Black Theatre Workshop (BTW) is the oldest black theater company in Canada. Incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1972, the history of BTW is almost identical to that of black theater in Quebec. She helped shape what Black Canadian theatre is today, both locally and regionally as well as nationally and internationally. The reality is simple: no other theater company in Quebec does what BTW does, by offering productions that the public is unlikely to see elsewhere on Montreal stages.
BTW's roots start with the Trinidad and Tobago Cultural Association of Montreal. For many years, the hard work of dedicated founding members, supported by an entire community of volunteers, allowed BTW to produce its shows. BTW is one of only three companies in Canada that consistently showcases Black Canadian actors, directors, and playwrights, telling stories that are relevant to the Black community and, by extension, to Canadian society as a whole. She continues to build bridges, educate, and open access to marginalized voices.
In 2024, BTW lost two important members of its extended family: founder and board member Dr. Clarence Bayne, as well as long-time board member and comedian Jacklin Webb. Their commitment of more than fifty years testifies to their profound faith in the mission of the company, both having remained active until very recently. BTW is an institution cherished by Montreal's black arts community.
Driven by the mission of “promoting and producing exceptional theatre that educates, entertains and inspires”, the company seeks to foster greater intercultural understanding by challenging its audience and the status quo, while expanding the representation of Black Canadian artists. Each year, BTW presents one or two main productions, a touring school production for young people, commissions new works, organizes a biennial drama festival dedicated to the professional development of Black authors in Quebec and Canada, and holds public readings of lesser-known works. The school tour is often a first theatrical experience for many Quebec students, while the Artistic Mentoring Program (AMP) has become a real career springboard for several artists in Montreal's English-speaking theatre community.
BTW is increasing its reach and impact through collaborations with companies in Montreal, Toronto and across Canada, in particular through its co-programming work with the National Arts Centre (NAC) for English-language theatre. As part of a historic partnership from 2020 to 2023, BTW co-directed the programming of the NAC's English-language theatre in Ottawa and provided half of the season's productions, thus helping to diversify audiences and raise the visibility of both organizations.
BTW remains deeply committed to the development of emerging artists in black theater, offering many young creators their first professional experience and presenting several global creations of new works. The Arts Mentoring Program (AMP), which has been in place for 13 years, was created to address the local lack of diversity among performers. Each year, 20 artists are selected and paired with nationally renowned mentors, in addition to participating in workshops on the professional realities of the theatre community. AMP cohorts take place in English and French and focus on the development of the artist-producer, in response to the needs of the professional community.
In 2023, BTW launched the Club Zed Playwrights' Festival, a national festival to support and encourage Black artists to share their stories, develop their skills, and expand their networks. Club Zed combines professional development activities for authors with events open to the public, such as the SitzPub Cabaret, and public readings, for artists and viewers alike.