Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Tickets are on sale now for the upcoming World Festival of Children's Theatre in Stratford that runs for nine days in June – June 5-14.
"The eyes of the world will be on Stratford," said artistic director Ron Dodson. "It's a very special one-of-a-kind event that we are honoured to host."
Children aged seven to 15 years from 16 countries and five continents will be coming to the city next month for the international festival. Theme is My World, Our Planet.
It kicks off Sunday, June 5, at 7 p.m. with a celebration and street dance outside Stratford city hall. Over the next nine days, theatre troupes from each participating country will be in the spotlight in some 37 afternoon and evening performances at Knox Presbyterian Church, Stratford Central Secondary's Reaney auditorium, city hall auditorium and various schools in Perth, Huron and surrounding counties.
Tickets at $8 for adults and $5 for youth 18 and under are available at www.visitstratford.ca/wfct or by calling 519-271-5140. Special pricing for school groups is available.
For a full schedule of performances and venues, visit www.wfct.ca and click the Events tab. Information is also available at Stratford Tourism Alliance at 47 Downie St.
Not all events require tickets, a news release from WFCT noted. The opening ceremonies are free, as is the Culture Expo on Saturday, June 11, starting at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Drive bandshell. That's where participating countries will show cultural artifacts and offer a selection of items for sale.
The next day, on Sunday, June 12, at 9:15 a.m., an interfaith event titled The Spirit of Inclusion will be held at the Stratford Festival Theatre. A community potluck picnic with entertainment will follow at the Upper Queen's Park bandshell.
The WFCT began in Lingen, Germany in 1990 and takes place every two years. It returns to its home in Lingen every fourth year.
This is the first time it's been held in North America. Stratford is the smallest community to be host.
"Stratford should be proud," Dodson said. "Everything is coming together nicely. We have a great organizing team and fantastic community spirit."
2016-05-05
Stratford: Tickets now on sale for the World Festival of Children's Theatre June 5-14