It has been 14 years, with over 20 shows seen by more than 17,000 people and we are still going!

HISTORY

In 2000 Gabrielle Soskin founded Persephone Productions as she saw a real need for support and employment opportunities for the many talented young graduates of Quebec theatre training programs. The inaugural play  ANNA KARENINA was a resounding success and the company has gone from strength to strength since then.

Persephone Productions became Registered Charity #891803918RR0001 in 2001. The next year Persephone began successfully producing two shows a year all directed by Gabrielle.  In 2007 and 2008 Gabrielle performed in a fundraising event, THE LOVE OF SHAKESPEARE’S WOMEN and handed over direction to Jennifer Piercy.

In 2009 the Board of Volunteers was formed which has provided stable organization and sound governance for the company ever since. Over the years Persephone has had many dedicated and loyal volunteers whose passion and commitment have kept the company thriving and successful.  

To celebrate Persephone’s 10th Anniversary Gabrielle joined Persephone alumni Rebecca Croll, Aaron Turner, Christopher Moore and pianist, Ian Smith in a Gala presenting scenes and songs from Persephone’s finest shows from the previous 10 years. 

In 2010, Gabrielle asked Christopher Moore to join her as assistant director for Shakespeare’s HENRY V. The production was a great success and soon afterwards Christopher joined the Board and began working alongside Gabrielle in the administration of the company. In 2011 he directed TO BE an original musical presented at the Rialto Theatre and the following year Gabrielle and Christopher teamed up again to co-direct FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD also at the Rialto.

In 2013, Persephone produced OROONOKO, written and directed by the award-winning Canadian playwright, Paul van Dyck and presented at the MAI Theatre. 

The 2013-2014 season brought a new look for Persephone with a beautiful new logo and website. 

Gabrielle Soskin stepped down as Artistic Director after 14 highly successful and productive years at the helm. Christopher Moore became Artistic Director and General Manager in July 2013. Gabrielle remains on board as Founding Director.

HISTORY OF AWARDS

MECCA Award (2005) Best Actress (Glenda Braganza) Jane Eyre

MECCA Award (2005) Best Director (Gabrielle Soskin) SubUrbia

MECCA Award (2005) Best Production SubUrbia

MECCA Award (2007) Best Ensemble To the Green Fields Beyond

The Myron Galloway Award for Distinction (2007) Awarded in recognition of Gabrielle Soskin as a Director, Actor, Producer and Teacher for her contribution to a standard of excellence in the Montreal theatre scene.

Readers' Poll (2012) Best Actor (Christopher Moore) Among the top 10 'debut appearance...from...busy thespian Moore' The Montreal Mirror issue of 15 May, 2012