ITSAZOO Productions Society
ITSAZOO Productions Society is a Canadian nonprofit theatre organization (Business Registration Number 802373944RR0001), recognized as a registered charity by the Canada Revenue Agency[3]. Co-founded by Co-Artistic Producers Sebastien Archibald and Paige Louter, the company specializes in immersive, site-specific theatrical experiences that prioritize audience engagement and narrative immersion[3][1].

Mission and Values

The organization’s mission centers on creating dynamic, participatory theatre events for "daring audiences," guided by core principles including immersion, risk, fun, community, and integrity[3][1]. Productions often blur traditional boundaries between performers and spectators, emphasizing experiential storytelling over passive viewing[1][5].

Productions

ITSAZOO’s work includes original plays and reinterpretations of existing works, frequently staged in unconventional venues. Notable productions include:

• Meeting (2025): A world premiere co-production with Pacific Theatre, written by Katherine Gauthier. This immersive piece explores group therapy dynamics within a co-dependency support group, staged in a real meeting room at Vancouver’s Chalmers Heritage Building[1][5].
• Gloria by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (2025/26 season, in development): An examination of workplace violence and ethical conflicts in the publishing industry[1].

The company’s performances have been described as “more immersive than any virtual-reality experience” by critics, with audiences often integrated directly into the narrative environment[1].

Artistic Approach

ITSAZOO employs a collaborative model, prioritizing bold themes such as trauma, stigma, and societal expectations[5]. Their site-specific methodology transforms spaces into narrative landscapes, ranging from natural outdoor settings to repurposed urban venues[1][3]. The company actively commissions emerging playwrights, including Gauthier’s debut work Meeting, which reflects their commitment to new voices[5].

Governance

As a registered charity, ITSAZOO relies on donations and grants to fund its productions. It operates under a nonprofit structure, reinvesting resources into community-focused projects and artist development[3][1].

[1] https://itsazoo.org [2] https://itsazoo.org/productions/ [3] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/itsazoo-productions-society/ [4] https://www.instagram.com/itsazooproductions/ [5] https://www.broadwayworld.com/vancouver/article/ITSAZOO-Pacific-Theatre-Bring-MEETING-to-Vancouver-20250409