immersive design training program
New Immersive Theatre Design Program To
Launch in October 2025
​
Bygone Theatre Now Accepting Applications for One-Of-A-Kind Program
​
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TORONTO, ON (Tuesday September 16, 2025) Bygone Theatre is thrilled to announce a new intensive skills development program made possible in part by the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). With an OTF Capital Grant we were able to procure a selection of curated technology that can be utilized to create accessible, immersive theatre and design. Artists will have the opportunity to learn how to use Isadora for projection mapping, Python for coding, Unreal Engine for 3D design and more.
This one-of-a-kind program consists of two streams: a workshop series and a cohort group.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP SERIES:
A series of technical workshops will be delivered monthly throughout the season at 379 Adelaide S. W. Workshops will explore technical design and how to integrate the latest software and equipment to create immersive art and audience-centric design. They will be taught by industry professionals on topics such as Designing for Narrative and Non-Narrative Structures, Advanced Projection Design, Motion Tracking for Immersive Design, Spatial Audio and more. Space is limited to 20 participants per workshop, with the 2-3 hour long workshops costing $45.00 each. Financial support is available if needed.
​
TENTATIVE WORKSHOP DATES:
Month 1 (Oct 20): Introduction to Immersive Design in Theatre
• Month 2 (Nov 17): Introduction to Isadora
• Month 3 (Dec 15): Designing for Narrative & Non-Narrative Structures
• Month 4 (Jan 19): Projection Mapping for Immersive Design
• Month 5 (Feb 16): Hardware, Software & Processes for Realizing a Design
• Month 6 (Mar 23): Advanced Projection Design
• Stream 1: Video Design & Livestreaming
• Stream 2: 3D Design Using Unreal Engine
• Stream 3: Custom Coding using Python
• Month 7 (Apr 20): Motion Tracking for Immersive Design
• Month 8 (May 25): Spatial Audio
• Month 9 (June 22): Gamification & Audience Engagement
ABOUT THE COHORT PROGRAM:
Five artists will be chosen to join the cohort which includes access to all workshops, as well as one-on-one mentorship, studio time for creation and collaboration, access to equipment, licenses and more. Artists will gain employable skills and create valuable industry connections. The program is not limited to those who have prior design or technical experience. Instead, Bygone is looking to create a group of diverse artists who can support each other’s learning throughout the season as they work towards creating their own immersive installation based upon a creative brief, to be presented at Bygone Theatre’s space at 379 Adelaide St. W., 4th floor. The program is valued at over $10,000 and is being offered for $2,500. Financial support such as monthly payment plans, and scholarships are available, covering up to 100% of the program cost. Requests for funding support can be made in the application.
​
HOW TO APPLY:
Artists interested in applying for the cohort program can do so by completing the application form found here.
Workshops will be open for registration a month prior, and sign-up will be first come, first serve. Registration will also be found here.
bygone receives an otf grant
Bygone Theatre is thrilled to announce that we are one of 300 recipients of the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Projects Grant. The OTF is investing more than $28 million in grants for non-profits, Indigenous communities and small municipalities to enhance community buildings and spaces that serve Ontarians.
Throughout our 13th season, Bygone Theatre will use the $46,800 Capital grant to purchase advanced projection and lighting equipment to establish Toronto’s first accessible, immersive digital theatre technology hub for artist access and education.
​
We are currently developing a training program that will teach artists how to use the technology, culminating in both the creation of an original work for exhibition, and the chance to be a part of the design of our next mainstage production.
The new program will guide participants through business fundamentals, audience development, prototype creation, and project production. Each phase combines hands-on training, access to emerging technologies, mentorship, and community engagement opportunities. Participants will receive project budgets, workspace, and technical resources.
​
Building on our proven successes with our community arts space at 379 Adelaide St. W., we will increase our capacity to serve more artists while exploring sustainable revenue models for cultural production. This addresses critical sector challenges: declining public funding, post-pandemic audience engagement, and the need for technological adaptation in the arts.
​
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
