Théâtre Déchaînés

Théâtre Déchaînés is a Montreal-based company whose mandate is to produce and present participatory theatre, both in French and in English. We specialize in the ethical involvement of spectators and the various possible interactions between the audience and the performance.

Using working methods that frequently draw on the tools of art therapy and therapeutic theater, documentary research and inclusive participatory models of citizenship, our goal is to design original creations that place the viewer at the very heart of the experience and that open a dialogue on human realities too often ignored, while always respecting the limits of each person. 

This desire for dialogue must include spectators who cannot travel to traditional venues, as well as artists who are frequently excluded for reasons of physical or psychological health. It is with this in mind that our Accessible Theatre Program was developed: so that we even more so carefully curate our projects in a way that prioritizes removing barriers to the fair enjoyment of the theatrical artistic experience, in any way, shape or form. 

In integrity with our commitment to real changes, $ 1 of each ticket sold for shows included in our Concrete Actions Program is donated to a recognized charity that is dedicated to the issue addressed in our show.

Projects

2021 - Begining in September, presentation of Words At The Window, a short play written by Audrey Desrosiers, designed and adapted for a clientele suffering from early-onset dementia.

2021 - Reprises of Tantôt, demain peut-être, a participatory telephone play by Marie Ayotte, as well as first performances of the English version Soon, Tomorrow Maybe, from September 14 to October 17, 2021.

2020 - Planétarium 2.0, an interactive play by Marie Ayotte, presented from November 21 to December 3, 2020 (French).

2020 - Tantôt, demain peut-être, a participatory telephone play by Marie Ayotte, presented from June 4 to July 12, 2020. Additional performances took place from October 29 to November 15, 2020 (French).

2019 - Zombies Westerns de la Terreur (dans l’Espace), written and directed by Marie Ayotte, presented from June 7 to 15 at the Salle Jean-Valcourt of the Conservatoire. A production in collaboration with Théâtre Globe Bulle Rouge (French).

2018 - Planétarium, written and directed by Marie Ayotte, presented from June 8 to 17 at the Jean-Claude Germain room of the Théâtre d´Aujourdhui. A production in collaboration with Théâtre Globe Bulle Rouge (French).

Prizes and nominations

2021 - Recipient of a grant from the Conseil des Arts du Québec n the Physically Distanced Performances measure, for the projects Tantôt, demain peut-être and Soon, Tomorrow Maybe, which will be presented from September 14 to October 17, 2021. 

2021 - Recipient of a grant from the Conseil des Arts du Québec in the Research, creation, exploration and production program, for Silences infinis des requins pèlerins, which will be presented in spring 2022.

2021 - Residency with Théâtre Aux Écuries, for Silences infinis des requins pèlerins, which will be presented in spring 2022.

2020 - Recipient of a 4,500 $ grant from Mécènes investis pour les arts, a program led by the Brigade Arts Affaires de Montréal, in association with the Conseil des arts de Montréal.

2019 - Nomination for the Creativity Award at the 2019 Montreal St-Amboise Fringe Festival for Zombies Westerns de la Terreur (dans l’Espace), written and directed by Marie Ayotte.

2018 - Winner of the prize for best francophone text at the 2019 St-Ambroise Fringe festival in Montreal for Planétarium, written and directed by Marie Ayotte.

Équipe

Marie Ayotte - Artistic and General Director

(she/her)

Marie Ayotte is a multidisciplinary author and artist whose work explores notions of vulnerability, interaction, and intimacy through participatory theater experiences.

In addition, she has been a cultural coordinator for over 15 years.

For more information on her work: www.marieayotte.com

Logistics and communications support : Laurence-Marie Robillard (she/her), Andrée-Anne Giguère (she/her), Véronique Gosselin (she/her), Marianne Paquette (she/her), Tammy-Lou Pates (she/her), Geneviève T. De L’Étoile (she/her), Stéphane Vaillancourt (he/him), Kaleb Guérin (he/him). 

Website translation : Gen Fleurant-Cheff (they/them)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Caroline Guimont (she/her)

Présidente - C.A.

After studying visual arts at Cégep Montmorency, then in cultural animation and research at UQAM, Caroline collected a wide variety of experiences. Communications and project development are a springboard.

Cumulating learning experiences and skills, it was in the mid-2000s that she moved closer to philanthropic and cultural circles. This is how she then specialized in supporting philanthropic organizations in their promotional, communication and event efforts, whether it's about major events, fundraising, public relations, or internal and external communication. Caroline passionately exercises her talents and uses her skills whenever the opportunity arises, supporting the missions of organizations in which she trusts.


Andrée-Anne Giguère (she/her)

Vice-Présidente - C.A.

An interdisciplinary artist and a doctoral student, André-Anne  is also a research professional for the Canada Research Chair in Sound Dramaturgy in Theater (since 2010) and co-founder member of the Les Poulpes collective. She has an active practice as an actress, performer, video designer for the stage and director.

Andrée-Anne is also a doctoral student at Laval University and a FRQSC grant holder. Her research focuses on the sensitive and performative integration of technology on the stage. She completed her master's degree at UQAC in 2012, focusing on the dialogical and performative relationships between the actor's body and video projection. Her work has recently been presented in France, Colombia and Mexico.

She recently co-edited, with Jean-Paul Quéinnec, four phonography notebooks, published by LaClignotante.

Yannick Lepage (he/him)

Treasurer - C.A.

Working in the industrial relations fields for ten years, Yannick’s functions have led him to lead, advise and coach managers, professionals and employees all across Canada. His strengths include planning, organization and communication.

After completing a bachelor's degree in industrial relations, a graduate degree specializing in health and safety, as well as a master's degree in business administration, Yannick became involved with the Québec’s MBA Association. As vice-president of the Rive-Sud section, he works on organizing events and planning budgets.

Yannick intends to actively contribute to achieving the objectives of the Théâtre Déchaînés board of directors.

Audrey Desrosiers (she/her)

Administrator - C.A.

With a bachelor's degree in classical music and in criticism and dramaturgy, Audrey also studied graphic design at the California Institute of the Arts. She thus became familiar with many forms of artistic expression, driven by her desire to explore contact with the Other. It was this same desire that prompted her in 2006 to turn to pet therapy, which she combined with her talent as a teacher in order to approach clients with particular challenges. Specializing in therapeutic intervention for children with serious attachment and behavioral disorders or with language difficulties, Audrey has also launched her own business, Au bout du Museau, where she not only offers pet therapy services, but also professional coaching and digital books for entrepreneurs.

Stéphane Vaillancourt (he/him)

Administrator - C.A.

With his atypical career and multiple interests, Stéphane went from software and website programming to business management, including public relations, after having cut his teeth in journalism as a techno columnist.

 He now works as a director of communications at the Society for Arts and Technology [SAT], a position where he can put all his skills to good use.

 His curious nature and his interest in art led him to get involved in different projects. In addition to hosting a podcast in which he deals with one of his passions, photography, he is fueled by new technologies, as well as electronic music.


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Mathieu Boislard (he/him)

Administrator - C.A.

A lawyer by training, Mathieu completed a bachelor's degree in law at the University of Montreal and a bachelor's degree in sociology at the University of Ottawa. After becoming interested in immigration law, he has since specialized in labor law and today serves as a union advisor to the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

Previously, Mathieu accumulated significant experience as a political attaché at the National Assembly of Quebec and worked within the federal government, both at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and at National Defense.

A fond of arts and culture, he is happy to get involved with Théâtre Déchaînés, in particular with the aim of growing familiar with the artist’s rights and the legal concepts involved in theatrical presentation.

It is important at Théâtre Déchaînés to do everything in its power to listen to the needs of others.

To read our harassment prevention policy (French only, English version to come soon).

Tiohtiá:ke/Montreal is situated on the traditional territory of the Kanien’kehà:ka, a place which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst many First Nations including the Kanien’kehá:ka of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Huron/Wendat, Abenaki, and Anishinaabeg.

We recognize and respect the Kanien’kehà:ka as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we work and live today.

Header photo - Phil Latour

Picture of Marie Ayotte - Julie d’Artacho

Picture of Andrée-Anne Giguère - Patrick Simard

Donate for our mission

Would you like to encourage Théâtre Déchaînés’s projects? All the money donated will go directly to the production of our shows and to the research we do to ensure ethical audience participation through new concepts.

From the entire Théâtre Déchaînés team, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.


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