Balancing Act’s new three-year program, Level UP! supports performing arts organizations, collectives, and project-based initiatives as they pilot strategies that forefront more inclusive, care-led workplace policies and practices. The Level UP! program offers financial support, consultation, and evaluation as partners explore the implementation of supportive measures for parents and caregivers.
We have just announced our ’22-23 Level UP! Strategy Partners! Read more HERE.
Through the Level UP! initiative, organizations and collectives create resources and templates to be shared with the performing arts sector at large, toward a culture shift that will increase access for artists/arts workers with caring responsibilities.
Consultant: Jeanne LeSage, LeSage Arts Management
Evaluation: Meredith Davis and Rebecca Thomas Kahn, Good Roots Consulting
Lead Partner and Advisory Team: Nightwood Theatre
Balancing Act is a TAPA Community Partner.
Level UP! Strategies and Cohort 1 (2021-22) Partners and Pilots
Pathways to Agreement
Supporting the caregiving needs of artists/arts workers through policy and the contracting process.
Childcare Solutions
Initiatives to directly support childcare needs, including on-site care, infrastructure for touring and childcare subsidies.
Flexible Working Models
Alternative models for production schedules and administrative positions.
Compassion Fund
Including a fund in production/operating budgets to support a range of care needs; for example: personal support, travel, and childcare.
Special Projects
![]() | Childcare and travel support. |
![]() | Caregiver subsidy pilot project; reimbursements for caregiving support for rehearsals, training, performance. |
Level UP! National Roundtable Series, in partnership with PACT
Co-presented with the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT), these roundtables are a series of public ‘working conversations’ between invited guests and our partner companies who are piloting workplace strategies to support parents and caregivers. We look forward to continuing our partnership for the ’22-23 season; events to be announced October 3rd! Here’s a look back at our 2022 panels:
January 13, 2022: Flexible Working Models (Roseneath Theatre, Neptune Theatre, Outside the March, Fringe Toronto)
February 24, 2022: Childcare Solutions (Quote Unquote Collective, Harbourfront Centre, Lunchbox Theatre, Open Pit Theatre, CADA-East)
May 19, 2022: Compassion Fund (Nightwood Theatre, Obsidian Theatre, Buddies in Bad Times, Tapestry Opera)
June 16, 2022: Pathways to Agreement (Why Not Theatre, Neworld Theatre, Toronto Dance Theatre)
The Level UP! Program is guided by Balancing Act’s Steering Committee.
Learn more: Balancing Act’s Steering Committee.