About the NAGs Players
Founded in 1976, The NAGs Players are a non-profit community theatre group with a mission to put on shows that appeal to a broad range of people. We love what we do, and we are dedicated to providing inclusive and accessible community theatre opportunities.
As of 2023, The NAGs Players have staged over 130 theatrical performances for our community in our home at The Tranzac Club.
We believe in providing value for money, offering price breaks to students and seniors, and supporting a worthy charity. And, of course, like many theatre people, we’re also a bit “out there”.
HOW IT STARTED
Who says rugby players never have good ideas?
In 1976, a few Nomads rugby players and their mates – Maggie and Dave (the Fysh) White, David Ridsdale, Lorna Miller, Pat McAdam, Joe Wray, Gail Beckus, Bernie and Rose Duff, and Peter Daly – were having a few drinks at the Tranzac. Discussion moved on from the Nomads’ latest performance (brilliant, of course) to acting and the plays they had done back ‘ome. And somewhere in between “I remember when” and “You won’t believe what happened one night”, the Nomads Acting Group (NAGs) was born.
Those brave [read crazy] Nomads put on their first performances of Cupid is a Bum, Is a Bum, Is a Bum and Meet the Folks on April Fools’ Day, 1976. The plays were a huge success. We’re not certain whether it was the delight of seeing Nomads dressed up as actors, or the fact that the audience could have had a brew or two, but it seems everyone had a great time. So great in fact, the NAGs decided to do another play… and another one… and another one.
Where would we be without those visionaries who “had a go” in 1976, and the actors, actresses, production and front-of-house staff and audiences who together have made us what we are today? We’ve had many people pass through our ranks. Great friendships have been made – even some great marriages – and children of NAGs have graced our stage. We’re an integral part of the Tranzac community and have helped out with Caravan, the Fringe Festival, Flying Cloud and other groups who entertain people and support the arts. We donate the profits from our pantomime matinees to children’s charities such as Isthmus, Variety Village, and Kids Help Phone.
We’re always looking for new blood, so please get in touch with us if you’d like to join us. You’ll learn a lot about theatre while working with a great group of people.
ABOUT THE TRANZAC CLUB
The TRANZAC is a registered not-for-profit corporation community arts venue dedicated to supporting, presenting, and promoting creative and cultural activity in Toronto.
The Tranzac Stage is in the main hall of the Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave at Bloor St W. Seating is cabaret style, with full bar service available. The Tranzac’s doors are not automated, but the building is wheelchair accessible, and seating can be arranged/accommodated.
How to get there
By TTC
Brunswick Avenue is mid-way between Bathurst and Spadina subway stations. The Tranzac is just south of Bloor.
Driving and parking
Lippincott Street Green P parking lot is two blocks west of Brunswick Ave.
4 Spadina Road Green P parking lot is close to Spadina subway station.
There is street parking (3-hour maximum after 6pm) on side streets around the Club, free until midnight.