Tarragon Theatre

Have you ever wondered what secrets lie behind the unassuming facade of the Tarragon Theatre? This Toronto gem, nestled near Casa Loma, isn’t just any theatre. It’s a crucible of creativity, a birthplace for countless Canadian plays. The Tarragon Theatre opened its doors in 1970, thanks to the vision of Bill and Jane Glassco. It quickly became a vital hub for contemporary playwriting. The Tarragon Theatre isn’t housed in a purpose-built structure. It began life as a light industrial building. Can you imagine it? This very space once hummed with the activity of a cribbage board factory. The renovation cost a mere $9,000, a testament to the founders’ resourcefulness. The first production to grace the Tarragon Theatre’s stage was David Freeman’s “Creeps.” Since then, over 170 plays have premiered here. Playwrights like David French, Judith Thompson, and Hannah Moscovitch have all seen their words brought to life on this stage. The Tarragon Theatre boasts two performance spaces. The Mainspace holds 205 seats. The Extra Space accommodates 113. There’s even a rehearsal hall that can transform into a more intimate performance area. Urjo Kareda, artistic director from 1982 to 2001, established the Tarragon’s Playwrights Unit. This initiative further cemented the theatre’s commitment to nurturing new talent. Even the COVID-19 pandemic couldn’t silence the Tarragon Theatre. They moved productions online, sharing audio recordings of plays through a CBC podcast. The Tarragon Theatre continues to pulse with creativity. It stands as a testament to the power of theatre and its vital role in Canadian culture.