Learning Sessions

This page features the learning sessions at the conference & will continue to be updated.

This page was last updated on May 13, 2025.

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Ripples of Impact

May 22 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Neptune Theatre, Fountain Hall

Industry leaders will take the stage to share the groundbreaking initiatives, bold ideas, and transformative work their organizations are driving forward. Each speaker will offer a behind the scenes look at their most impactful achievements, from community programs making waves to innovative programs shaping the future. Discover fresh ideas, make meaningful connections, and walk away with actionable insights to fuel your own work. Whether you're seeking inspiration or looking to collaborate, this is your chance to hear firsthand how companies are creating impact.

Black Pledge 4 years Later: What’s Working

With Sedina Fiati and Ren Niles (Black Pledge Collective)

May 22 from 1:00-2:00 PM

Neptune Theatre, Oland Rehearsal Hall

From Black Out Nights, to hiring full time Black team members, to programming Black forward work, there are approaches that are making a difference.The Black Pledge Collective will share a brief update on their work, followed by an open roundtable where we invite all participants to share their challenges and breakthroughs in addressing anti-Black racism, where ending anti-Black racism is a collective project. The Black Pledge Collective invites delegates to place themselves in the timeline of Black liberation in live performance. All are welcome for this interactive session.

How Technology Can Enhance Day to Day Operations & the Audience Experience

With Courtney Files (VBO Tickets) and Emily Brown (Presentation House Theatre)

May 22 from 1:00-2:00 PM

Neptune Theatre, Oland Rehearsal Hall

Sponsored by VBO Tickets

Step into the future of theatre operations with How Technology Can Enhance the Day to Day Operations & Audience Experience an energizing, game-changing session crafted for forward-thinking arts leaders, theatre professionals, and venue managers.

In a world where patron expectations are higher than ever, it's time to reimagine the way we manage ticketing, engagement, and revenue. This session unveils a next-generation ticketing platform that does more than just sell tickets — it empowers your entire organization with a powerful suite of tools like: Custom-Branded Websites that reflect your theatre’s identity and make your patron experience seamless and on-brand. Integrated Donations & Rental Income Options that make it easy for your supporters and renters to give and pay — all in one place. Robust Registration for Classes, Camps, and Workshops designed specifically for performing arts organizations. Flexible Payment Tools to simplify everything from season subscriptions to rental fees.

Whether you’re running a black-box theatre or managing a major performing arts center, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies and a vision for how modern software can simplify operations, increase engagement, and open doors to untapped revenue streams.

Theatre for All: Initiatives in Access Across Canada

With Jessie Van Rijn (Citadel Theatre), Kat McCormack (Eastern Front Theatre), Heather Cant (Persephone Theatre). Facilitated by Adam Grant Warren (Reelwheels Theatre).

May 22 from 1:00-2:00 PM

Neptune Theatre, Scotiabank Stage Theatre

What does it look like when access is not an add-on, but a driving force behind artistic and organizational decision-making? In this panel, three leaders will share how they’ve amplified access in their work—from statements of care to better backstages to community partnerships. Each speaker will highlight specific initiatives that reflect their commitment to inclusion and accessibility, offering insights into what has worked, and what they've learned along the way. Attendees will leave with concrete takeaways, creative strategies, and ways to think about access in their own organizations and collaborations.

Cities of/for Culture: How Civics, Commerce, and Culture thrive together

With Jeremy Webb (Neptune Theatre), Tony Mancini (Deputy Mayor of Halifax) & Paul MacKinnon (CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission), facilitated by Brad Lepp (Executive Director, PACT)

May 22 from 2:30-4:00 PM

Neptune Theatre, Fountain Hall Stage

Few places have cultural vibrancy woven into the fabric of their city quite like Halifax. What roles do municipal policy, business development, and cultural leadership each have to play in order for the whole city to succeed? We’ll discuss how that collaboration has been coordinated locally,  what other models exist, and what opportunities remain.

International Mobility: Coproductions, Tours and Global Exchange

With PACT's International Relations Committee 

May 22 from 2:30-4:00 PM

Neptune Theatre, Oland Rehearsal Hall

Learn more about international artistic collaborations in this participatory session where PACT members will share expertise on different types of international relationships including co-pros, touring, festivals, partnership development, and artistic residencies.

Labour Relations – SuperHappyFunTimes with the Playwrights Guild of Canada Agreement

With PACT's PGC Negotiations Team

May 22 from 2:30-3:30 PM

Neptune Theatre, Pratt and Whitney Rehearsal Hall

SuperHappyFunTime (SHFT) sessions are opportunities to learn, discuss, and ask questions about recent and upcoming changes to the agreements that PACT administers jointly with the Associated Designers of Canada (ADC), the Playwrights Guild of Canada (PGC) and Canadian Actors Equity Association (the Canadian Theatre Agreement or CTA). They are not a how-to on using the various agreements.

This PGC SHFT is an opportunity for PACT Members to discuss the Ratification Package changes for the new PGC Agreement. The vote by PACT Regular & Commercial Members will take place during the Annual General Meeting on Friday, May 23, 2025.

This meeting is open to delegates representing PACT Regular, Commercial, and Affiliate Members only.

An Introduction to Transformative Mediation

With Richard Lam

May 22 from 2:30-4:00 PM

Neptune Theatre, Scotiabank Stage Theatre

Are you looking for additional tools to address conflicts or to broaden your toolbelt? If so, this is the session for you.

Transformative Mediation is a flexible, values-driven process for resolving conflicts that prioritizes agency and transparency for the parties involved. Participants in this workshop will learn about the philosophy of conflict resolution, the values of Transformative Mediation as a practice, and receive grounded, useable advice on how to integrate it into their operations.

How Do We Grow an Organization These Days

With Monica Esteves (Canadian Stage), Jonathan Heppner (Soulpepper Theatre), Michael Sinclair (Obsidean Theatre), Victor Poinko (Bad Hats Theatre). Faciliated by Tracy Carroll (Catalyst Theatre)

May 22 from 4:30-5:30 PM 

Neptune Theatre, Fountain Hall Stage

In a time when resources are tight and the landscape is constantly shifting, how can arts organizations not only survive but thrive? In this session, four innovative theatre companies of varying sizes share their real-world strategies for growth—through bold collaborations, strategic co-productions, resource sharing, and partnerships that amplify unique mandates. These leaders will unpack the creative ways they’ve expanded their reach and impact. Come for the conversation, stay for the insights—and leave with thoughts for building your organization’s future in your own community.

Reflections from the International Black Theatre Festival

With Jacob Sampson (2b theatre)

May 22 from 4:30-5:30 PM 

Neptune Theatre, Oland Rehearsal Hall

Sponsored by Arts Nova Scotia

Join 2b theatre's Associate Artistic Director Jacob Sampson, as he highlights the work by 2b theatre that was presented at the International Black Theatre Festivals Colloquium in Winston-Salem N.C. The session will also offer takeaways from the experience of leading an African Nova Scotian delegation to the IBTF, and the significant opportunity this offers to Black theatre artists and companies presenting Black works in Canada. 

PACT's Practice of Support

With Brad Lepp & Richard Lam

May 22 from 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Neptune Theatre, Pratt & Whitney Rehearsal Hall

PACT board have been working with Richard Lam on a process for engaging and supporting members when issues arise that sit outside existing dispute systems. This process is rooted in the practice of transformational mediation, as voluntary, collaborative, and outcome focused. This session is an opportunity to understand this conflict resolution process as a practice of PACT supporting its members.

View a draft of PACT's Practice of Support document here. 

Bringing Your Venue into Focus: The Power of Digital Venue Records for Smarter Production Planning

With Dominique Rivard

May 22 from 4:30-5:30 PM

Neptune Theatre, Scotiabank Stage Theatre

Sponsored by Vectorworks

Join Dominique Rivard, 3D scanning and design specialist, for an in-depth look at how comprehensive digital records created through advanced laser scanning technology can transform your theatre’s production planning and project management. Through the lenses of two case studies, a traditional theatre and an outdoor performance space, this session will demonstrate how high-precision laser scans are brought into Vectorworks design software to create accurate, editable 3D models – enabling seamless collaboration across set design, lighting design, and broader production planning. Learn how these digital assets support technical teams, improve communication, reduce costly surprises, and help executive directors make more informed decisions.

Friday, May 23, 2025

Labour Relations – Associated Designers of Canada Agreement Feedback Session

With PACT’s ADC Negotiating team

May 23 from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

Neptune Theatre, Fountain Hall

The purpose of this session is to begin the research, information collection, and discussion phase of preparing for ADC659/PACT Agreement Negotiations. Members are invited to share their feedback on the current agreement, and changes they would like to see in the next agreement. This will not be the only chance to submit feedback, however, it will likely be the only time feedback is collected in-person. The panel will not be presenting any information, and will only be taking feedback during this session. We anticipate a request from ADC659 to engage in conversations around the use of A.I. in design. Please bring those thoughts to the session as well. 

This session is only open to Regular and Commercial members. This is not a session on how to use the ADC Agreement.

Fixing Theatre Criticism: A DIY workshop

With Karen Fricker and Nathaniel Hanula-James

May 23 from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

Neptune Theatre, Oland Rehearsal Hall

All over Canada and around the world, the amount of reviews, features, and other forms of theatre coverage has plummeted. In some markets, there are no reviewers left. But there’s also a groundswell of new approaches to criticism and coverage, from training initiatives to a free online course to new publishing models in partnership with arts and arts service organizations. Is there a void in your local critical scene you’d like to fill? Bring your situations and concerns to this session, and Intermission Magazine’s editorial advisor Karen Fricker and staff writer Nathaniel Hanula-James will workshop it with you in dialogue with other participants. Come with a criticism beef, leave with practical solutions, steps to take forward, and a new network of colleagues working to change the Canadian critical landscape together.

“The Same but Different” - Federal Advocacy 2.0

With Sonja Tilroe and Sean Casey (PAA Advisory)

May 23 from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM

Neptune Theatre, Scotiabank Stage Theatre

Join us as we discuss what a Mark Carney government will mean for theatres and the arts sector and where we go from here in our advocacy. The discussion will include:

The key takeaways from the election and what campaign promises mean for the arts and culture sector? A Mark Carney minority government – what does that mean for the next few years in the House of Commons? Where are the opportunities for engagement and arts advocacy, and how will it be different than with the Trudeau Liberals? Where do PACT’s priorities land within government and what is the path forward for the Live Performing Arts Tax Credit, Canada Council for the Arts, and broader programs at the Department of Canadian Heritage? What messaging and advocacy preconditions are necessary for government relations success? With a Q&A on tangible next steps for PACT member advocacy.

PACTcon PITCH PARTY

With Boomer Stacey (Boca Del Lupo)

May 23 from 3:00-5:00 PM

Alderney Landing, Dartmouth

After great success in Montreal, welcome to the second annual Pitch-It-Party, where creative partners, producers, and artists showcase their exciting new projects to PACTcon delegates PetchaKucha style.

PechaKucha is a creative storytelling platform or framework for connecting and sharing. PACT’s version of the presentation format is a slide show of 18 images, each auto-advancing after 18 seconds. It’s non-stop and you've got 324 seconds to tell your story, with visuals guiding the way.

This Pitch Party will feature pieces, from early to mid-stages of development to production and/or tour ready shows.

Engage in the seeing the exciting work unfolding across the country in this exciting event at Alderny Landing in Dartmouth. hosted by Boomer Stacey, Artistic Producer of Boca Del Lupo.

Crisis? What Crisis? Scenario Planning for Your Theatre

With Heather Young (Young Associates) and Jamie Grant (Grant Management Group)

Sponsored by Young Associates

May 23 from 3:15-4:45 PM

Front Rotunda, Alderney Landing

One thing is certain right now in the life of most theatres across Canada, and that is the feeling of uncertainty. At a time of political, economic and cultural turmoil, with new calamities looming before the last one has been resolved, when stability may seem out of reach, let alone sustainability or growth, you have two choices – wait and see or plan and prepare.

Scenario planning is a process that helps organizations anticipate potential challenges and opportunities by exploring plausible future scenarios.

Developed by the RAND Corporation in the 1950s and later refined by Dutch Shell Oil, scenario planning is an exercise that asks, “What if, and what would we do?”

In this session Heather Young (Young Associates) and Jamie Grant (Grant Management Group) with their combined service to the theatre of over 75 years, take you on a discovery of “how to look at scenario planning and your organization.” Participants will leave with new insights into how to develop plans and manage the uncertainty of these times in the theatre.

Saturday, May 24, 2025 - Ross Creek

PACT Strategic Plan Launchpad

With Kim Fuller, Founder & CEO, Phil & Thom Ledwell, Strategic Planning Lead

Session 1 : May 24th from 2:00-3:00 PM

Session 2 : May 24th from 3:15-4:15 PM

Dance Studio, Ross Creek Centre for the Arts

The Strategic Plan Launchpad session will be repeated twice. All members are encouraged to participate in one of the two following sessions.

As we wrap up an extensive strategic planning process, this interactive workshop offers members and colleagues a chance to engage directly with the themes and ideas that have emerged from the planning process so far. You’ll hear a brief overview of what we’ve learned through interviews, surveys, and consultations and then dive into creative, small-group activities designed to imagine what action could look like for different themes.

Together, we’ll explore key priorities such as regional community-building, equity and inclusion, and how PACT can better support members across different sizes, roles, and realities. With visual and hands-on activities, this session welcomes all participation styles and will help ground the final stages of the plan in your lived experience and ideas. Open to all PACT Members & Colleagues. Facilitated by the strategic planning team at Phil.

New Leaders Roundtable

With Panthea Vatandoost (PACT), Pat Rundell (Kaleidoscope Theatre), Alison Peddie (PACT) & Danny Everson (Mermaid Theatre)

May 24th from 2:00-3:00 PM

Large Stretch Tent, Ross Creek Centre for the Arts

As PACT wraps up the second year of programming for the New Leaders Roundtable Series, join us in celebrating our successes, meeting new members, and planning for the new season.