RISER Regina 2027
Application
Deadline: August 5, 2026
City Or, Stories and Bodies | RISER Regina 2024
About RISER
On Cue Performance Hub’s RISER Regina provides a production-oriented mentorship program in the context of a collaborative producing platform which supports the development and production of up to four new theatre, dance or multidisciplinary projects per season.
Originally developed by Why Not Theatre in 2014, RISER was created to address challenges in producing independent theatre, especially those faced by artists who identify with underserved communities. It sought to raise up these artists by mobilizing existing resources and expertise from a network of partner organizations to maximize the use of existing infrastructure, share resources and risk, help build new audiences, and support a commitment to create and innovate.
How does RISER Regina work?
1.On Cue issues an annual open call for artists to propose a new work to be developed and produced through RISER and a mentorship program that will not only enable them to develop and professionally produce the proposed new work but also prepare them to more successfully produce and tour their independent work in future. While the open call issued in the spring is timed so that artists may propose and be accepted for production of their work during the following season, On Cue is happy to receive and consider RISER proposals at any time as the combined process of development and production often takes more than a year for many artists.
Koping Mechanisms | RISER Regina 2024
2.On Cue will normally respond to each proposal by requesting an interview with the lead artist or artists to better understand the nature of the proposed project, where it is at in the development process and what type of mentorship and production support is needed relative to the support that On Cue would be able to commit to the project.
3.On Cue reviews the proposals in hand to determine what kind of commitment it can make to the artist and their proposed new work. Considerations include the following criteria:
Need: whether RISER Regina is essential for your show’s trajectory and/or your career development;
Diversity: of culture, language, form, content, etc.;
Feasibility: financial, logistical, and technical;
Experience: in creating, producing, performing, project management, etc.; and
Production Readiness of the Proposed Work.
On Cue’s initial commitment may be limited to developmental support such as one-on-one dramaturgy or inclusion in Inside the Creative Mind (our annual celebration of new work in progress) It may involve mentorship for developing a production team, budgeting and/or grant applications and sponsorships, or it may involve a commitment to co-produce the play in the upcoming RISER schedule. It may include all of these–or we may feel that you would be better served by pursuing another production option.
4.Whatever commitment we make to you and your work, the next step is for us to work with you to create a mentorship and developmental schedule to move you and your work forward toward the public presentation of that work.
I Have No Idea | RISER Regina 2026
Breaking The Cures | RISER Regina 2024
Who is RISER Regina for?
Saskatchewan-based independent artists, collectives or small companies who have a creative idea or new work they want to have produced.
Artists who have lacked access to administrative infrastructure and/or consistent access to production opportunities with other established companies or fully professional venues.
Individuals who need and want to commit to at least a year of developmental support, production-oriented mentorship and professional development.
Individuals or groups who will commit to securing the funds and resources necessary for them to fulfill their co-producing responsibilities to On Cue and the artists involved in their production team.
Individuals or groups who want to work within a creative environment which embraces a broad range of performing arts disciplines along with artists and audience members from different backgrounds with respect to race, culture, gender, age and abilities.
Individuals who, in the spirit of this shared resource model, are generous, flexible, collaborative, and curious, as well as willing to share and work in new ways.
What Does On Cue Bring to a RISER Co-Production?
Annette is a Bimbo | RISER Regina 2023
Developmental support for your new work;
Ongoing, project-specific and production-oriented mentorship;
Hands-on support in budgeting, team building, grant applications and fundraising;
Networking with other RISER artists, staff and partner organizations;
A shared RISER Production Manager, a shared lighting designer and a house technician–all selected and paid for by On Cue;
A RISER Publicist; Box Office/Ticketing and Front of House services;
The equivalent of 3 weeks of rehearsal space;
A performance venue suitable for the production of your new work with all venue costs covered by On Cue;
2-3 eight-hour days of tech & rehearsal time in the performance space;
Up to 6 public performances
Photography, archival and/or video to digital on-demand production and distribution support;
100% of Your Box-Office Revenue after taxes and ticket service fees
NOTE: ticket prices and policies will be set by On Cue in consultation with each RISER company with considerations for Pay-What-You-Will options
What Does the RISER Artist Bring to a RISER Co-production?
Breaking the Cures | RISER Regina 2024
A production-ready script, scenario or dance notation
Timely attention to all deadlines set by On Cue and the Production Manager
Bios and headshots for all production team members as well as any artist, director or choreographer statements;
Sufficient funds to cover the costs of the co-production that are the responsibility of the artist–including full payment to all members of the production team at industry standard rates;
Show-specific marketing, including print and digital outreach;
NOTE: RISER Regina will support general marketing;
Audience recruitment and ticket sales;
Set design, set pieces, props and costumes; and
Contracting and compensating all production team artists.
Checkpoint | RISER Regina 2026
Still Have Some Questions?
If you want to check in, ask some questions, get some budget help, or just hear some words of encouragement, please click here to email On Cue and set up a time to talk. We will be happy to hear from you!
