Chrysalis Project | 2025/2026 Season

About the Program

Neptune Theatre’s Chrysalis Project is designed to support emerging artists in the theatre by providing them with professional training, mentorship, and hands-on experience within a professional environment. It aims to be a part of emerging artist’s continued training as they foster the necessary skills and knowledge for a career in the theatre industry.

Chrysalis began in 2018 as part of then incoming Artistic Director Jeremy Webb’s artistic vision and since then has supported over 50 emerging artists through the program in fields including direction, design, dramaturgy, playwriting, digital theatre creation and artistic direction.

Participants are paired with professional artists who are part of creative teams on Neptune’s 25/26 season of shows. Participants will shadow their mentor in their respective practice throughout the duration of one of our productions.

What We Offer Participants - New for 2025/2026

An online onboarding and networking session with all 25/26 Chrysalis Participants led by Chrysalis Project Lead, Sharisse LeBrun.
A co-developed work plan created with Sharisse and approved by your mentor based on approximately 125 hrs total.
Shadowing and supporting their mentor’s work throughout the rehearsal process. Additional duties may include attending production meetings outside of rehearsal.
A minimum of three 1-on-1 meetings with your mentor; one prior to rehearsals, one at the half-way point, and one after the show has previewed.
The opportunity to share your work with industry professionals in a Chrysalis Showcase at the end of Neptune’s 25/26 Season.
Meetings with Neptune Staff on topics of interest, as available.
1 complimentary ticket for each Industry Night performance throughout the season.
Show program credit as “Chrysalis Choreographer, Set designer,” etc. on the show you shadow.
A Chrysalis Social event part way through the season.
No travel or accommodations are offered to participants from Neptune.
An honorarium of $2000.

Please Note: If finances are a barrier to your participation in this program, we are happy to work with you to support any applications you’d like to make for additional grants and funding from outside of Neptune.

Who We Are Seeking

Up to 9 participants in a range of theatre disciplines (direction, music direction, choreography, stage management, set & props, costume, lighting and sound design).
Emerging artists who are 18-30 years of age.
We strongly encourage, and will prioritize artists who self-identify as IBPOC, LGBTQ2S+, d/Deaf, living with disabilities, and/or facing other systemic challenges in our industry.
Artists who have acquired foundational training (either from a training program OR through experience) and have worked as a theatre artist for at least 3 years.
Artists who are committed to their craft and have a passion and desire to make theatre
Artists who have a clear vision for how this mentorship program can benefit them and support their goals as an artist.
Strong collaborative and team work skills.

Please Note: Special care will be taken in pairing possible Chrysalis participants with creatives of productions. In addition to interviewing with Project Lead, Sharisse LeBrun, you will also be interviewing with mentors of the productions. The participant’s specific interests and the director’s requirements will be taken into account and both the participant and the director must first consent to working together.

How to Apply

We want to know about you and your art! Please apply through our online form or respond to the questions in the form through audio or video format and email to Sharisse Lebrun, slebrun@neptunetheatre.com.

Please note: We are committed to addressing any barriers to access throughout the submission process as best as we can. If you require support with the application or have any access needs (ASL-interpretation, deadline extension, etc.), please reach out to us so we can assist. You can email Sharisse at slebrun@neptunetheatre.com or call 1.902.429.7300 ext 300.

Application Deadline: Friday, June 20th, 2025 at 11:59 PM (AST).

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed and assessed by a selection committee. All applicants will be contacted by email with results regardless of success.

Successful applicants will be chosen by the Chrysalis committee in consultation with the 25/26 Neptune Theatre Chrysalis mentors.

Applications will be evaluated based on eligibility, artistic merit, professional experience, availability, participant goals and suitability for productions and mentors.