August 14, 2026

As Why Not Theatre approaches its 20th anniversary in 2027, Co-Artistic Directors Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes are proud to announce the Why Not International Travel Award, a one-time initiative providing $250,000 to 30 independent theatre artists from across Canada.

Each recipient or artistic duo will receive $10,000 in unrestricted funding to use however they choose: to travel, see work, pursue professional development, reconnect with their practice, take a break, or simply make space for what comes next.

An Award About Gratitude

The award was made possible by Ravi Jain receiving the 2025 Siminovitch Prize, and is Why Not’s way of extending that recognition outward to the many artists who have contributed to our artistic lives and to the performing arts in this country.

“There are so many artists in this country whose work deserves to be celebrated, yet sadly there are never enough awards and support to go around. Receiving the Siminovitch Prize was a tremendous honour for me and I want to use the $100,000 to shine light on the many people who have not only made me a better artist, but whose effort and work are elevating the performing arts in this country. This award is about gratitude.”
Ravi Jain, Co-Artistic Director, Why Not Theatre

The Award Recipients

The artists selected span generations, disciplines and practices, from emerging voices to seasoned professionals:
Nicolas Billon, Dawn Jani Birley, Erin Brandenberg, Mac Brock, Alex Bulmer, Claire Calnan, Arthi Chandra, Christine Horne, Eli Howey, Ian Kamau, Owais Lightwala and Kelly Read, Thomas McKechnie, Michelle Mohammed, Amy Nostbakken and Norah Sadava, Adam Paolozza, Soheil Parsa and Beatriz Pizano, Liza Paul and Bahia Watson, Rose Plotek, Tamara Protic, Neha Ross, Lorenzo Savoini, Michelle Thrush, Michaela Washburn, and three additional artists to be announced.

Arthi Chandra is the first recipient of the director’s scholarship and is currently studying at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

“For twenty years, Why Not has been shaped by these artists who take risks, create generously, and keep making work even when the path isn’t easy. We know firsthand how transformative it can be to encounter artists from different cultures, see work that changes your perspective, and simply have the time and space to reflect. We hope the Why Not International Travel Award gives artists the freedom to travel, learn, rest, reconnect with their practice, and return home inspired.”

Miriam Fernandes, Co-Artistic Director, Why Not Theatre

Supporting Artists to Travel, Learn and Recharge

The award is designed to give artists freedom.

Recipients can decide for themselves how the funding will support their artistic and personal lives, whether that means travelling to encounter new work, pursuing professional development, reconnecting with their practice, taking time to rest, or following an idea that might not otherwise have the resources to take shape.

The initiative also includes two scholarships for Canadian theatre directors to train in the United Kingdom with world-renowned director Katie Mitchell at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, as well as sponsorship for two Indigenous artists to attend YIRRAMBOI, the acclaimed international arts festival in Melbourne, Australia.

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate these artists and grateful for the many ways they have contributed to the creative life of Why Not and to theatre across Canada.

Here’s to the artists who got us here, and to wherever they go next.

The WHY NOT INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AWARD has been made possible through the generosity of Ravi Jain, Miriam Fernandes, the Lindy Green Family Foundation, an anonymous donor, and a core group of longtime Why Not Theatre supporters.

Why Not Theatre warmly acknowledges the ongoing support of Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Canada, Ontario Arts Council, the Government of Ontario, Toronto Arts Council, Paul Barber Foundation, Deb Barrett and Jim Leech, Clearview Foundation, Lindy Green Family Foundation, McLean Foundation, Nancy and Richard Hamm, National Arts Centre, RBC Foundation, TD Ready Commitment, and Wuchien Michael Than Foundation.