Paper Playground
A joyous and stimulating experience for the youngest of audiences, Paper Playground is a rare opportunity for the very young to experience live theatre created with and just for them.
Featured Performers & Special Events
Our 2019 Festival will feature dazzling performances from artists far and wide. From local treasures to rare and exotic finds, these captivating performers will put a smile on your child’s face and hopefully even make you hoot with laughter.
Both public and school tickets are on sale NOW! We’ve got many exciting shows and special events planned for you this year! Browse the list below to see who’s performing this year. Performances are listed in ascending order by recommended age starting with shows appropriate for the youngest of audiences.
The Polar Bears Go Up
Get ready to fall in love with these two adorable polar bears! They’ve lost their prized balloon and they need to get it back. One thing is for sure, the only way is up!
Fred Penner
SOLD OUT! Sing along with one of Canada’s best-loved children’s singers and Canadian music icon Fred Penner at this year’s Festival!
Will's Jams
Get ready to boogie with Will’s Jams, award-winning children’s musician and CBC Kids TV star Will Stroet. Jam along with Will as he performs his high-energy, sing-a-long tunes with fun actions that kids love!
Parents are a Drag
Join local drag queens Peach Cobblah & Isolde N. Barron for a drag dress-up spectacular! Add some rainbow to your day at this fun and inclusive event which reminds everyone that it’s never too early (or too late!) to get silly and dress-up!
Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch
Mr. Hatch cannot smile. He leads a colourless life, until one Valentine's Day, he receives a note that reads, "Somebody loves you." Mr. Hatch’s world (and his frown) are turned upside down and then he does something he has never done before…he laughs!
One of a Kind
Unique! Exceptional! One-of-a-Kind! There really is no one quite like you! One of a Kind is a series of stories performed by a talented group of extraordinary, emerging storytellers.
David Bouchard: Métis - des histoires, des flûtes, et plus...
Finaliste de prix littéraires, auteur et conteur fabuleux, David Bouchard partage son propre héritage Métis en racontant des histoires fascinantes et en y ajoutant une dimension musicale à l’aide de sa flûte.
Is this a Dagger? The Story of Macbeth
Andy Cannon, one of Scotland’s finest storytellers, takes audiences on a thousand-year journey from fact to fiction in his retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tale. The perfect introduction to Shakespeare and a wickedly funny ride you won’t forget!
Iron Peggy
Peg is struggling for survival at her boarding school. She wants to disappear, but then a gift arrives. She finds hope when the gift, three Indigenous Canadian WWI toy soldiers, magically comes to life and wages an epic battle to defend her.
Jamie Adkins: A Fool’s Errand – Circus (Espièglerie)
Tubas, ping pong balls and underpants?! This show has it all! Cirque du Soleil veteran Adkins delights with his unique blend of circus arts, acrobatic skills and physical comedy.
Élage Diouf - Melokáane
Élage Diouf is sure to capture your heart and move your soul with his irresistible joyous energy. His uplifting blend of pop, world, blues, folk and asiko will have kids singing and dancing in their seats.
Immigrant Lessons - 101
Ka-Boom! Hold on to your seat and get ready for an explosion as Immigrant Lessons hits the stage! They’ll blow you away with their fabulous high-energy moves and dizzyingly fast footwork. This dance troupe is on fire!
Project Soul
Please note that Project Soul will NOT be performing at the 2019 Festival. Similar dance group, Immigrant Lessons-101 will be replacing Project Soul on the 2019 Lineup.
Jacky’s Village (Le village de Jacky)
There’s going to be a dance party and you’re invited! Feel the rhythm as you take a trip to Jacky’s Village, featuring music, dance and storytelling from the African countries of Cameroon, Guinea, and Zimbabwe.
Variety Show
Watch Festival performers cut loose at our annual Variety Show! This year’s tour de force features the zany circus antics of Jamie Adkins, the uplifting songs of Élage Diouf, a dance extravaganza from Immigrant Lessons, and the captivating storytelling of Andy Cannon. Plus, sing along with one of Canada’s best-loved children’s singers, as host Fred Penner will be performing!