Ravi Jain wins 2025 Siminovitch Prize, marking a milestone moment for Canadian theatre innovation.
Toronto, ON — One of Canada’s most influential theatre creators, Ravi Jain, has been named the 2025 Siminovitch Prize Laureate, earning the country’s most prestigious theatre award and a $100,000 prize. The announcement was made December 1 during the premiere of four finalist documentaries celebrating this year’s shortlist.
Recognized internationally for his genre-defying approach to theatre-making, Jain is celebrated for work that merges movement, narrative, devised practice, and social engagement while championing equity and radical inclusion. The jury, chaired by playwright and director Guillermo Verdecchia, described Jain as a creator whose bold artistic choices continually “redefine what Canadian theatre can be.”
As part of the Prize tradition, the Laureate selects a protégé to receive $25,000. Jain named longtime collaborator and Why Not Theatre Co-Artistic Director Miriam Fernandes as the 2025 Siminovitch Protégé, citing her significant artistic contributions and growing directing practice.
A Visionary Behind Some of Canada’s Most Celebrated Productions
Jain is the founder and Co-Artistic Director of Why Not Theatre, a company known for international touring, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and risk-taking work. His productions have appeared on leading stages across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Career highlights include:
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Prince Hamlet, a bilingual ASL/English reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic.
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Mahabharata, an epic retelling presented at the Shaw Festival, London’s Barbican, Lincoln Center in New York, the National Arts Centre, and Canadian Stage.
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More than 40 collaborations across five continents since founding Why Not Theatre.
Jain’s work pushes the boundaries of theatrical form while embedding principles of access, cultural diversity, and community-building at its core.
“A work of art is a revolution of imagination,” Jain shared in the release, emphasizing the role of art in shaping empathy, listening, and social change.
Audiences can next see his work in What You Won’t Do for Love, touring Ontario from February 18 to March 25, 2026.
Recognizing Canada’s Leading Theatre Innovators
The 2025 Siminovitch Prize shortlist, presented by Power Corporation of Canada, includes three additional finalists, each receiving $10,000:
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Anne-Marie Olivier (Québec, QC)
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Estelle Shook (Armstrong, BC)
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Adrienne Wong (Victoria/Calgary, BC/AB)
Each finalist selected an emerging artist to receive mentorship and a $5,000 award:
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Howard Dai — chosen by Adrienne Wong
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Kathleen McLean — chosen by Estelle Shook
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Mary-Lee Picknell — chosen by Anne-Marie Olivier
In total, $170,000 was awarded this year, marking a record investment in Canadian theatre creators.
The Siminovitch Theatre Foundation also announced continued support for artist development, including a two-week residency at the Banff Playwrights Lab for Jain and Fernandes, delivered in partnership with the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and the National Arts Centre English Theatre.
Celebrating 25 Years of Transformative Theatre Leadership
The Siminovitch Prize is now in its 25th year, honouring excellence in direction, design, and playwriting on a rotating basis. The award recognizes artists whose careers demonstrate innovation, mentorship, and influence on Canadian theatre’s evolution.
Executive Director Aimée Ippersiel highlighted the milestone year, noting the Foundation’s expanded recognition and increased prize amounts as a commitment to investing in the future of Canadian storytelling.
Learn more at siminovitchprize.com.
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