In October 2001, Anthony Furey approached the former Artistic Director of Tarragon Theatre, Urjo Kareda, with the idea of creating a Festival that showcased work created entirely by young people. In March 2002, the first Paprika Festival showcased five new plays created by artists 21 and under, which played over a weekend. By 2004, the Festival had expanded its programming and also extended performance runs, selling out every performance.

Each year, the Paprika Festival has introduced exciting new initiatives. In 2005, under the guidance of Artistic Producer Natasha Mytnowych, Nova Scotia youth Lee-Anne Poole developed a new play as the inaugural Inter/national project, and in November 2006, Paprika started its Oasis Alternative Artists Lab and the After-School Artists Lab for at-risk youth.

In 2007, Artistic Producer Tessa King introduced a multi-disciplinary Creators Unit, supporting the development of film, visual art and spoken word projects. King challenged the notion of traditional theatre by establishing a second performance venue, through which both audiences and performers moved and interacted. After King’s departure in 2008, Julia Lederer stepped into the role of Interim Artistic Producer, to execute the eighth annual Festival.

Now under the guidance of Rob Kempson, the Festival is looking to reconnect with alumni, develop stronger relationships to the broader artistic community, focus on the process of theatre creation and create a true home for the emerging artist community.

The Paprika Festival is an incorporated not-for-profit and a registered charity.