Now fledgling Canadian theatre directors have a place to learn their craft and make connections: it's the new Apprentice Directors Program started by Canadian Stage of Toronto. The idea is to develop directors' skills in bringing a play to the stage of a large theatre. CSC associate director Richard Rose will oversee the intensive, 10-week program, which has announced its first 3 participants: Josephine Le Grice, Pamela Matthews and Djanet Sears. Le Grice will direct Romeo & Juliet at The Dream in High Park this summer, so she's chosen to spend her time at Canadian Stage auditing rehearsals of mainstage productions. Matthews, a professional actress, is currently playing Evangeline in Tarragon Theatre's Sled. Sears, a member of Canadian Stage's Play Creation Group, is set to direct A Harlem Duet in April at the Tarragon Extra Space.

"Our objective, says artistic director Bob Baker, "was to provide the kind of training necessary to equip talented young directors with skills needed for mainstage productions." All three participants wil meet with senior designers, review portfolios and have sessions with Canadian artistic directors and Canadian Stage's own production staff. The program is sponsored by the Cultural Human Resources Council.

--By David Lefkowitz