4th Line Theatre’s Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell is thrilled to announce the theatre’s 34th summer season and two beloved classics. The season will begin on June 30, 2026 with Schoolhouse. This cherished play saw its world premiere at the theatre in 2007 (remounted in 2008), written by Leanna Brodie, it will be directed by longtime 4th Line Choreographer and Director Monica Dottor. Beginning on August 4th, 4th Line will bring back Wild Irish Geese, for a four-week run. Wild Irish Geese captured audiences’ imaginations and sold out its world premiere run in 2025. It is written by and starring Megan Murphy and directed by Blackwell.

Some of the original cast members of Schoolhouse will appear in the show once again in 2026, 19 years later. Many of the original cast of Wild Irish Geese will be returning for the remount. More casting details to follow at a later date.

Blackwell is looking forward to the upcoming summer season at the Winslow farm. “As we look ahead to 2026 and our 34th season, we are excited to bring back two amazing plays from the theatre’s canon of work,” she explains. “Both productions explore resilience, hope and the universal search for home.”

Schoolhouse

Set in 1938 in rural Ontario, Schoolhouse unfolds within S.S. #1 Jericho, a one-room school just outside the fictional village of Baker’s Creek. When 18-year-old Melita Linton—newly graduated from Normal School—takes on her first teaching position, she encounters a lively group of students and a community rooted in tradition. Her resolve is tested by the arrival of Ewart, a withdrawn youth recently released from a reform school and sent to work on a local farm. As Miss Linton strives to reach him, she uncovers the deep bonds and quiet fears of small-town life. Rich with humour and humanity, Schoolhouse beautifully evokes a vanished era in Canadian rural history.

Wild Irish Geese

Back by popular demand after its sold-out 2025 premiere, Wild Irish Geese returns to the 4th Line stage with a powerful story of migration and starting over. In the 1820s, Peter Robinson led an emigration scheme that brought hundreds of Irish families to Canada as they fled famine and poverty. More than 2,000 arrived in Scotts Plains—later known as Peterborough—and began their lives anew. Wild Irish Geese reflects on the courage, displacement, and enduring spirit of those who journeyed far to survive. Through hardship and hope, these new Canadians forged a fragile beginning in a complex colonial landscape. Planting deep roots in the Peterborough area, these Irish emigrants now have tens of thousands of descendants both locally and across the globe.

Both 2026 Season plays fit squarely into 4th Line’s mandate. They both feature all of the drama, laughter and poignancy that audiences have come to expect from Ontario’s premiere outdoor theatre.

DETAILS:

Schoolhouse

Written by Leanna Brodie

Directed and choreographed by Monica Dottor

Musical Direction and Original Compositions by Justin Hiscox

Costume Design by Chelsea Day

Set Design by Michelle Chesser

June 30 – July 25

Previews: June 30, July 1

Opening Night: Thursday, July 2

Tuesday to Saturday at 6 pm

With an added Monday performance on July 20th

* * *

Wild Irish Geese

Back by Popular Demand

Written by Megan Murphy

Directed by Kim Blackwell

Musical Direction and Original Compositions by Justin Hiscox

Indigenous Story Consultation by Patti Shaughnessy

Costume Design by Bonnie Garland

Set Design by Michelle Chesser

Choreography by Monica Dottor

Fight Direction by Edward Belanger

Intimacy Direction by Greg Carruthers

Sound Design by Steáfán Hannigan

August 4 - 29

Previews: August 4, 5

Opening Night: Thursday, August 6

Tuesday to Saturday at 6 pm

With an added Monday performance on August 24th

Gift Certificates on sale November 3rd.

4th Line Theatre is pleased to announce that its box office will open to the public to purchase gift certificates for the 2026 Summer Season as of Monday, November 3rd. Gift certificates for single tickets, season subscriptions and charcuterie snack boxes can be purchased by phone at 705-932-4445, or toll-free at 800-814-0055, online at www.4thlinetheatre.on.ca, and at 4th Line Theatre’s Box Office location at 9 Tupper Street, Millbrook, ON.