Theatre Ball 2026

Fantastic benefits of sponsorship include:

• Table of 10 in a prime location
• Full page ad in the Theatre Ball program
• Logo recognition in the Theatre Ball program
• Logo recognition in all Canadian Stage production House Programs for all of 2026
• Recognition from the podium during the event
• Opportunity to host 2 VIP artists at your table
• Charitable tax receipt for the maximum allowable

• Entertainment
• Cocktail Reception (SOLD) 
• Artist Achievement Prize (SOLD) 
• Creative City Champion Award (SOLD)
• Creative City Builder Award (SOLD)

Title Sponsor: $25,000  (SOLD)

Receives additional benefits including the name of the event: Theatre Ball 2026 presented by *your company", your company logo on the front cover of the Theatre Ball program, and invitations for two to Canadian Stage opening night performances throughout 26.27 season. 

Contact Leslie Francombe at lfrancombe@canadianstage.com for more information and to book your sponsorship. 

Premium Table: $15,000 - SOLD OUT

Benefits include a table of 10 in a prime location, half page ad in the Theatre Ball program, opportunity to host 2 VIP artists at your table, donor name recognition in the Theatre Ball program and in all Canadian Stage production House Programs for all of 2026, charitable tax receipt for the maximum allowable amount. 

Table: $12,000 - LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Benefits include a table of 10,  name recognition in the Theatre Ball program and in all Canadian Stage production House Programs for all of 2026, charitable tax receipt for the maximum allowable amount. 

Tickets: $1,250 - LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Individual ticket, name recognition in the Theatre Ball program and in all Canadian Stage production House Programs for all of 2026, charitable tax receipt for the maximum allowable amount. 

Contact Leslie at lfrancombe@canadianstage.com to purchase your table or tickets. 

Tuesday May 12, 2026

The Globe and Mail Centre 

351 King Street East, 17th Floor Toronto, Ontario 

Cocktails: 5:30 pm 

Three-course Dinner: 6:30 pm 

Dress code: Spring Cocktail

Event ends at approximately 9 pm.

Canadian Stage presents three awards annually at the Theatre Ball to celebrate Toronto’s great arts champions.

Creative City Builder Award, established 2022

Recognizing Toronto leaders and companies who have meaningfully contributed to the creative spaces and communities in Toronto.

This year's recipient: Robert Eisenberg, York Heritage Properties

Together with Michael Cruickshank, his partner in York Heritage Properties, Robert Eisenberg, C.M., has been breathing new life into old buildings for over 45 years. They coined the name, Liberty Village, and have played a significant role in its transformation. An advocate for Ontario’s environmental heritage, he spearheaded campaigns to limit urban sprawl and protect the Lake Simcoe watershed, resulting in two provincial Acts. In 2012, Robert founded Sistema Toronto, which through the teaching of music in an intensive, ensemble based after school program reaches over 400 students in underserved areas and promotes social transformation and contributes to academic excellence.

In 2021, Eisenberg was appointed to the Order of Canada for his commitment to the revitalization of Toronto’s architectural heritage and for his community service benefiting the environment and youth

Sponsored by KingSett Capital

Past recipients: Marianne McKenna, co-founder of KPMB; Alfredo Romano, Castlepoint Numa; Donald Schmitt, Diamond Schmitt; Babak & Tooran Mortazavi, TAS

Creative City Champion Award, established 2024

Recognizing individuals who generously give of their time, resources, and expertise to bolster the creation of Canadian artistic work and/or the impact and resiliency of cultural organizations.

This year’s recipients: Alexandra, Charles and Marilyn Baillie

Marilyn Baillie, C.M., Charles Baillie, O.C., and their daughter Alexandra are distinguished philanthropists and devoted volunteers whose generosity has had a lasting impact on Canada’s cultural landscape. Alexandra Baillie is President of Good & Well, a boutique impact investment firm supporting businesses with a social purpose. As Chair of Canadian Stage, she guided the organization through a pivotal period of transition, contributing both strategic leadership and philanthropic support to its renewed success. Charles Baillie, former banker, served as President of the Art Gallery of Ontario from 2002 to 2009 and, alongside Matthew Teitelbaum, oversaw the transformative Frank Gehry renovation. He is currently President of TIFA, championing its revitalization, and has served on the boards of the Royal Conservatory of Music, the Canadian Opera Company, the Shaw Festival, and Soulpepper. Marilyn Baillie is a former editor of Chickadee magazine and the author of more than sixteen children’s books on science and nature. Together, Marilyn and Charles support the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award at the Canadian Children’s Book Centre and serve as Governors of the Shaw Festival and the Toronto Library Foundation. Charles was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2006, and Marilyn was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2018.

Sponsored by Mark and Gail Appel

Past recipients: Helen Burstyn, Paul and Janice Sabourin

Artistic Achievement Prize, established 2024

Recognizes Canadian artists who have meaningfully contributed to advancing the craft of theatre through their creativity, rigour, and body of work.

This year’s recipients: Ann-Marie MacDonald and Alisa Palmer

Alisa Palmer and Ann-Marie MacDonald, O.C., are a married couple and leading figures in Canadian theatre and literature. Alisa Palmer is a celebrated director, playwright, and producer recognized for her bold musical vision and politically engaged work. She has premiered landmark new plays, led Nightwood Theatre, directed at the Shaw and Stratford Festivals and Canadian Stage, and most recently served as Executive Artistic Director (English) of the National Theatre School of Canada. Ann-Marie MacDonald is an award-winning novelist, playwright, actor, and broadcaster. Her acclaimed works include Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning, Juliet), Belle Moral, Hamlet-911, and the novels Fall On Your Knees, The Way the Crow Flies, Adult Onset, and Fayne. A graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2019. Their artistic collaboration has taken many forms, including most recently the celebrated stage adaptation of Fall On Your Knees, co-adapted by Alisa and Hannah Moscovitch. Fall On Your Knees had its world premiere at Canadian Stage in the 2022-23 season, before touring Canada.

Sponsored by Jennifer Connolly and Ken Hugessen

Past recipients: Jackie Maxwell, Phillip Akin

What a night! Thank you so much to all who attended the 2025 Theatre Ball.

We were thrilled to honour the Canadian Stage Creative City awardees Jackie Maxwell, Helen Burstyn, and Marianne McKenna. 

Thanks to our sponsors, table and ticket buyers, and donations before, during, and after the event, this year’s Theatre Ball raised $440,000 to support Canadian artists and stories! 

Creative City Builder Award, established 2022

Recognizing and celebrating Toronto development and design leaders who have meaningfully contributed to the creative spaces and communities in our vibrant city.

2025 Award Recipient: Marianne McKenna, co-founder of KPMB

Creative City Champion Award, established 2024

Recognizing individuals who generously give of their time, resources, and expertise to bolster the creation of Canadian artistic work and/or the impact and resiliency of cultural organizations.

2025 Award Recipient: Helen Burnstyn

Artistic Achievement Prize, established 2024

Recognizes Canadian artists who have meaningfully contributed to advancing the craft of theatre through their creativity, rigour, and body of work.

2025 Award Recipient: Jackie Maxwell

Creative City Builder Award Sponsor

Jennifer Connolly and Ken Hugessen

Cocktail Reception Sponsor

Premium Table Buyers 

Hugh Clark

Tim and Frances Price

Regular Table Buyers

Media Sponsor

Table Selling Committee

Steven Casey

Hugh Clark

Nina Josefowitz

Frances Mahil

John Montesano

Drew Sinclair

Auction Support provided by Estée Lauder Companies Canada