ABOUT RED SKY PERFORMANCE
At the forefront of contemporary Indigenous performance in Canada and worldwide.
ABOUT RED SKY
Internationally renowned, Red Sky Performance is a leading company of contemporary Indigenous performance in Canada and worldwide. Our multi-award winning company was founded in 2000 by Artistic Director Sandra Laronde of the Teme-Augama-Anishinaabe (People of the Deep Water).
Our mandate is to create inspiring experiences of contemporary Indigenous arts and culture.
We create, produce and disseminate new creations and events that illuminate themes, aesthetics and values of importance to Indigenous peoples.
We have garnered an international reputation for collaborating on landmark projects with some of the most prestigious artists and companies from around the globe.
Touring since 2003, we have delivered 1,736 performances across Canada and 178 international performances in 12 countries on four continents.
We continue to significantly influence the artistic evolution and innovation of contemporary Indigenous performance in Canada and around the world.
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AWARDS
2016 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Production of Mistatim
2014 Premier's Award for Excellence nomination
2014 Vital Ideas: Toronto Community Foundation
2012 Dora Mavor Moore Award Nomination for The Great Mountain
2011 Smithsonian Institute's Expressive Arts Award
2010 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Tono
2010 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards (2 awards) for Tono
2008 Hohhot International Arts Award (China) for Tono
2007 Paula Award for Red Sky's family programming
2006 Dora Mavor Moore Nomination for Shimmer
2004 Dora Mavor Moore Nomination for Dancing Americas
BOARD MEMBERS
WISDOM & CULTURE KEEPERS
Alex McKay (Anishinaabe)
Don Kavanaugh (Anishinaabe)
Amos Key Jr (Onkwehonweh)
Pauline Shirt (Cree)
BOARD MEMBERS
HONOURARY NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tomson Highway, O.C. (Cree)
Zacharias Kunuk, O.C. (Inuk)
Veronica Tennant, C.C.
HONOURARY INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jock Soto (Navajo)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Hillary Thatcher, Chair (Metis)
Amos Key Jr, Vice-Chair (Onkwehonweh)
Aron Fitzgerald (Treasurer)
Karen Tisch
Don Kavanaugh (Anishinaabe)
Sandra Laronde (Anishinaabe)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL LANDS
Red Sky Performance acknowledges our creative home on the sacred and traditional territories of the Anishinabek, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat. We recognize the enduring presence of Indigenous people, and that Toronto (Tkaronto) - which means “where there are trees standing in the water” - continues to be home to many Indigenous nations.
Red Sky supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and is committed to fostering the strength and diversity of Indigenous art forms, practices and cultural expression.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What inspired Sandra Laronde to create Red Sky Performance?
“A company is only as big as it dreams” says founder Sandra Laronde. “Red Sky is very exciting, inventive, and fresh because it aligns itself with the future.” Much of Sandra’s inspiration comes from the beautiful and vast land where she is from. Sandra’s vision for Red Sky, in her words, is “to create a leading international company that shapes contemporary world Indigenous performance, and to make a significant contribution to the artistic vibrancy of Canada and the world.”
Where did Red Sky Performance get its name?
“Red Sky” are the first two words of the Ojibway (Anishnaabe) spirit name of our founder and artistic director, Sandra Laronde.
Does Red Sky have a charitable registration number?
Yes, we do! Our charitable registration number is 89313 2100 RR 0001.
How do I donate to Red Sky?
There are four ways to support Red Sky. You can donate by phone, email, mail and by online payment. For more information, please visit our Support Us page.
Can we take pictures during Red Sky performances?
There are no photos, audio or video recording allowed prior to, during, or after Red Sky performances. Authorized photos require previously written permission from the company and the venue in which they are taken.
What is Red Sky’s most successful performance in terms of attendance?
In 2008, Red Sky toured Tono to China and Inner Mongolia. After a director saw one of our performances at the cultural programming of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, we were then asked to perform as part of the Closing Ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The performance was held at the prestigious Great Hall of the People’s Republic of Beijing, a venue which can seat up to 16,000 people.
How many performers are involved in Red Sky’s shows?
The number of performers range from 4 to 15 depending on the project. Red Sky does have core performers who work with our productions on a continual basis, but the size of our cast varies based on artistic vision and scope of our project.
I’m an artist and am interested in working with Red Sky, how can this be made possible?
Red Sky posts job listings on our website, under Work with Us, and on job search databases, such as the website for Work in Culture, prior to a tour. However, if you are interested in working with Red Sky, please forward all inquiries to info@redskyperformance.com.
What is Red Sky’s address?
Red Sky’s mailing and courier address is: Red Sky Performance, 401 Richmond Street West, Suite 420, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3A8, Canada
Where is Red Sky located?
401 Richmond St. West, Suite 420, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3A8 (southeast corner of Spadina and Richmond Street West).
What is Red Sky’s fax number?
The fax number for Red Sky is 855.731.3073.
Where can I purchase tickets to the show?
Ticket Information is found with the Production that you are interested in.
Do you do workshops on tour?
Yes. Red Sky offers lively, inclusive and instructional workshops that introduce children, youth and adults to the world of theatre, dance and music. Each workshop runs for one-and-a-half hours in length, and is responsive to the interests of the participants. Workshops are participatory and intended to get people on their feet and having fun with movement, voice and music while introducing elements of First Nations culture. We can tailor the workshop to meet your needs.
Is the entire company Aboriginal?
Aboriginal (Indigenous) people are at the core of Red Sky, although we work with people from all backgrounds.
How many employees are there at Red Sky’s office?
There are four full-time employees and one part-time employee.