Crest Theatre Foundation

The Crest Theatre Foundation was a professional theatre company in Toronto, Ontario, Canada that operated from 1954 to 1966. The company performed in the Crest Theatre, a former cinema converted to live theatre.

In 1950s Toronto, live theatre was mostly touring companies of English and American productions with little Canadian participation. Recent graduates of the University of Toronto Theatre program were determined to change this. The Crest Foundation was a new company producing plays, both international and Canadian. Two graduates: Donald and Murray Davis set up a new limited company in 1953 and leased the Crest Theatre, opening their first production in January 1954.

The Crest provided valuable work and exposure for up-and-coming and little-known Canadian actors, directors and playwrights. By the time the Crest finally closed, the Canadian live theatre scene had expanded greatly, and many of those who had participated at the Crest moved on to notable careers in film, television and theatre.

After several seasons, the theatre company was in debt and running a deficit each season. In 1957, a non-profit foundation was set up, making the theatre eligible for government arts grants. However the new organization was not enough to keep it going, and the accumulated debt grew. After twelve seasons, the Crest folded. In 1968, Theatre Toronto was formed from the Crest and Canadian Players organizations. It would eventually become the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts' production company.