Untold Stories by
Unheard Voices for
Underserved Communities
WHAT WE DO
40+ productions to date
We find and conceptualize untold stories that bring people together around common themes relevant to their lives.
200+ artists to date
We commission promising artists with unheard voices and support them through development, production and presentation.
15 community partnerships to date
We present innovative productions for underserved communities, prioritizing community relevance, appropriate representation, culturally informed practices, and strategic partnerships.
OUR VALUES
We believe in…
INCLUSIVITY & INNOVATION
We learn of and overcome barriers to the arts for audiences, artists, and supporters, bringing high-level arts experiences to all – from margin to margin.
COLLABORATION & TEAMWORK
We work collaboratively, support each other, give and receive mentorship, and partner with organizations with shared values and missions.
PASSION & EXCELLANCE
We find and select the highest talent aligning with our values, prioritize professional development, and learn from thorough evaluations.
WHO WE SERVE
GENERAL PUBLIC
We provide a chance for people to experience high level performing arts in safe spaces; fostering community, inspiration, and a chance to be part of something larger than themselves.
TARGETED COMMUNITIES
Through strategic partnerships with community organizations, we provide a chance for diverse communities who may not otherwise have access to high level performing arts to experience performances relevant to and located in their community.
ARTISTS
We provide creative growth, exposure to new audiences and networks, and professional development through opportunities of diverse scales, commitment levels, and risk.
VOLUNTEERS, DONORS, SPONSORS & BOARD DIRECTORS
We provide a chance to help change lives, build awareness, create equity, right wrongs, and give back to the community.
STAFF
We provide a chance for growth, creativity, community, and to make a difference in the community.
KEY ACTIVITES
NEIGHBOURHOOD
SERIES
High level performances presented in partnership with organizations serving underserved communities.
DEVELOPMENT
Supporting the development of performing arts works from concept to realization; animating our region and inspiring our public with leading edge productions.
PRODUCTION
Supporting the development of performing arts works from concept to realization; animating our region and inspiring our public with leading edge productions.
WHERE WE SERVE
THE WATERLOO REGION
The Waterloo Region is our home.
We work to serve as many communities across the region as possible, with visions of future activities spreading the work created here across the province, country, and around the world.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Our ever growing list of partners include Waterloo Region Hospice, Anishnabeg Outreach, Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, Grand Valley Institution for Women, Waterloo Public Library, Kidsability, and more.
OUR TEAM
Artistic & Executive Director
Alten Wilmot is an artist and producer working in theatre, film, and dance, and the founder of Unwrap Theatre.
Through their work as an actor, choreographer, writer, director, and producer, Alten has worked on projects across Canada including with institutions such as CBC, Global TV, The Harbourfront Centre, Arts Club, Theatre Passé Muraille, and Guelph Dance, as well as for companies international such as NBCUniversal and the Lebanon Film Festival.
Alten’s work has been recognized with awards including the Buddies in Bad Times’ Queer Emerging Artist Award, an ArtworxTO Emerging Artist Award, a Denny Award, as well as other nominations and shortlists. They have worked in residency with companies including The National Ballet of Canada, Obsidian Theatre, MT Space, Project Humanity, and Guelph Dance.
Alten most often works with stories and performances which show humanity at its extreme limits, where they believe the core of our human experience is revealed.
As a producer, Alten studied Arts Management under acclaimed Executive Director Michael Kaiser through the University of Maryland and has worked as a Marketing Director for two IT businesses. They’ve been producing for seven years, initially mentored by Ray Hogg; Artistic Director at Musical Stage Company and Prime Mover Theatre Company. The latter they serve on the advisory committee for. Additional mentors include Pam Patel of MT Space, Laura McLeod of the Harbourfront Centre, and Lisa-Marie DiLiberto of Theatre Direct. They’ve produced for the Guild Festival Theatre for their summer 2020 season, where they completed a Digital Marketing for Theatre research project, and for Theatre Direct, including being Festival Coordinator for the Forward March Festival – an outdoor theatre festival that includes performances from five companies and one artist in residence. Alten is the founder of Unwrap Theatre, where they have produced 21 premiere productions to date.
General Manager
Michele Wilmot (she/her) (BSc.hon, A.R.C.T, L.B.C.M.hon) Michele Wilmot was born in St. Bruno, Quebec. Michele is most dedicated to piano performance, performing across North America in British Columbia, Ontario and most recently in New York City for the Beethoven Sonata marathon in celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday. Michele has studied with Gertrude Lavoie, Carol Ditner-Wilson, Boyd McDonald and currently with Koichi Inoue. Alongside her solo and collaborative concert work she enjoys curating concerts, giving to the community, supporting many organizations, and accompanying upcoming solo artists. For her work as a concert curator and pianist, she was nominated for a Denny Award at the KW Arts Awards.
Michele was awarded her Teacher Award by Dr. Peter Simon, President & CEO of the Royal Conservatory of Music, for 30 years of teaching the RCM Certificate Program. She was President of the local Kitchener Waterloo branch of the Ontario Registered Music Teacher’s Association (ORMTA). She has earned a Certificate of Recognition for Professional Achievement from the Canadian Federation of Music Teacher’s Association (CFMTA) 2016-2018 and 2018-2020. She worked for the Royal Conservatory of Music as the Cambridge Centre Representative. Michele also works with her husband as the Controller of Wilmot Technologies Inc. of 27 years. She oversees the accounting and assists in the management of employees and office.
WHO SUPPORTS US
Donors & Foundations
We meet and build relationships with our community of donors and foundations through our events, online outreach, fundraising campaigns, and word of mouth.
Corporate Sponsors
We work with corporations on an annual and project basis to raise funds and in-kind services for our work in exchange for valuable brand promotion and complimentary tickets to exciting productions.
Government Grants
Unwrap Theatre is grateful to have received support from all levels of government across various
departments. We continue to help them achieve their social infrastructure goals through our innovative and sustainable programming.
Audience
Our audience supports us by purchasing tickets to attend our productions.
