Rohit Chokhani isn’t slowing down after his 2017 Jessie Award win for Significant Artistic Achievement. The producer, director, and cultural leader has just announced the launch of his new initiative, Project SAT (South Asian Theatre), to create a network that develops, produces, and showcases South Asian theatre projects in Canada.

In a press release, Chokhani said he wants to create opportunities and establish a new mainstream for up-and-coming South Asian artists.

To start off, Project SAT is bringing free workshops focused on grant writing and pitching project ideas to the new Jim Green House Studio this July.

The workshops offered by Project SAT will be tailored to South Asian community members, with culturally-specific training and translators for Punjabi, Hindi, and ASL. The next few months will see workshops on producing, playwrighting, dramaturgy, and the Natya Shastra, an ancient Sanskrit text on the performing arts.

Chokhani took home his recent Jessie award for his work as programmer of Diwali Fest. Amongst other accomplishments, he has also served as an artistic associated for Bard on the Beach, artistic producer for South Asian Arts, and as producer-in-residence of English Theatre at the National Arts Centre for the 2015-16 season.

Project SAT is financially supported by Canada Council for the Arts, and is partnered with the Cultch for venue support and mentorship. In the upcoming pilot year, Project SAT will be partnering with the Monsoon Festival (August 6 to 13 at the York Theatre and Surrey Arts Centre) and the Performing Arts and South Asian Arts Society. 

More information on Project SAT and workshop details can be found here.