The Pre-Rehearsal Orientation (PRO) is an opportunity to connect, communicate and lean into the working culture and the creative process at the Festival.
PRO is a tool that helps us to work better with one another. Our purpose is to collectively build a foundation that will continue to bring us together as a theatre company and as part of the Stratford community.
The goal is to build an inclusive and welcoming working culture, focusing the PRO on collectively developing practices and professional behaviours that serves the show, the creative process of the director, and the needs of all working on the production. PRO maintains a foundation of community, belonging and play.
There are two components to PRO
Part 1 – Welcome to the Festival and the City
In this section, we introduce key members of the Festival team such as, (but not limited to ) Accommodations, Health and Safety, Company Manager, Payroll, HR, Education who provide essential information and support for everyone’s time here. You can also expect information that will support your time living and working in the City of Stratford
Part 2 – Welcome to the World of the Work
This section focuses on everyone connected to the production, including (but not limited to) actors, consultants, and production teams. It offers an opportunity to learn about the directors rehearsal process and gives us space to explore, discuss and examine some of the key issues/ themes from each production and the considerations around them. The Community Engagement and Inclusion (CEI) team work in collaboration with the director of each production to ensure that PRO remains rooted in the core themes and ideas that will be explored throughout the rehearsal process.
PROS work in tandem with Meet and Greets. While these days have a different focus, the intention remains the same: to ensure that everyone involved in the production has a sense of belonging, feels a greater sense of empowerment in the room and has the support they need to do their work in the most enjoyable way.
The Stratford Festival and its leadership are deeply invested in ensuring your wellbeing is a priority as you create the art that makes this theatre thrive.
HISTORY OF PRO
PRO was initially conceived by the Stratford Festival’s Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) over the course of 2020 and 2021. ARC was composed of actors, stage managers, designers, directors, and administrators from many backgrounds committed to the evolution of the institution. Since its inception, PRO has continually evolved each season to more fully encompass the needs of the Stratford Festival’s staff and artists who work on each production. We are made aware of these needs through feedback and being open to the suggestions of staff and facilitators alike. We are committed and always striving to maintain the relevance and effectiveness of PRO.
We are committed to listening, learning and working together and always welcome your feedback regarding PRO. A PRO survey will be sent out later in the summer, but please know the CEI Department is always ready to speak with you at any time. We are grateful for your collaboration as we take these steps to ensure every PRO maintains a foundation of community, belonging, and play.
This content was originally provided by Daviorr Snipes, and updated/added to by Nitasha Rajoo December 2025
Questions? 
Nitasha Rajoo, Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion
nirajoo@stratfordfestival.ca