Seventh Stage Productions
Seventh Stage was founded in 2006 as a professional feminist theatre company. It’s last production was in 2018 and the charity dissolved in 2025. Seventh Stage developed and produces socially and politically conscious, thought-provoking and entertaining works by way of Canadian premieres of international work and/or international premieres of Canadian work. Seventh Stage placed a particular importance on telling stories by women, about women and for everyone. It also generate leadership opportunities for emerging and under-represented female artists through productions, mentorship programs, community and education outreach and fundraising events.
When Seventh Stage was founded, feminism was not mainstream or cool.
But MJ Shaw, Kelly Straughan, Rosa Laborde and Kelsey Matheson felt the discrepancy and discrimination and decided to create their own work. This became a company that would provide more meaningful opportunities for many women in theatre.
Over 12 years Seventh Stage provided jobs for women in professional theatre as actors, directors, producers, writers and choreographers, effectively tilting the pendulum - even just a little. As the company founder’s lives changed, and the need for more intersectional feminism became clear, Seventh Stage came to an end.
Company Highlights:
Gained charitable status in 2008 and raised $500,000 over the course of a decade.
Nominated for 3 Dora Awards, received outstanding reviews, and made some magic.
Mentored dozens of female artists through our paid internship program.
Company Productions:
Wendy The Musical by Briana Brown, Rosalind Mills, MJ Shaw (2018)
Lela & Co. by Cordelia Lynn (2017)
Stockholm by Bryony Lavery (2012)
Or, by Liz Duffy Adams (2010)
This is About the Push by Rachel Blair (2010)
9 Parts of Desire by Heather Raffo (2010)
The Red Queen Effect by Kelly Straughan and Ensemble (2010)
Whale Music by Anthony Minghella (2007)