CITT/ICTS Training Commission
About
Building Canada's Training Ecosystem: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Over the past several years, CITT/ICTS has strengthened national conversations around education through the work of the Forums, national advocacy initiatives, and the Education Commission. As these discussions have evolved, many critical issues have extended beyond post-secondary education into the broader landscape of professional training, workforce development, and lifelong learning.
While the Education Commission provides valuable leadership in supporting educational institutions, curriculum development, and advocacy for theatre production and design programs, CITT/ICTS recognizes the need to examine how professionals continue to develop throughout their careers. This includes ongoing professional development, mentorship, apprenticeships, industry certifications, emerging technologies, skills upgrading, and accessible pathways for practitioners who enter the sector through non-traditional routes.
CITT/ICTS invites its members to explore the potential creation of a dedicated Training and Professional Development Commission. Together, we will consider its purpose, identify gaps in the current industry landscape, and discuss how a national body could support continuous learning and strengthen Canada's live performance workforce.
This is intended to be an open dialogue rather than a presentation. The insights and experiences of members will help determine whether such a commission is needed, what priorities it should address, and how it can complement the important work of the Education Commission while advancing professional excellence across every stage of a career.
Co-Chairs:
- Josh C McIntosh, Academic Department Manager for Production and Operations at the University of Alberta, and President of the CITT/ICTS National Board of Directors.
- Autumn Coppaway, Founder of the Miikana Project & Associate Producer at National Arts Centre - Indigenous Theatre.
The Commission's inaugural meeting was held on Thursday, August 13, 2026. In-person during Rendez-vous and on Zoom.
Note that the commission is currently called the Training Commission Planning Group. Meetings for this group are set to begin in November 2026. The commission's full launch is set for 2027. Meetings are open to CITT/ICTS Members only.