The Essential Collective Theatre Company (formerly The Essential Players) was formed in 1998 by
Jason Cadieux and Stephanie Jones. The company collaborated with a variety of theatre makers,
producing on a project to project basis. In 2006 the company officially incorporated as a not-for-profit
and to date has produced over 10 productions in St. Catharines. ECT productions have also toured
to Toronto, Montreal and as far as London, England.
Our mandate is to create original works and produce contemporary Canadian plays. At the heart of
the organization is the desire increase the popularity of new Canadian playwrights and foster
Niagara voices.
ECT produces 1 to 2 productions per year, as well as hosting the "Wine & Reading Series", a new
play development program that features works by local theatre artists and wine tasting from local
vintners.
Jason Cadieux and Stephanie Jones. The company collaborated with a variety of theatre makers,
producing on a project to project basis. In 2006 the company officially incorporated as a not-for-profit
and to date has produced over 10 productions in St. Catharines. ECT productions have also toured
to Toronto, Montreal and as far as London, England.
Our mandate is to create original works and produce contemporary Canadian plays. At the heart of
the organization is the desire increase the popularity of new Canadian playwrights and foster
Niagara voices.
- Maintain a spirit of discovery and experimentation so that process is always as important as
the product. - Create compelling theatrical experiences by telling stories that are both relevant and
accessible to Niagara's growing theatre audience - 'Export ' our shows outside the Niagara region, raising the profile of our theatre arts
community. - 'Import' theatre professionals from outside Niagara, infusing our creative environment with
fresh energy and perspective. - Create opportunities for local theatre artists to practice their craft in a professional
environment
ECT produces 1 to 2 productions per year, as well as hosting the "Wine & Reading Series", a new
play development program that features works by local theatre artists and wine tasting from local
vintners.
About Us
Stephanie began her study of Theatre at Humber College and then
went on to Brock University. Over the years she continued to study
with such renowned teachers as, Alan Guttman, Lewis Baumander,
Jacqueline Mclintok, Uta Hagen, Joseph Chakin.
Jones has deep roots in the Niagara community where she has lived
and made theatre all her life. As the Artistic Director of Niagara
Repertory Theatre (89-96) Stephanie helped produce over 30
productions. As the co-founder and current Artistic Director of the
Essential Collective Theatre she has toured productions nationally
and internationally and has helped to establish the company’s
reputation for creating compelling theatrical experiences that are both
relevant and accessible to Niagara’s growing theatre audiences.
Her work as an actor has garnered her much critical acclaim.
Selected theatre credits include: Roberta in Patrick Shanley’s “Danny
and The Deep Blue Sea” (Theatre Arts Niagara), Agnes – Daniel
Macivor’s “Marion Bridge” (Cabot Water Theatre Co.), Erin in Jason
Cadieux’s “17.5” Essential Collective Theatre. One of her favourite
film roles is Sam in Siona Ankrah Cameron's “Short for Nothing”. For
hiring inquires please contact Sandra Gillis @ Premier Artists
(416) 461-6868
went on to Brock University. Over the years she continued to study
with such renowned teachers as, Alan Guttman, Lewis Baumander,
Jacqueline Mclintok, Uta Hagen, Joseph Chakin.
Jones has deep roots in the Niagara community where she has lived
and made theatre all her life. As the Artistic Director of Niagara
Repertory Theatre (89-96) Stephanie helped produce over 30
productions. As the co-founder and current Artistic Director of the
Essential Collective Theatre she has toured productions nationally
and internationally and has helped to establish the company’s
reputation for creating compelling theatrical experiences that are both
relevant and accessible to Niagara’s growing theatre audiences.
Her work as an actor has garnered her much critical acclaim.
Selected theatre credits include: Roberta in Patrick Shanley’s “Danny
and The Deep Blue Sea” (Theatre Arts Niagara), Agnes – Daniel
Macivor’s “Marion Bridge” (Cabot Water Theatre Co.), Erin in Jason
Cadieux’s “17.5” Essential Collective Theatre. One of her favourite
film roles is Sam in Siona Ankrah Cameron's “Short for Nothing”. For
hiring inquires please contact Sandra Gillis @ Premier Artists
(416) 461-6868
Jason is an actor, writer and the co-founder of the Essential
Collective Theatre. Originally from Toronto, Jason was introduced
to audiences there as Romeo in Die in Debt's futuristic production
of Romeo & Juliet (93) which won that years Dora Mavor Moore
Award for 'Best Production'. Since those early days Jason has
been privileged to be a part of some of the Canada's most exciting
and ground-breaking productions.
Collective Theatre. Originally from Toronto, Jason was introduced
to audiences there as Romeo in Die in Debt's futuristic production
of Romeo & Juliet (93) which won that years Dora Mavor Moore
Award for 'Best Production'. Since those early days Jason has
been privileged to be a part of some of the Canada's most exciting
and ground-breaking productions.
| Contact Stephanie at stephanie@essentialcollectivetheatre.com |
Contact Jason at jason@essentialcollectivetheatre.com
| Stephanie Jones Artistic Director / Actor / Co-founder |
| Jason Cadieux General Manager , Actor , Playwright & Co-founder |
Organizational History
| "In my present the theatre department at Concordia University and in my ongoing career as director and dramaturge, I can only say this; there is a heart of gold in the work of these two artists and any opportunity to support their work is a good one. I jump at every opportunity to work in their company. They have a lot to give" |
Sarah Stanley
Director, Dramaturge
& Professor at
Concordia University
Director, Dramaturge
& Professor at
Concordia University
Selected theater credits include; Billy in the cross Canada tour of “High Life” by Lee McDougall, Directed by Jim Millan (Crow's
Theatre), Matt in “Poor Superman” By Brad Fraser - Directed by Derek Goldby (Canadian Stage/Manitoba Theatre Centre) Finn
Gun in Sky Gilbert's “Bad Acting Teachers” at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. In (98) Jason received a Genie nomination for
Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Simon in the immensely popular film adaptation of Michel Marc Bouchard's
“Lilies” (John Grayson/Tryptech Media). More recently Jason joined the cast of Train 48 for their final 2 seasons as 'Dr. Dave'.
With the ECT Jason has continued to write and to date the company has produced three of his plays (Unleavable, 17.5 and
Hard Ways)
Theatre), Matt in “Poor Superman” By Brad Fraser - Directed by Derek Goldby (Canadian Stage/Manitoba Theatre Centre) Finn
Gun in Sky Gilbert's “Bad Acting Teachers” at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. In (98) Jason received a Genie nomination for
Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Simon in the immensely popular film adaptation of Michel Marc Bouchard's
“Lilies” (John Grayson/Tryptech Media). More recently Jason joined the cast of Train 48 for their final 2 seasons as 'Dr. Dave'.
With the ECT Jason has continued to write and to date the company has produced three of his plays (Unleavable, 17.5 and
Hard Ways)
Mandate
Goals of Organization
 |  |  |  |  |