Theatre Columbus

Theatre Columbus

Common Boots Theatre began from Theatre Columbus– a company created when two young actors returned from France armed with a unique way of creating theatre. Martha Ross and Leah Cherniak trained together under renowned physical theatre master Jacques Lecoq, whose techniques break the barriers between performer and audience by placing the actor at the centre of the work. The works scripted the chaos of managing modern life and featured characters that were both original and familiar. Over time the style evolved, a porous fourth wall erected, and a writer join the actors to shape the work into a script.

The Poor Alex Theatre in the heart of Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood served as home base. Together with Crow’s Theatre and Theatre Smith Gilmour, Theatre Columbus managed the Poor Alex and established it as a vibrant centre for premiering new work. It was during this time that Jennifer Brewin joined the company as its first General Manager.

B C G Toronto Guide © Simon Newbound