Centre for Indigenous Theatre - Definition and Overview

Founded in 1974 by the late James H. Buller, the Native Theatre School was started with the vision that Aboriginal people could create change in Canada through theatre. James Buller, a noted opera and musical comedy singer who also became a popular boxer before founding the school, wanted to see Aboriginal actors, playwrights and directors flourish across Canada and create a network of Aboriginal theatre companies from coast to coast and saw the Native Theatre School as the way to do it.

In 1994 the Native Theatre School was re-named the Centre for Indigenous Theatre to reflect the organizations greater commitment to the pre-professional traning, professional development and promotion of Aborignal theatre in North America and around the world. In 1995, the Centre announced the development of it's first new program in support of Aboriginal theatre, the James Buller Awards for Aboriginal Theatre Excellence.

1998 marked the launch of the Centre for Indigenous Theatre's newest and most ambitious program since opening almost 25 years eariler. Based on the Native Theatre School model, the Centre opened the new Indigenous Theatre School, the first full-time, 3 year theatre training program in North America with a curriculum that integrates training in acting, voice, movement and traditional Aboriginal cultural classes in dance, song and oral history.

The Centre for Indigenous Theatre is located in Toronto, Ontario.

Notable Graduates

• Tina Louise Bomberry - 1988
• Gary Farmer - 1974
• Lucie Idlout - 1997
• Melvin John - 1982
• Rosa John - 1982
• George Leach - 1996
• Billy Merasty - 1984
• Jennifer Podemski - 1992

Notable Faculty

• Herbie Barnes
• Columpa Bobb
• Sadie Buck
• Mark Christmann
• Carol Greyeyes - Artistic Director 1997-2001
• Micheal Greyeyes
• Margo Kane
• Jani Lauzon
• David Ley
• Lee Maracle - Cultural Director 1998-2000
• Muriel Miguel
• Daniel David Moses
• Richard Rose
• Paul Thompson