Circle of Voices
Interested in having your script be performed as the 2026/2027 Circle of Voices production? Submissions are open until September 4th, 2026! Click here to view the formal call for script submissions.
About the Program
Since 1999, Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre has been developing Indigenous youth into the next generation of storytellers by teaching them artistic and theatrical skills.
The Circle of Voices program is a six-month Indigenous youth theatre training program that is rooted in Indigenous culture and incorporates language, ceremony, and historical teachings. This program gives participants the core skills necessary for employment in the arts and culminates in a full-length theatre performance written, designed, and performed by the class with the support of professional theatre artists.
Many of our students have gone on to become musicians, actors, stage managers, playwrights, and artistic directors across Saskatchewan and Canada!
Program Outcomes
Photo from Mistikokamik of Horror by Amanda Trapp, directed by Aaron Shingoose (COV 2023/2024).
Photo from Mistikokamik of Horror by Amanda Trapp, directed by Aaron Shingoose (COV 2023/2024).
Program Info and FAQ's
You can apply to be part of the Circle of Voices cohort by completing the intake form linked here.
It is completely free to apply and participate in the program. Previous theatre experience is not required!
If you have been part of the program before we may accept you back into the program in consecutive years, depending on the amount of applications received.
Once your application has been received, a representative of the theatre will contact you via email regarding the status of your application in the fall. Please ensure your email address is spelled correctly in your application!
Applications are open until September 25th, 2026.
The Circle of Voices program is geared towards youth ages 16 to 25 years old. Younger youth may still apply - just note your age in the application and the program coordinator will have a discussion with you and your parents/guardians during the approval process.
Yes - however a discussion over transportation will need to be had with the program coordinator.
No - while participants are not paid, dinner and transportation to and from our offices are provided each night of the program.
Applications open in June and close in September. The program runs through the winter and spring from October to April. For the 2026/2027 cohort, the program's final production will perform from March 25th - April 4th, 2027.
The Circle of Voices program runs Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings starting on October 6th, 2026 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Dinner is served for participants beforehand each evening.
Once rehearsals for the final production begin, additional program days are added as needed.
It is important that cohort members attend as many sessions as possible in order to gain the skills and experience needed to enhance the final production.
Should attendance be inconsistent, cohort members may be asked to step back from performing in the final production, or be asked to withdraw from the program entirely.
Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre (GTNT) strives to create spaces that are spiritually, mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically safe for all our relations. This is done through regular check-ins with staff, clear on concise reporting methods should any issues arise, upholding proper protocols including the ability to burn sacred medicines in our spaces, and more.
GTNT will ensure that all program participants have access to devices to assist with any technological requirements of the program.
GTNT's office space and the performance space at Studio 914 are wheelchair accessible.
If you have any accessibility needs, please let us know before or during your application. You can email Kat at cov@gtnt.ca if you have any questions or need any support.
The 2025/2026 Circle of Voices Program was made possible by:
