THE BRIDGE
The Bridge is an anti-disciplinary art space in downtown Toronto that serves artists from all backgrounds by providing infrastructure and support. It is the Bridge between:
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the past and the future
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art and technology
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the extractive and the generative
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Knowing and unknowing
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Building bridges to an unknown culture.
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The Bridge exists thanks to a partnership with Allied Properties REIT.
ABOUT US
Book Our Rehearsal Space
Are you an indie theatre artist looking for rehearsal space? We've got the lowest prices in the city - $10/hr
how to book
1. Check out the calendar above, and see if the space is available
2. Download the booking form below and fill it out
3. Email rentals@379thebridge.com with your completed form
4. We'll send you an invoice, once it's paid, you're all set!
about our $10/hr rentals
As part of our commitment to community building, we are offering $10/hr rehearsals for indie theatre artists as we believe nothing is truly "affordable" while it costs more an hour than what the person who needs it earns hourly.
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In order to keep this available and accessible to those who need it, there are some guidelines that all who use it must follow:
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1. This is for indie artists and their non-paying events only - that means rehearsals, free workshops, readings etc. are fine, but things where anyone is paying to be there - paid workshops, performances, private lessons - do not qualify. Prices for that start at $20/hr - email us to learn more.
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2. What is an indie artist? Someone/a group that has no operational funding, and does not have grant funding specifically for rehearsal space. We're going to take your word for it that you qualify for this, but know that if we determine someone has been dishonest, that could result in your booking being cancelled and a future ban on rentals. We all need to give what we can to make this work.
3. This is for our rehearsal room, which some may have known previously as our "board room" - this is not for the large flex space.
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FAQS
What is The Bridge?
The Bridge is a multi-use space that is home to Bygone Theatre. It consists of several offices, a board room, a self-tape/recording studio, a maker’s space, and a large area we call our “flex space”, which consists of about 3500 sqft featuring seating, a small bar, and a small stage.
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When was it founded?
While the companies that call it home have been around for much longer, The Bridge was opened in August of 2023. We have a lease there until August 2026.
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Where is it?
The Bridge is located at 379 Adelaide St. W., on the 4th floor. We take up the entire top floor of the building. We are at the south west corner of Adelaide and Spadina, next to the Dollarama.
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Why does The Bridge exist?
Our goal is to provide an affordable space for artists from all disciplines to create, experiment and perform. We want to offer a place for classes, workshops, productions and events. Instead of spending years and millions of dollars to create a new purpose-built space, we wanted to make use of what is already in our city: tons of unused office space. The lease is held by Bygone Theatre, but we started this without any funding, and we are almost entirely volunteer run – that's how we’re able to offer things like $10/hr rehearsal space.
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How can I use The Bridge?
You can come join us for one of our workshops or events; rent out the space for rehearsals, auditions or performances; or rent a private office for your own projects. We’re always looking for new ways to get people into and using the space – if you have an idea, reach out.
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Can I use it for free?
The Bridge is made available at the lowest possible rates for artists and charities, but unfortunately it is not possible for it to be totally free. This is not a money making venture. The Bridge exists to provide space in as accessible a way as possible, so know that we are always offering you the best deal we can.
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What kind of events can I put on?
We've had anything from plays to burlesque shows, raves to artist nights, private birthdays and more - in many ways, the sky is the limit. Our discounted rates are only available for artistic events that fit within our mandate, but we have some availability for more private or commerical rentals as well.
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Is there a bar?
There is a bar area with a fridge and counter space to make drinks. However, we are not a licensed location, and so have to get an event permit any time we want to sell or serve alcohol. It also means all alcohol has to be purchased under the SOP for that event, so we don't have standard bar supplies or anything on tap - we usually recommend sticking to canned drinks.
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Is The Bridge accessible?
Unfortunately, no, not for those who require mobility devices. The Bridge is over 100 years old and is built in an odd way – you need to be able to climb a flight of stairs before reaching the elevator, and the hallways and bathrooms upstairs are not wide enough to be AODA compliant. That said, we are committed to being as accessible as possible, so we are focused on other ways we can be an inclusive space. We have free sanitary items (tampons, pads) in our men’s and women’s washrooms; have provided harm-reduction supplies at certain events; offer the lowest prices in the city for rehearsal rentals; and are in the process of setting up our stage area to be able to record and/or stream performances, so people can watch from home.
