OUR VISION
To make Newmarket a centre of excellence for live professional theatre in Canada.

OUR PURPOSE/MANDATE
To enrich life in our community through live professional theatre by:

Presenting illuminating productions of Shakespeare and innovative contemporary theatre works.
Educating and developing the artists of tomorrow.
Fostering local partnerships and community ownership that promotes cultural growth.

RESURGENCE THEATRE COMPANY was founded in March 1999 to resurge the classics and ignite new and contemporary works within York Region and beyond with a strong focus on utilizing the surging energy of emerging professional artists. Since that time the company has made great strides amassing a repertoire of projects that have broken new ground in the Canadian theatre industry and made a substantial impact on the communities within York Region. Some of these programs include:


YORK SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL which takes place at Fairy Lake in Newmarket, Ontario annually. Since 1999, the Festival has expanded from a two week single production to a six week repertory season. Successful past productions include: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Talley's Folly (both directed by Dora Award winner David Ferry), Much Ado About Nothing and The Compleat Works of Wllm Shakspr (abridged) (both directed by Dora Award winner David Ferry), Love's Labour's Lost (directed by Joseph Zeigler), Measure for Measure (directed by Rosemary Dunsmore), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (directed by Gordon McCall, Artistic Director of Quebec’s premiere English theatre, Centaur Theatre Company), Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, Twelfth Night, and As You Like It (directed by multi-award winner Chris Abraham).

YOUTH PROGRAMS An artistic leader in their community, Resurgence Theatre continues to recognize the importance of providing apprenticeship and learning opportunities for youth interested in a career in the arts through several initiatives:

Senior Youth Theatre Conservatory: Since 2002 we hold an intense theatre training program for a minimum of twelve secondary school students (Grades 9 to 12) from across York Region during the summer.

Junior Youth Theatre Conservatory: Since 2003 we've expanded the conservatory to include a theatre training camp for twenty students (Grades 5 to 8).

Shakespeare Educational Outreach Program: In 2002, 2003 and 2004 we toured schools across Central Ontario with a professional production of a William Shakespeare play designed specifically for students. Each performance included a chance to meet the cast and crew and a study guide for teachers. During this time, this prgram has benefited over 14,000 students across York Region and beyond.

Drama Workshops for High Schools: In 2002-2004 we designed workshops and brought professional artists from the Canadian theatre industry into York Region schools, covering various areas such as acting, stage management, scenic/costume design and directing. Each workshop was tailored to meet the objectives of the school/students.