The Get Stuffed project is an exciting initiative that bridges the gap between the Arts Education and Human, Social Services sectors and Agriculture sector and we hope to use each organization’s strengths and expertise to contribute to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle for Ontario youth.

Tapestry has been the nurturing developer of the artistic work, and the broker for facilitating the business collaboration between the production partners. The principal collaboration is between Tapestry and Words in Motion to support the creation and development of the new work, with nutrition expertise provided by the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Tapestry is dedicated to the creation, development and performance of new opera works through its unique and highly collaborative work process. Under the leadership of Managing Artistic Director Wayne Strongman, Tapestry engages the hearts and minds of artists and audiences on subjects relevant to contemporary society. The Tapestry process begins at the annual Composer-Librettist Laboratory where writers and composers are introduced to collaborative creation. Successful partnerships move on to create short operas for our annual Opera to Go production and graduate to full-length works. Our INside Opera Education Program gives students the chance to discover their own stories and engage in the creation of new opera. Our new children’s opera, Elijah’s Kite, by Camyar Chai & James Rolfe has already toured to over 30,000 students across Ontario. Tapestry productions that have premiered to critical and popular acclaim include Sanctuary Song, by Abigail Richardson & Marjorie Chan (with Theatre Direct, in partnership with Luminato), Nigredo Hotel, by Ann-Marie MacDonald & Nic Gotham, Elsewhereless by Atom Egoyan & Rodney Sharman, Still the Night, by Theresa Tova, Facing South by Don Hannah & Linda C. Smith and the Dora Award-winning Iron Road by composer Chan Ka Nin & librettist Mark Brownell.

Tapestry is a leader in the arts community as both an active member of Opera.ca and OPERA America, and a proud founding member of Creative Trust: Working Capital for the Arts. A member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA), Tapestry employs professional artists who are members of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association and musicians who are members of the American Federation of Musicians.

Tapestry Staff
Wayne Strongman, Managing Artistic Director
Susan Worthington, Producing Director
Anna Mathew, Communications Director
Amber Ebert, Outreach & Education Director
Samantha Zimmerman, Financial Associate
Niki Guner, Senior Development Strategist
Tom Diamond, Resident Studio Company Director
Colleen Murphy, Writer in Residence

Words in Motion specializes in both arts education (educating children about the value and beauty of the arts) and arts-in-education (using the arts as a springboard to teach and enrich other core curriculum subjects.) Founders Geraldine Mabin and Kathleen Payne promote creative learning with an emphasis on emotional and social literacy for children. The company created and produced The Reading Writing and Rhythm Room series at The Children’s Own Museum. Their touring productions, which have been performed in over 200 schools and at various children’s festivals and family concert series, include adaptations of The Chinese Violin, by Madeline Thien, The Bat Boy and His Violin, by Gavin Curtis and The Fabulous Song, by Don Gilmor. With Toronto’s Soulpepper theatre, Words in Motion developed and presented a series of workshops based on works of Shakespeare, which were presented over three seasons in various schools. Currently being presented in schools throughout the GTA, Words in Motion’s Friendship in Action eseries of workshops uses drama to help students develop social-emotional skills while learning basic drama techniques. Working as a team or in partnership with other accomplished musicians, actors, dancers, improvisational performers, artisteducators and arts companies, Words in Motion presents the performing arts as a vital, creative and educational experience.

Words in Motion Staff
Geraldine Mabin, Education Director
Kathleen Payne, Managing Artistic Director

Tapestry & Words in Motion would like to thank the generous support of the following partners:

Canadian Diabetes Association

The Ontario Trillium Foundation

The Ministry of Health Promotion

Ontario Agri-Foods Education, Inc. – Healthy Eating Program

Loblaw’s Canada

Ontario Arts Council

FK Morrow Foundation

Birk’s Family Foundation

Julie Jiggs Foundation