JOIN US ONLINE to LEARN MORE about THE EXPANSION PACK:
When: December 2nd, 2025 // 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Where: Zoom
REGISTER HERE

In this session, team members from Outside the March and SummerWorks will review the application materials and the overall curatorial process, responding to questions from online attendees.

ASL interpretation will be provided and a recording will be made available online.

WHAT IS THE EXPANSION PACK?

THE EXPANSION PACK is Outside the March’s FREE gear lending program, designed to cut down on costly and wasteful one-off purchases and rentals, and allow artists to take their production design to the next level. 

SummerWorks and Outside the March are proud to launch a new partnership that aims to support innovative, sustainable, site-engaged performance in our community, and deliver new and immersive experiences for audiences across Toronto.

One (1) production will be selected and programmed within the 2026 SummerWorks Performance Festival (August 6-16, 2026). With access to Outside the March’s extensive library of Outfit the March equipment, the production will also receive fully-funded technical personnel to manage the equipment and support the overall artistic vision. Personnel will include experienced professionals and members of the Outside the March Artistic Accomplice Program.

We are seeking artists and creators who aspire  to explore innovative ways to activate, animate, and illuminate non-traditional spaces with live performance. We strongly encourage projects that consider innovative uses of space, and forefront ecological sustainability in the creation and production of their work. We invite projects that consider immersivity and explore unique audience experiences.

The program is supported by The Canadian Green Alliance and is generously funded by The Canada Council for the Arts. 

GO TO THE FULL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

  • A wide variety of portable LED fixtures including small scale and moving lights. 
  • IP-rated housings for indoor/outdoor use
  • Wireless and battery-powered units for flexible, cable-free installations
  • Compact control infrastructure compatible with touring and site-specific setups
  • Small scale and portable fog and haze units 
  • Scalable Meyer Sound speaker system including options for larger and smaller scale venues
  • Tools for sound imaging, spatial design, and flexible routing in any venue
  • Transmitters and receivers for wireless and wired headset based experiences
  • Laser projectors with interchangeable lenses for flexible throw distances including ultra short throw for small spaces 
  • Hardware for live streaming video (cameras, a variety of stands, and routing systems) 
  • Modular truss systems and lightweight rigging components adaptable to varied venues
  • Eco-flow portable power units and solar charging for off-grid, underpowered venues or green productions
  • A variety of winches for scenic movement and rigging 
  • Modular seating and audience infrastructure for different audience layouts
  • Accessibility ramps and mobility aids to  ensure an inclusive venue 
  • Mobile front-of-house infrastructure (Square system, digital signage etc)
  • Mobile wardrobe and makeup stations with integrated storage
  • 3D printer for rapid prototyping and prop creation

 

“SummerWorks is thrilled to continue our support for creative development in site-engaged contexts through this incredible and visionary OtM initiative. Costs are rising and spaces are eroding—so The Expansion Pack is a timely and necessary program, offering much-needed production resources and technical know-how to our diverse communities of performance practice. We’re very excited to connect with a multitude of artists and designers within this upcoming Call for Submissions, and to uncover more about our amazing creative community(ies)!”

– SummerWorks Artistic Director Michael Caldwell