Théâtre jeunesse Les Gros Becs

Théâtre jeunesse Les Gros Becs
Name	Théâtre jeunesse Les Gros Becs
Native name	Théâtre jeunesse Les Gros Becs
Formation	1981
Headquarters	Montréal, Québec
Language	French

Théâtre jeunesse Les Gros Becs is a French-language Canadian theatre company based in Montréal, Québec, specializing in youth theatre and touring productions for children and families. Founded in 1981, the company has developed a reputation for original plays, adaptations, and educational projects that engage audiences across Québec, Canada, and international francophone communities. Théâtre jeunesse Les Gros Becs collaborates with festivals, performing arts centres, schools, broadcasters, and cultural institutions to present works that intersect theatre, music, and visual arts.

History

Les Gros Becs was established in 1981 in Montréal during a period of cultural growth associated with the Québec cultural policy of the 1970s and 1980s and the development of institutions such as the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and the Canada Council for the Arts. Early influences included practitioners linked to the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, Théâtre du Trident, Théâtre La Roulotte, and Théâtre de la Place Royale. The company developed productions that toured alongside events such as the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Festival d'été de Québec, Festival TransAmériques, and Rendez-vous du cinéma québécois. Over decades Les Gros Becs worked with partners including the National Arts Centre, Théâtre Outremont, Place des Arts, and Jeunesses Musicales Canada to expand touring circuits to rural communities, northern Québec, and francophone minority communities in New Brunswick, Ontario, and Manitoba.

Mission and Programming

The company’s stated mission aligns with mandates resembling those of the Conseil des arts de Montréal, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, and the Canada Council for the Arts to promote francophone culture, youth engagement, and creation. Programming strategies mirror models used by Théâtre jeunesse provincial peers such as Théâtre d'Aujourd'hui, Théâtre du Rideau Vert, and Théâtre la Seizième, emphasizing original scripts, adaptations of works by authors like Michel Tremblay, Gabrielle Roy, and Pauline Julien, and collaborations with composers and visual artists affiliated with the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, McGill University, and Université de Montréal. Les Gros Becs curates seasons that integrate co-productions with Théâtre de la Ville, Théâtre du Petit Bonheur, Théâtre la Catapulte, and festivals including Montréal Complètement Cirque and Carrefour International de Théâtre.

Notable Productions and Tours

Notable productions have been staged in venues such as the Monument-National, Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, and the Théâtre du Rideau Vert and presented at international events like the Festival d'Avignon, Festival Interceltique de Lorient, and the Francophonie summits. Productions toured to venues affiliated with Théâtre la Licorne, Théâtre Le Diamant, and La Chapelle Scènes Contemporaines and were included in programming at the National Arts Centre, Théâtre français de Toronto, and Théâtre l’Escaouette. Co-productions involved partners such as Théâtre du Trillium, Les Productions Koba, and Productions Bélanger, and attracted attention from media outlets including Radio-Canada, TVA, and Télé-Québec. Tours extended to schools linked to the Conseil scolaire de Montréal, the Réseau des cégeps, and cultural centres in Paris, Brussels, Marseille, Geneva, and Dakar.

Educational and Community Outreach

Educational initiatives include school residencies developed in collaboration with school boards like the Centre de services scolaire de Montréal, Conseil scolaire catholique Providence, and Conseil scolaire Viamonde, and artist-in-residence programs with institutions such as Collège Montmorency, Dawson College, and Université du Québec à Montréal. Outreach projects paralleled models from organizations like Théâtre à la Carte, Les 7 Doigts, Cirque du Soleil outreach programs, and Little Orchestra initiatives tied to the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal and Les Violons du Roy. Workshops, dramaturgy labs, and youth creation camps involved guest artists connected to the École nationale de théâtre du Canada, Conservatoire d'art dramatique, and Studio Cyrano, reinforcing ties with community organizations such as the YMCA, Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi, and Maison Théâtre.

Organization and Leadership

Governance has included boards composed of members with experience from institutions like the Canada Council for the Arts, Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, and Conseil des arts de Montréal, and executive directors with backgrounds in companies such as Théâtre d’Aujourd’hui, Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, and Carrefour International de Théâtre. Artistic directors and collaborators have included artists affiliated with the National Theatre School of Canada, Université Laval, Université de Sherbrooke, and McGill University, and technicians trained through labour pools associated with IATSE and the Association des professionnels de l'industrie de l'événement culturel. Financial and administrative partnerships have involved Fondation du Grand Montréal, Telefilm Canada, and Patrimoine Canada amongst other agencies.

Awards and Recognition

Theatre productions and artists from Les Gros Becs have received nominations and awards from organizations such as the Masques (Académie québécoise du théâtre), the Governor General's Awards in the Performing Arts, the Prix du CALQ (Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec), and recognition at festivals including the Festival d'Avignon and Festival TransAmériques. Media coverage and critical acclaim appeared in Le Devoir, La Presse, The Montreal Gazette, and on broadcast platforms like Radio-Canada and Télé-Québec. Collaborations and tours led to invitations to international cultural programs supported by Global Affairs Canada and UNESCO cultural networks.

Category:Theatre companies in Quebec Category:Children's theatre companies Category:Culture of Montreal