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Le Monastère

It’s a place, a vocation, an experience, a community.

[ Our vision ]

Our vision

To create a world where circus lifts hearts and minds. Where each artist finds his or her own balance, and where community development is our passion. Together, let’s shape this future where the magic of circus unites souls and inspires change.

[ Our mission ]

Our mission

Our mission transcends the boundaries of performance to nurture a space where creative expression can flourish, serving as a platform where circus artists can not only showcase their skills, but also forge meaningful bonds within a dedicated community. Le Monastère is a fertile breeding ground for creation, a cradle for Montreal circus that’s only waiting to grow.

Immerse yourself in our world…

By orchestrating evenings where the works and voices of creative souls mingle, we breathe a spellbinding dimension into every encounter. Whether they come to life under the vaults of the Monastère, in the intimacy of Espace Jax, or blossom in other spaces, our proposals open up a path towards a reinvented circus, as audacious as it is immersive.

Fueled by the light and energy of the metropolis, we ignite the public’s passion for this art form, celebrating artists as true architects of stories and emotions. Our evenings are a vibrant ode to Quebec’s cultural richness, a tribute to the creative diversity that breathes life into Montréal.

In 2016, after noticing the lack of visibility for independent circus artists in Montreal, Rosalie Beauchamp and Guillaume Blais co-founded Le Monastère.

Rosalie, an artist who had toured the world’s cabaret stages, wanted to create a space where artists could share raw and sincere works, as true authors of their art. Guillaume, an internationally renowned acrobatic artist who had performed on the stages of Cirque du Soleil and Broadway, brought his innovative vision and unifying spirit.

Their ambition: to create a gathering place where artists can present their work in full authenticity, and where audiences can experience contemporary circus in an intimate and accessible way.

Since then, Le Monastère has become a cornerstone of Montreal’s cultural scene, producing over 40 cabarets, showcasing more than 300 artists, and welcoming thousands of spectators each year.

Le Monastère acknowledges the pivotal role of co-founder Rosalie Beauchamp and co-founder Guillaume Blais in the creation of Le Monastère, as well as their significant contribution to the organization’s growth and influence.

During my artistic career, I’ve been lucky enough to take part in some exceptional shows. I’ve been able to show my work and performances all over the world. But it was almost impossible to present them to my public back home in Quebec. It was out of this frustration, which I shared with so many circus artists, often trained and based here in Montreal, that I decided to co-found La scène du Monastère.

Rosalie Beauchamp Co-founder and General Manager of Le Monastère

Our core values

COMMITMENT

To act collectively to democratize the circus and performing arts, with tenacity.
To actively contribute to the evolution of vision in the cultural sector and to the redefinition of the place of artists within the creative ecosystem.
To ensure that all Monastère stakeholders enjoy the best possible experience, and always seek to improve processes wherever possible.
To commit to a more environmentally responsible approach and encourage this commitment among all our stakeholders.

HUMANITY

To place respect, patience, and open-mindedness at the heart of the actions and interactions of those representing Le Monastère.
To listen sympathetically to the opinions and needs of all stakeholders, while taking into account the broader socio-ecological context in which the NPO operates.
Treat all stakeholders with esteem, and foster a culture of sharing and solidarity.

INCLUSION

To create a genuine sense of belonging for all people working for or within the NPO, ensuring that they feel accepted, involved and valued in their work, whatever their age, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, ethnic origin, religion, economic status or any other characteristic.
Encourage collaboration and co-creation, while valuing individual autonomy and creativity.