A Djarama and Motus co-production featuring the work of artists from three countries across two continents. Two friends, Mamby and Hélène: one lives in Senegal and the other in Canada. They both have burning feet: one from hot sand, the other from winter boots. Water sets them apart: one lives where there is an abundance of water, snow and ice, while the other must seek water, carrying it in buckets

MAMBY: "I think that water transmits everything we say. Water understands all languages.”

The main character is water, a precious liquid that is scarce in many places. Before our eyes, Hélène and Mamby give life and language to water’s different forms: spring water, well water, salt water and rainwater. They voice the challenges, fears, frustrations, and worries accompanying the lack and abundance of water, taking us from the Sahel region in West Africa to America.

What to Expect: Beautiful puppetry with live music, dance, and song sharing an important and timely story perfectly adapted for young audiences.

Curriculum Connections: The Arts, Science- Environmental Education and Water Systems, Social Studies/Geography, Language

In the middle of a pandemic lockdown, 12-year-old Eli finds herself having to take care of her maman, who is going through her "sadness" again. Left with a notebook from her maman to guide her, she reaches out to her elderly neighbour Madame Jean for help. Together, the two take on caring for Eli's maman, online school, and a very nosy neighbour in this heartwarming and funny story about community support and a friendship that spans generations.

What to Expect: A two-person play sharing the difficulties children and adults experienced through the pandemic as well as the community connections we build, told from the perspective of a 12-year-old.

Curriculum Connections: Visual Arts, Health and Physical Education, Language, Media Literacy, Drama, Dance, Music, Storytelling, Mental Health, Immigration

What can Clowns teach us about love, free will, and ambition? Laugh along with our Clowns as they work together to explore three of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies – Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, and Macbeth (to the best of their ability)!

When the diva Director of a local community theatre fires an entire cast, a troupe of eager Clowns shows up to audition to replace the actors in the show at the last second. What show, you ask? One of William Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, of course! Which one, you ask? Well... Can these Clowns handle Hamlet, the famous drama about a grief-stricken son tortured by indecision after the death of his father? Or how about Romeo & Juliet, the beloved tale of star-crossed lovers whose romance burns bright before their untimely deaths? Or maybe Macbeth, Shakespeare’s brutal play about witches, kings, and the cost of ambition? Can this intrepid group come up with a play in time? The show must go on.

What to Expect: Join in the fun and chaos, in this ‘not-quite Shakespearean’ show from this home-grown York Region theatre company!

Curriculum Connections: Role playing, Teamwork, Literature, Imagination, Friendship, Collaboration, Storytelling

Red Sky Performance is a leading company of contemporary Indigenous performance in Canada and around the world. Founded in 2000, Red Sky’s vision is to lead the creation, elevation and evolution of contemporary Indigenous performance while contributing to the cultural vibrancy of Canada and the global arts community.

Miigis: Underwater Panther by Red Sky Performance is inspired by the formidable odyssey of the Anishinaabe along the water routes from the Atlantic shores to the Great Lakes, moving from salt to fresh water. Along this journey we discover the catalyst for this movement and encounter Indigenous archetypes and mystery beings.

What to Expect: A awe-inspiring contemporary dance performance from one of the leading Indigenous dance companies in North America.

Curriculum Connections: Creative process, Choreography and Composition, Indigenous Culture and History, Critical Thinking

A new adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic children’s story with original music, choreography and shadow puppetry. After touring last summer to Guelph (where they won “Best of Fest"), London and Hamilton Fringe, The Velveteen Rabbit sold out a limited run in Toronto and just appeared last summer at Soulpepper Theatre as a part of KidsFest at the TO Fringe!

Embark on the journey of The Velveteen Rabbit, reimagined in the modern day. Follow the journey of our titular protagonist – a shy toy who wants nothing more than to become ‘real.’ In other words, to be truly loved by the child that takes care of you. Through the story we experience the unbreakable bond between The Velveteen Rabbit and the Girl. On the way, we meet outlandish characters, deal with major toy world crises, sing, dance and, most importantly, have fun.

Note: Audience members are encouraged to bring their favourite stuffed animal for a chance for it to be featured in the show.

What to Expect: Back by popular demand, this production brings to life this classic story with music, laughter, and love.

Curriculum Connections: Literature-Based, Storytelling, Friendship, Family, Emotional Development, Role-Playing, Imagination

Dance like anything is possible! Be inspired by this international award-winning all-star breakdance crew, comprising some of the world’s best Bboys’ that have a disability. No Excuses, No Limits takes audiences on a journey of each dancer’s story through dance, music, audience interaction, working towards an understanding of the limitless possibilities that any person can hold.

ILL-Abilities is a play on the word “ill”, inspired by its usage in hip hop culture to describe something in a positive manner. Rather than meaning “sick” or “unwell”, the “ill” in ILL-Abilities refers to the incredible, amazing and intricate talent of its crew members, who strive to inspire and spread positive thinking through their optimistic attitudes, personal stories and unique dance moves.

What to Expect: Beautiful puppetry with live music, dance, and song.

Curriculum Connections: The Arts, Science, Geography, Language

Black Umfolosi International is one of the African continent’s most revered vocal groups, with more than three decades of international touring behind them. Their shows feature a cappella songs in many of the languages of southern Africa, as well as almost non-stop dancing. The imbube music they perform is a fusion of traditional Zulu music and more modern genres. The songs are delivered with passion, integrity and humour.

One of the highlights of any BUI performance is their famous gumboot dance, a tradition that originated in the mines of southern Africa. Dancers perform wearing hard hats and long gumboots as they execute incredible feats of dance and percussion. The songs and dance are tied together with interesting and informative banter from the group. A BUI show is a deep dive into the incredible culture of Zimbabwe.

What to Expect: A high energy performance with live music, percussion, and dance – get ready for an experience like no other.

Curriculum Connections: Dance, Music, African Culture

It’s the last week of summer holidays, and the final game of a long-running D&D campaign for Nick and Tyler. Stakes are high as Nick is about to move cities, and they have no idea when they might see each other again. To make matters worse, the other two players are no-shows! Enter Tyler’s younger sister, Jess, who wants to join in. Can the game be salvaged? And where will the adventure take them, as the audience participates in the choices being made? This is a fast-paced funny play that flips between the D&D adventure story, and the real-world kids who are playing the game.

What to Expect: This is an interactive adventure, where the audience becomes the Royal Court of King Dumvain, and helps to decide what will happen in the story. Several times throughout the show, the audience will be asked to vote “Aye” or “Nay” on a question, and their choice will determine what happens next! Even at the climax of the play, one audience member will be selected to come up on stage and roll a giant D20 for the ending!

Curriculum Connections: Role Play, Storytelling, Friendship, Family Relationships, Critical Thinking

Ocean Blue is a breathtaking theatrical journey through the wonders of our planet’s oceans. When Charlie, a young crab longing for a different life, is suddenly swept into danger, he tumbles into the mysterious depths of “The Gully,” a deep-sea trench in the Atlantic Ocean. His unexpected plunge launches an unforgettable adventure across the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific Oceans, where he travels alongside migrating whales and sea turtles and encounters extraordinary marine life. As Charlie learns to survive, adapt and outsmart danger beneath the waves, he discovers that courage, kindness, and friendship can change the course of even the smallest creature’s life.

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings this epic underwater world to life through spectacular puppetry, immersive design, dynamic digital projection and captivating original music. Designed for children aged 5+ and their grown-ups, this one-hour experience celebrates marine ecosystems while sparking curiosity, imagination and awe.

What to Expect: A brand-new performance from the fantastic Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia. If you enjoyed It’s Okay to be Different or Rainbow Fish, this will be an easy choice for your young group.

Curriculum Connections: Encourage Early Literacy, Enhance Emotional Development, Environmental, Promote Character Growth

"In a world facing growing unrest, widening social divisions and persistent economic and environmental challenges, the global community continues to seek values that unite rather than divide. Among these, hope stands out as a deeply powerful and universally resonant force.”

Created in conjunction with the UN International Day of Hope, Refuge celebrates and promotes hope as a guiding principle for individuals, communities and nations alike. “We’re collaborating with special guests on the album who are newcomers to this land, Indigenous artists as well as global talents who have been ambassadors for peace,” says bandleader Chris McKhool (ancestral name Makhoul), whose Lebanese grandfather stowed away on a ship bound for North America a century ago. "We wish to celebrate the successes of those who make the journey here and bring their extraordinary talents with them. We hope the conversations we can have as musicians will provide a model for peace that will inspire our politicians and citizens.”

What to Expect: Join the ever-popular Sultans of String for their new show. If you enjoyed Celebrate or Earth, Seas, and Air – this is the show for you!

Curriculum Connections: World Cultures, Immigration, Music, World Music, Community Building

Peg has grown up on her family's fishing boat and has caught pretty much every fish that swam, but Peg wants more! She wants big, she wants better, she wants best! She wants to climb the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, and she wants to see a Yeti. Her parents help her to create the world of her travels – to reach the top of the Himalayas and even dodge an avalanche, until eventually she does meet a Yeti! With lots of audience participation, this is an exciting adventure that captures every child's imagination.

What to Expect: Another fantastic Carousel Players production (Lig and Bittle, Like it Or Not) with a perfect picture book companion for your classroom.

Curriculum Connections: Literature-Based, Storytelling, Friendship, Family, Emotional Development, Role-Playing, Imagination