Orpheus Musical Theatre Society

Founded in 1906 Orpheus Musical Theatre Society is Canada's longest-running organization of its kind. Based in Ottawa Orpheus is a leading community theatre company that engages more than 400 volunteers annually - performers technicians set builders and production staff - providing structured opportunities for skills development community building and lifelong learning in the performing arts. Orpheus produces three large-scale musical theatre productions delivers year-round programming that includes training classes professional seminars community performance ensembles and participation in regional festivals. Orpheus is committed to equitable access to high-quality arts education. Following the COVID-19 shutdown the organization launched its Orpheus Schoolhouse program for youth aged 6 to 18. Delivered by established Ottawa-based performing arts professionals the program operates on a pay-what-you-can/pay-what-you-want model to reduce financial barriers to participation. On average approximately 30% of the 175 participants have paid nothing to attend.