About Us

We are Hillcrest Village Community Players, a locally-based Toronto non-profit organization focused on increasing the accessibility of participating in the performing arts and engaging with your community. 

Hillcrest Village Community Players is a non-profit organization incorporated federally in Canada under the corporation number 1423326-3.

What we do...

In short - we put on shows! 

Every year, we put on one musical, involving community members in every aspect of the production. Our productions aim to foster an inclusive space where people can find a sense of belonging and confidence to grow and explore; explore the joy of trying something new or igniting an old passion. The shows we select vary widely, but are always grounded in stories about deep community bonds, belonging, and humanity. We aim to keep barriers to participate in our productions low, so there is no fee to be a part of our casts, crews and creative teams. 

To support the production and increase community engagement, we host a variety of events throughout the year, based on the theme of that year’s show. These events offer a time for the community to gather; leaning into an existing hobby or trying something new together! We bring together our cast, orchestra, crew, volunteers, audiences, friends, family and more to create deep bonds and fuel a sense of a full life. We aim to keep these events low cost or pay-what-you-can, giving the ability for all to participate and the opportunity for those who can to donate more to support the production. All profits going directly to funding that years’ production. 

  • Mission

    Increase the accessibility of participating in the performing arts and engaging in community.

  • Vision

    A community space in which those who are passionate about the arts can gather and explore; drawing in those who are eager to give their time and energy to mentor and grow others, or listen and learn humbly from those around them.

  • Values

    A passion for theatre and a love for our community!

In your words...

  • “Incorporating so many community members into the production is amazing to see and so heartwarming. Toronto needs more organizations just like the Hillcrest Village Players!”

    - Repeat Volunteer and Audience Member

  • “I didn't know what to expect, but I was completely blown away by the quality of the production. The talent in the cast is immeasurable. The quality of the singing, the chorography and approach to the bigger numbers in particular was just wonderful. I was completely immersed in the show”

    - Season 2, Sound of Music, Audience Member

  • “Footloose was such a fun show. The dancing was amazing. I loved how the whole cast was involved in the dancing and singing. I enjoyed watching this show more than almost any show I have ever seen. The ushers were fantastic in helping people with disabilities feel welcome and included. Thank you for a fantastic theatre experience.”

    - Season 3, Footloose, Audience Member

  • “Overall, what a fantastic show and experience. Our child felt at home in the cast and the rest of their family felt the love as well. Such a wonderful inclusive environment you have created. Thank you.”

    - Parent of Cast Member

  • “I think the show was so great … should be on broadway!! Or Mirvish… outstanding performances by all !! Thank you all so much”

    - Season 2, Sound of Music, Audience Member

  • “Simply fantastic! I’ll be attending every year!”

    - Season 1, Anne of Green Gables, Audience Member

Our Story

Let’s go back in time. It was summer 2021. In plain words, Krista was not doing okay. Feelings of boredom, apathy, and disconnection from her community were at an all time high. To make her feel better, her sister Cat put on show tunes. When “Open the Window” from “Anne of Green Gables” played, Krista was hit with a lightning bolt: “It’s time to start THE theatre company”...

Read more...

Let’s go back in time. It was summer 2021. In plain words, Krista was not doing okay. Feelings of boredom, apathy, and disconnection from her community were at an all time high. To make her feel better, her sister Cat put on show tunes. When “Open the Window” from “Anne of Green Gables” played, Krista was hit with a lightning bolt: “It’s time to start THE theatre company” (...of course that’s hyperbolic, but you’re reading the About Us page for a theatre company, so kindly bear with us).


Theatre has been an outlet through Krista and Cat’s entire lives to express, connect, and grow. After growing up in the arts, doing Shakespeare since we were 4 years old, and musicals since we were 12, the sisters knew they wanted to continue to put time and energy into theatre. However, when approaching university graduations, they were faced with a difficult decision. It was time to either go professional or give it up. Friends who did sports growing up had a plethora of intramural options to turn to, but what did artsy-fartsies have? How do folks interested in the arts continue their passions extracurricularly in “the real world”?
And turns out they weren’t alone in these thoughts. During Hillcrest Village Community Player’s first season, the community showed up… and then some. And after one season it became clear: there was a gap for local arts and local involvement, and Hillcrest Village Players was filling it.


With a few seasons under their belts, building such an outlet in their own backyard has been an inspiring labour of love. They wanted to create a place for those who are passionate about the arts to gather and explore. Explore the excitement of trying a new art form, or feel the joy of returning to the comfort of practicing a beloved art form, perhaps after years away. And by art form, they mean every aspect of the production. You cannot put on a show without visual arts for sets and costumes, technical arts for lighting and sound, digital creativity for marketing, financial creativity to make ends meet, business relations, community engagement, not to mention dancing, acting, instrumentation, singing, AND MORE!


Krista and Cat are so proud to see how this dream has created a space, and this space drew in a community. A community that is eager to give their time and energy to mentor and grow others, or listen and learn humbly from those around them.


…this is just the beginning.