Introducing The Expansion Pack Artists:
Brianna Russell & Catie Thorne
of Sheep’s Clothing Theatre!

As the inaugural Expansion Pack artists, Sheep’s Clothing Theatre will be developing BLOOD BROTHERS, for the 2026 SummerWorks Performance Festival. Created by Brianna Russell and Catie Thorne, BLOOD BROTHERS is a free-roaming site-specific adaptation of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, set within a fraternity, on the night of a frat’s annual hazing ceremony.

Sheep’s Clothing Theatre is a company dedicated to the creation of the accessible and the unconventional, both in content and in style. Established in 2024, Sheep’s Clothing Theatre develops new works from theatre creators that focus on adapting and interpreting classical texts and stories in order to tell them through fresh perspectives.

Brianna Russell

Catie Thorne

Read more from Brianna and Catie below:
“We are so incredibly excited to be selected as the inaugural Expansion Pack artists with SummerWorks and Outside the March. As massive fans of the work that both OtM and SummerWorks create and produce, getting the chance to learn and experiment alongside these artists is a dream come true, one that still doesn’t feel quite real. SummerWorks and Outside the March created and supported many of the works that directly inspired us to create BLOOD BROTHERS. To think that the brilliant minds behind the shows that we poured over and admired beyond belief, not only know about BLOOD BROTHERS, but… like it? We’re the luckiest people alive. BLOOD BROTHERS allowed both of us to live out our theatrical dreams and we’re so happy to welcome audiences (new and old) to join the brotherhood!”

LEARN MORE

WHAT IS THE EXPANSION PACK?

Outside the March and SummerWorks are proud to launch this new partnership, which aims to support innovative, sustainable, site-engaged performance in our community, and deliver new and immersive experiences for audiences across Toronto. Supported by The Canada Council for the Arts, this inaugural Expansion Pack initiative supports one (1) production within the SummerWorks Performance Festival context, with access to Outside the March’s extensive library of Outfit the March equipment, and with fully-funded technical personnel to manage the equipment and support the overall artistic vision of the production.

Personnel will include experienced professionals and members of the Outside the March Artistic Accomplice Program.

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

  • 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