Founded in 2005 by theatre artists Claire Calnan and Pasha Mckenley AMY launched a pilot project that fall aimed at providing opportunities for young women from across the GTA to access live theatre and develop their writing and performance skills. The passion and drive of the first small group of participants fuelled the forward movement of the company.

In 2006 AMY launched its first full-scale Creation and Performance program. Acclaimed theatre Director Weyni Mengesha stepped in to join Claire as co-Artistic Director of the Program.

That Spring the project welcomed its first ensemble. The young women worked together to generate creative material and each was also paired with a mentor of their choosing from the local arts community. The individual pieces were then woven into a collective performance piece that was staged at Theatre Passe Muraille that June, marking the first of what would become an annual public event.

In 2006 AMY formed a partnership with The Peace Theatre (the host of our weekly sessions) In 2008 AMY established itself as a Company in Association with Theatre Passe Muraille and performs each Spring at that venue. In 2011 The Artists Mentoring Youth Project was incorporated as a Charitable Organization. That year also marked the launch of the inaugural Graduate Program. In 2012 AMY expanded its operations to include a Summer Intensive through the support of the Summerworks Theatre Festival.

The company has developed into one of the most highly respected arts education programs in the Greater Toronto Area. AMY boasts an extensive roster of artistic mentors including professionals at the top of their fields in a variety of disciplines. Our graduates have gone on to establish themselves as leaders in the arts, within their communities, and beyond. AMY has been invited to perform at a variety of venues and festivals including the LabCab at Factory Theatre, The DARK Festival at Todmorden Mills, ARCFest (Arts for Real Change), the Luminato Festival, the Cabaret Festival at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, and the Summerworks Theatre Festival.

Production History

Behind the Brickz (2006)
I am Her (2007)
Force over Area (2008)
Face Value (2009)
Step Right Up (2010)
Check Out (2011)

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