Theatre for babes and tots and tweens, oh my!
I don't have kids. But I used to be one, and I'm surrounded by people with gorgeous kids of all ages. I can remember from my own experience as a kid, and by listening to my friends with babies, that it's hard out here for a parent.
So who's got time (and money) for the theatre?
A: You do.
Taking your child/family to see a show is a unique opportunity to spend time with them and is a great way to generate conversation, a great segue into sensitive conversation subjects (discussion notes are available for download from the company websites) and its exposure to the arts that, as I'm quickly learning, isn't as readily available in schools as it used to be. *sigh*
It's inexpensive to boot! And, in my experience, the individuals that produce theatre for young audiences care just as much about the intellectual development of your child, as you do. Here's some info of really high-quality theatre for young people available at your fingertips in Toronto. Even if you're no longer considered a "young audience" member, you won't be disappointed.
HarbourKIDS
Constant year-long arts programming for kids aged 5-12. It's not always theatre-based fun, but it's arts fun so that counts!
THEATRE DIRECT
Located in the charming Wynchwood Barns at the St. Clair and Bathurst area, this company is run by dedicated, funny and insanely creative individuals who produce intelligent and fun theatre for young audiences that both entertains and challenges.
They offer a season of shows for kids of a variety of ages and also offer drama camps during March Break and the summer, as well as story-telling activities and day-long events. It is really worth checking out: www.theatredirect.ca
YOUNG PEOPLE'S THEATRE
Formerly the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People , YPT is the largest theatre for young audiences in Canada. A stalwart in the Toronto theatre scene, Young People's Theatre has been around for over 40 years producing innovative works for young audiences.
This company also offers a chock-full season of productions as well as tours, drama schools and the opportunity to volunteer and experience different aspects of a theatre company. Don't delay! www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca
FAMOUS PEOPLE PLAYERS
Founded in 1974 as a vehicle for the arts and for promoting those with mental disabilities, FPP is now an internationally renowned phenomenon, known not just for its humanitarianism, but also for producing incredible black-light theatre. Their shows are really something to be marveled. It is primarily a dinner and theatre event which CAN get a bit on the pricey side, so if its out of your price range but you still want your kids to experience the magic (the shows are honestly like magic), you can help organize a trip through their school and the costs are much lower. www.fpp.og/education.
Definitely not to be missed. I can recall talking about these shows for DAYS as a kid.
MIRVISH
Their entire seasons isn't family oriented, but with shows like War Horse (Mirvish) and The Wizard of Oz (a new version!) in their line-ups, there is definitely some family fun built into each season. While I admire Mirvish for many reasons, the main thing I don't admire is their ticket prices - they're usually not the cheapest.
Mid-week and Sunday matinees have cheaper ticket prices - avoid Friday and Saturday performances - and again, school groups are often the most inexpensive option so volunteer at your child's school and help organize (and volunteer for the field trip!).
If you've got teenagers, I recommend Book of Mormon, Backbeat (The birth of The Beatles) and Sister Act.
So who's got time (and money) for the theatre?
A: You do.
Taking your child/family to see a show is a unique opportunity to spend time with them and is a great way to generate conversation, a great segue into sensitive conversation subjects (discussion notes are available for download from the company websites) and its exposure to the arts that, as I'm quickly learning, isn't as readily available in schools as it used to be. *sigh*
It's inexpensive to boot! And, in my experience, the individuals that produce theatre for young audiences care just as much about the intellectual development of your child, as you do. Here's some info of really high-quality theatre for young people available at your fingertips in Toronto. Even if you're no longer considered a "young audience" member, you won't be disappointed.
HarbourKIDS
Constant year-long arts programming for kids aged 5-12. It's not always theatre-based fun, but it's arts fun so that counts!
THEATRE DIRECT
Located in the charming Wynchwood Barns at the St. Clair and Bathurst area, this company is run by dedicated, funny and insanely creative individuals who produce intelligent and fun theatre for young audiences that both entertains and challenges.
They offer a season of shows for kids of a variety of ages and also offer drama camps during March Break and the summer, as well as story-telling activities and day-long events. It is really worth checking out: www.theatredirect.ca
YOUNG PEOPLE'S THEATRE
Formerly the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People , YPT is the largest theatre for young audiences in Canada. A stalwart in the Toronto theatre scene, Young People's Theatre has been around for over 40 years producing innovative works for young audiences.
This company also offers a chock-full season of productions as well as tours, drama schools and the opportunity to volunteer and experience different aspects of a theatre company. Don't delay! www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca
FAMOUS PEOPLE PLAYERS
Founded in 1974 as a vehicle for the arts and for promoting those with mental disabilities, FPP is now an internationally renowned phenomenon, known not just for its humanitarianism, but also for producing incredible black-light theatre. Their shows are really something to be marveled. It is primarily a dinner and theatre event which CAN get a bit on the pricey side, so if its out of your price range but you still want your kids to experience the magic (the shows are honestly like magic), you can help organize a trip through their school and the costs are much lower. www.fpp.og/education.
Definitely not to be missed. I can recall talking about these shows for DAYS as a kid.
MIRVISH
Their entire seasons isn't family oriented, but with shows like War Horse (Mirvish) and The Wizard of Oz (a new version!) in their line-ups, there is definitely some family fun built into each season. While I admire Mirvish for many reasons, the main thing I don't admire is their ticket prices - they're usually not the cheapest.
Mid-week and Sunday matinees have cheaper ticket prices - avoid Friday and Saturday performances - and again, school groups are often the most inexpensive option so volunteer at your child's school and help organize (and volunteer for the field trip!).
If you've got teenagers, I recommend Book of Mormon, Backbeat (The birth of The Beatles) and Sister Act.
