A History of surface/underground theatre
surface/underground theatre was created in 2004 by five Ryerson Theatre School students (Nick Abraham, Antonio Cayonne, Riley Gilchrist, Peter Pasyk, and Daniel Roberts) with the purpose of creating and producing two original works: Country Boy written by member Daniel Roberts tells the story of a boy growing up in rural Ontario; Scenes from the Underground, directed by John Palmer, was a telling of the Dostoevsky classic (Notes), adapted for the stage by member Peter Pasyk. Both plays received a full production at the 2004 New Voices Festival produced by Sheldon Rosen. With the success of their initial collaborations, after finishing school surface/underground theatre evolved into a professional company with Peter Pasyk as Artistic Director.
Company members have worked extensively in Canadian theatre, film and television. surface/underground theatre members have been seen at the Stratford Festival, NAC, Canstage, Sudbury Theatre Centre, Toronto Fringe Festival, Hart House Theatre and many other venues around Toronto. Besides our stage work, members have starred and appeared in television series, movies of the week and feature films. We are an ensemble versed in many crafts including: acting, directing, producing, production design, and audience outreach.
In 2008 surface/underground theatre produced its third show, Extremities by William Mastrosimone. By working directly with Mastrosimone and a collaborative team of emerging theatre practitioners the production began rehearsal in January of that year. The show opened February 6th at the Toronto Free Gallery, which was generously donated by curator Heather Haynes. The two week run was a creative, critical and financial success garnering generous audiences and favorable reviews by both the Now and Eye Magazines.
2009 is an exciting year for surface/underground theatre, highlighting our ambition with the launch our first complete season. With a series of successful fundraising efforts we are proud to announce our first show this season, Stephen Adly Guirgis' Den of Thieves opening in April 2009. We are also currently awaiting approval for a production slot at the 2009 Summerworks Festival for our interpretation of Christopher Shinn's Dying City. Stay updated by visiting our website!