Shadowpath launches interactive “Plummet Summit” at Varley Art Gallery

Shadowpath continues to break theatrical boundaries by reimagining how artists and communities connect.

Now in its 22nd year, the award-winning company behind immersive, place-making storytelling invites the public to its newest initiative – The Plummet Summit.

Hosted at the Varley Art Gallery on Sept. 6, this interactive event offers a grassroots alternative to traditional conferences. Through co-creation, wellness activations and bursts of live performance, participants will explore their place in Shadowpath’s (and York Region’s) movement for holistic, cultural change.

“The Plummet Summit encourages attendees to embrace failure as part of creative growth,” said artistic director Alex Karolyi, who founded Shadowpath in 2002 and was recently honoured with the 2024 Canadian Business Award for Most Impactful Theatre Company in Southern Ontario. “It’s an invitation to fall on purpose and to try again with new knowledge.”

This free, public event invites audiences to envision new possibilities as apprentices, performers, volunteers, collaborators—or dream up bold, new ways to engage. Designed for York Region’s growing creative community, The Plummet Summit includes interactive sessions like The Anti-AGM, rapid-fire updates and Collective Dreaming, where attendees help shape the future of arts in York Region.

Attendees will also witness live auditions throughout the day, offering a real-time glimpse into the performer’s journey.

The afternoon event ends with an optional Yoga for Creativity session featuring breath work, visualization and creative recharging at 3 p.m. This is the only ticketed portion of the day ($10) and will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Attendees are being reminded to bring your own mat.

For more information and to register, visit shadowpaththeatre.ca.