The NAC French Theatre to relaunch its creation labs in 2025
Titled Regarder autrement: théâtres des possibles, the next edition will be directed by Jasmine Catudal and will take place at the NAC from May 12 to 17
January 7, 2025 – OTTAWA (Canada) – The National Arts Centre (NAC) French Theatre’s new lab follows in the footsteps of a long tradition of intensive sessions in the stage professions. These labs—first launched by Denis Marleau (2002-2008), taken up by Wajdi Mouawad (2009-2012) and now revived by Mani Soleymanlou—are master classes that have led to new projects, friendships, collaborations and even life callings.
The Regarder autrement: théâtres des possibles (Looking at things differently: Theatres of possibilities) creation lab, directed by Jasmine Catudal, invites you to open your eyes to the unseen, to crack rigid frameworks and let art emerge from the most unexpected of places. Seeing is a radical, political act of making a statement to the whole world and diving into the urgency of the present. It’s not about repeating the things we already know, but about daring to take a step, faltering, and then creating out of that mix of chaos and clarity. And understanding that our view of the world is built on difference: what we see is shaped by others, a never-ending dialogue between what lies within us and what lies beyond.
This lab also extends the artistic act with reflections on the practical realities of creation. Design, creative, organizational and structural tools are used to support a vision. These elements are so much more than technical; they shape intention and fuel the creative process, transforming an idea into a tangible, meaningful piece.
Explore, deconstruct, question: these are the fundamentals of this space. What does it mean to have a vision? How do you transform and give life to an idea? How do you name the intangible without holding it captive? Participants will work on organizing their ideas, refining their words and clarifying their intentions with exacting authenticity, all to draw out the powerful, essential message within.
This space of exploration and reflection is about opening up to the risky and unexpected, seeking out the possible in the unknown. Regarder autrement is a land of investigation, of friction and revelation, an invitation to go through the world with renewed energy and allow art to bloom in the fragile instant of imbalance where anything can happen.
The full description of the lab, which will be held entirely in French, is available here:
https://nac-cna.ca/en/theatrefrancais/les-laboratoires
ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATIONS
Anyone who meets these three conditions can apply:
1) Have seven years or fewer of professional creative experience.
2) Have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
3) Have a home address in a Canadian province or territory.
To apply, one must complete, before Sunday, February 9, 2025, the following online registration form (in French only) where all necessary information and documents are listed:
https://nac-cna.ca/en/opportunities/les-laboratoires-du-theatre-francais-edition-2025
There is no cost to apply or participate in the lab. The NAC will cover expenses related to transportation and lodging and provide a per diem stipend.
LAB DIRECTOR
Jasmine Catudal studied scenic design at the National Theatre School of Canada and has worked as a set designer in theatre, dance, opera and the circus. In 2007, she cofounded the Live Art Festival, and in 2015 she expanded its mandate to create LA SERRE – arts vivants, a project incubator for emerging artists.
Jasmine was the artistic co-director of Usine C from 2012 to 2015 and artistic director of Longueuil’s Théâtre de la Ville from 2019 to 2021. In the past decade or so, she has been a curator at a number of international events. In 2018, she returned to the National Theatre School of Canada, this time to teach in the Directing Program.
In 2019, she cofounded the organization Ecoscéno, where she developed an eco-design training program. She is currently head of the D’Arts et de Rêves creative centre in Sutton, a space where artists can create while reflecting on the natural world.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNER
The National Arts Centre Foundation would like to thank Official Hotel Partner Ottawa Embassy Hotel & Suites.
ABOUT THE NAC
The National Arts Centre is Canada’s bilingual, multi-disciplinary home for the performing arts. The NAC presents, creates, produces, and co-produces performing arts programming in various streams — the NAC Orchestra, Dance, English Theatre, French Theatre, Indigenous Theatre, and Popular Music and Variety — and nurtures the next generation of audiences and artists from across Canada. The NAC is located in the National Capital Region on the unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation.
QUESTIONS?
Any questions about the lab should be emailed to Guy Warin, Assistant to the Artistic Director and Project Manager at the French Theatre: guy.warin@nac-cna.ca
Questions about the application process and accessibility measures should be emailed to Jean‑Paul Courtemanche, Program Manager of Professional Development, at jean‑paul.courtemanche@nac-cna.ca
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Sylvain Lavoie
Communications Strategist, French Theatre
National Arts Centre
343-588-0743