists?
These can be found on the Artscape Daniels Launchpad Digital Media Lab page.
I’m interested in funding a production I have planned for early next year; can I still apply?
All Production bookings must be scheduled and used by March 31, 2023 at the latest. All bookings are subject to availability and are first-come-first-serve, so book early!
Can we shoot commercial for-profit projects in your space?
The Backstage Pass program is designed to provide direct support to live performance sector workers producing their own personal projects. Established commercial enterprises and the execution of for-profit client engagements are not eligible for support through this program.
Rehearsal
Who is eligible?
Live music, theatre and dance performance arts workers who have been adversely impacted by pandemic disruptions to their trades. This program will prioritize individuals who can attest to a loss of income due to COVID, individuals who identify as equity-deserving groups, and individuals who live in the areas where facility access is available.
How do you decide who is selected?
Spaces will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. You’ll be able to book two rehearsal time slots, as long as you meet the above criteria (loss of income, equity-deserving groups & proximity to venues).
Do I need to be unemployed in order to qualify?
Definitely not. You need to meet the outlined requirements for eligibility.
Where is the musical rehearsal space located?
Musical rehearsal will be at Artscape Weston Common – in the Weston-Mount Dennis Community, near Jane and Lawrence.
Where is the non-musical rehearsal space located (Theatre, Dance, etc.)?
Sugar Hall, hosted at Artscape Daniels Launchpad, is located at 130 Queens Quay East, Floor 4, at the corner of Queens Quay East and Lower Jarvis St in the Waterfront Community. Sugar Hall is a large events venue broken up into three “classrooms”, with X capacity per classroom. These classrooms are reserved for non-musical rehearsals as bookings do not come with an audio/visual technician.
What kind of support is available during the musical rehearsal booking?
We will have an audio/visual technician on site when you arrive to help and ensure you are all set up so you can just play!
What hours are available for rehearsals?
There are two rehearsal slots available per day, one in the morning and another in the afternoon.
Where can I find your equipment list?
The Artscape Weston Common tech package is available here. In addition, we will have backline set up and ready for your arrival.
Are there any venue regulations or rules I should be aware of?
There are tenants that work in Artscape Weston Common and those that live in the adjacent building. All participants will be expected to treat staff, tenants and community members in a way that is respectful and considerate. You will further be expected to comply with Artscape’s Non-Discrimination Policy; to comply with the Ontario Human Rights Code and any other applicable laws prohibiting discrimination by reason of race, colour, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, political ideology, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, socio-economic status or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical handicap or the use of a trained guide dog by a blind, deaf or physically disabled person.
Performance
Who is eligible?
Live performance arts workers who have been adversely impacted by pandemic disruptions to their trades. This program will prioritize individuals who can attest to a loss of income due to COVID, individuals who identify as equity-deserving groups, and individuals who live in the areas where facility access is available.
How do you decide who is selected?
Spaces will be assigned based on a number of factors; firstly meeting the above criteria (loss of income, equity-deserving groups & proximity to venues), the ability to meet the financial commitment that will be required for performance bookings in addition to venue and date alignment with performers’ requests.
Do I need to be unemployed in order to qualify?
Definitely not. You need to meet the outlined requirements for eligibility.
Where are the performance spaces located?
There are 3 options available:
- Artscape Weston Common – in the Weston-Mount Dennis Community, near Jane and Lawrence
- Artscape Sandbox – in the heart of the Entertainment District, at Adelaide and Peter streets
- Artscape Daniels Launchpad – at the waterfront, on the corner of Queens Quay and Jarvis
Can multiple performers combine credit to apply to performance?
No. Our aim is to offer financial support to as many impacted live performance workers as possible, so an individual project or organization (i.e. band or dance/theatre group) would be considered a single “entity” and be subject to the maximum allowable number of bookings and credits that apply to any individual applicant.
I currently have a performance booked at one of Artscape’s venues, can I apply this credit to my current booking or performance?
If your booking is between January to March 2023 and is at one of the listed venues, talk to us and let’s see how we can support you.
What kind of support is available during the booked production, rehearsal and performance booking?
We have a team of event professionals that are able to guide you through the booking and planning process. They will provide you with a list of things that are needed and timelines for when to submit them. They can answer all your questions. On the day of the event, a Venue Supervisor will be on site to support you or your assigned lead, to ensure everything goes smoothly for your performance.
Where can I find your equipment lists?
The technical package for each venue is a good starting point:
Are there any venue regulations or rules I should be aware of?
Yes, and once your application is approved, your venue contact will go through these with you. In the meantime, you can review the venue guides:
