Artword is...

Ronald Weihs and Judith Sandiford founded Artword in 1993, in a small upstairs studio, as a haven where our own work – and that of many exciting artists we knew – could flourish.

In 1998 we had an extraordinary opportunity to create a 150-seat performance space and gallery from our landlord’s factory. We took up the challenge.

The new Artword opened its doors in 1999. We have two theatre spaces,: the Mainspace (150 seats) and the cozy experimental Artword Alternative (60 seats). And a beautiful art gallery with changing exhibits.

Ronald Weihs and his partner Judith Sandiford are among the unsung heroes of the Toronto theatre scene. Co-founders of Artword Theatre in 1993, they offer an affordable, welcoming venue for theatre artists.
Robert Crew, Toronto Star

We started Artword just when arts funding was being slashed. Everyone said "don’t even try to get funding". So we didn’t. We just went ahead and built it anyway. Judith (the Managing Director) sells tickets. Ron (the Artistic Director) runs the bar (known as "Ron’s Bar").

. . .airy, elegant, spotless -- quite unlike a stereotypically grungy alternative theatre. It even has real flip-down theatre seats.
John Karastamatis, National Post

We look for shows we care about. We love to learn new  things. We like to laugh and cry and be amazed. We like music and dance and beautiful images and fascinating stories and remarkable characters and good acting.

There's no one else like them in Toronto theatre. They add another dimension. Before they came along, there were the subsidized theatres that do shows that don't necessarily have to appeal to great numbers of people and the big commercial guys who produce spectacles and musicals that attract mass audiences. Ron and Judith provide a bridge between the two.
Jessica Fraser, Executive Director, Toronto Theatre Alliance

We strive for a balance between doing our own work — writing, directing and designing our own shows — and providing a welcoming venue for some of the best productions by other companies. We only book shows that we think will be wonderful.

I chose to work in Artword because it is a beautiful space. It is very audience-friendly. And Ron and Judith are very welcoming to producers and artists.
John Van Burek, Pleiades Theatre

We built Artword for you — our friends and audience. Artword is not for everyone. Just people who are interested in ideas, good acting, good writing, music, dance, visual splendour and making the world a better place. If that's you, why not join us?

Ron and Judith