Building on TDT’s ongoing commitment to supporting Toronto’s independent dance community, the Open Door Project offers subsidized studio rental for artists who face financial barriers to accessing rehearsal space.
Funded through the Toronto Arts Council’s Open Door grant program, the initiative provides eligible artists with access to TDT’s studios at a reduced rate of $10 per hour.
The program is open to artists who identify as belonging to TAC priority groups and/or artists currently developing projects with little or no funding.
2026 Dates and Availability
Open Door Project studio bookings are available on select dates throughout the 2026/27 season:
Available booking times vary by date and studio. *Subject to change and availability*
September 2026
September 14–17
September 21–25
September 28
October 2026
October 1–2
October 9
October 13–16
2027 availability will be announced later this season!
Booking Information
- Studio bookings are available in 2-4 hour blocks and are intended for rehearsal processes only. No classes.
- Each participating artist may book a maximum of 24 hours over the 2026/27 season.
- A $25 non-refundable deposit is required to secure each booking.
- We welcome applications from artists working in any dance form or body-based practice, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Studios are equipped with Marley flooring. Tap and flamenco shoes are permitted in select studios, subject to studio availability.
Booking Requests
Artists can make a booking request by completing the following Google form: 2026-27 OPEN DOOR PROJECT – BOOKING REQUEST FORM
Booking requests open September 10, 2026 and will be reviewed and accepted on a first-come, rolling basis throughout the season, subject to availability.
Help Shape Affordable Dance Space with TDT
In response to the critical need for affordable rehearsal space in Toronto, the Open Door Project aims to lay the foundation for TDT’s studios to be accessed more frequently by artists who traditionally face financial barriers to dance space.
Each participating artist will be invited to complete a short follow-up survey about their experience accessing studio space, availability, and the costs associated with their dance practice. This feedback will help TDT better understand artists’ needs and inform future approaches to making our spaces more accessible to Toronto’s independent dance community.
TDT’s 2026 Research Report
This work extends TDT’s commitment to improving access to dance space beyond our own studios. TDT recently led a sector-wide research initiative examining the future of Toronto’s dance spaces. Drawing on community consultations, surveys, interviews, and a public panel discussion, the resulting report identifies key challenges and opportunities for building a more accessible, sustainable, and connected dance sector.
Read the full report here.