“We all know how challenging it is to find housing in this town and how access to suitable accommodations for short-term performance seasons is becoming a barrier to welcoming professional artists to our performing spaces. I know how important it is for artists to have comfortable, safe living spaces when working away from home and it was my pleasure do both an individual and FAST a good deed.”
– Peter, Billeting Partner 2022

Host An Artist!

People of Antigonish, home owners, landlords, renters and to our supportive community:

Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre is looking for short-term housing options for travelling artists for the upcoming 2024 summer season.  Every year, artists from across Canada come to Antigonish from June-August to perform at the Bauer Theatre. For over 35 years, Festival Antigonish has been the home of some of the best theatre in Atlantic Canada, where emerging artists and seasoned veterans alike come to enjoy everything Antigonish and the area has to offer.

Festival Antigonish artists require accommodations for the duration of their contracts, which range from 6 – 12 weeks throughout the season. If you, or someone you know, has a space available OR are leaving town for the summer – we’d love for you to consider becoming a Billeting Partner!

What does a billet space look like?

• Private or semi-private apartments are highly desired (self contained space, separate entrance, etc.)
• A private bedroom in a Billeting Partner’s home with access to a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living space.
• Walking distance to the theatre, but further locations with parking spaces are welcome
• Must have internet
• Must have basic furnishings

Who will I be inviting into my home? What is expected of me?

Actors, Stage Managers, Designers, Directors, Fight Directors, Intimacy Directors, and more travel to Antigonish from across Canada to work with us. These are professional artists who will be busy at the theatre for most of their time with you, and are simply looking for a clean, safe, and cozy place to call home while they are in town. They may need some room in the fridge and a pot and pan to cook with, but they aren’t expecting for you to take care of them! We expect our artists to treat your home like it was their own: with respect.

Agreeing to come work in Antigonish often means that artists are paying double rent all summer (their own place + their accommodation in Antigonish). This has led some artists in the past to have to decline our invitation to join our company for the summer.

What will I get for being a Billeting Partner?

Although we are always looking for Billeting Partners who could allow artists to stay free, Festival Antigonish is also looking for Billeting Partners who can provide affordable options for our artists for the duration of their stay.

• Private room in a shared space starting at $50/week
• Private spaces starting at $100/week

Additionally, F.A.S.T can offer:

• Two complimentary tickets to a show in our season
• Potentially two season passes
• invitation to dress rehearsals of the show your artists are in
• branded merchandise
• Support through the billeting process, such as arranging keys for tenant arrival or changeover if you are out of town.

By welcoming our artists into your homes, you make it possible for us to continue to bring the top theatre professionals from across the country to work at Festival Antigonish.

Upcoming Billeting Needs:

Summer 2024

We would love for you to consider joining our growing Billeting Partner program. If you would like to discuss your options, or if you have any questions, please send an email to Anat Kriger, Artistic Associate/Artistic Director Intern, at akriger@festivalantigonish.ca

Previous Hosts