In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Young People’s Theatre (YPT) is delighted to unveil Room for Play – an innovative program designed to ignite interactions between young children (11 months – 5 years) and their grownups.

Room for Play debuts with a slate of immersive offerings, including: tiny-tot theatre experiences, inter-generational choirs, interactive storytelling sessions, and epic family fort-building. Each program fosters creative discovery and opportunities for meaningful connections across generations.

“A special kind of magic sparks when children play imaginatively with their adults,” says YPT Artistic Director Herbie Barnes. “A world of possibility opens for kids to explore and discover that they have the power to shape their own stories.”

Room for Play was created in response to research demonstrating the powerful impact that meaningful intergenerational connections have in a young person’s development, particularly at an early age.

“Nurturing that connection through imaginative play can build social confidence, strengthen cognitive skills, and lay the foundation for emotional resilience,” says YPT’s Intergenerational Programming Producer Sehar Bhojani, who leads the new Room for Play program. “We see this echoed in our work every day at YPT.”

The new initiative was also developed to meet a growing demand from young families who want their little ones to experience the benefits of theatre from an earlier age. “Room for Play reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a space where all children feel seen, supported, and free to grow, create, and truly be themselves,” says Bhojani.

Room for Play was made possible by a previously-approved gift from The Slaight Family Foundation. “We’re thrilled that Room for Play will provide a meaningful line-up of new events and opportunities for engagement, ensuring that YPT continues building an intergenerational audience that welcomes parents, grandparents and caregivers, and the youngest children in their lives,” says YPT Executive Director Camilla Holland.

YPT’S 60TH BIRTHDAY PARTY!

Room for Play launches on Sept. 27th, with YPT’s 60th Birthday Party! Families with young children will enjoy a FREE interactive tour that includes crafts, treats, a sneak peek at a Room for Play musical performance, and the chance to step onto one of Toronto’s most iconic stages — the Ada Slaight Mainstage — for a special immersive experience.

Room for Play expands YPT’s 25.26 theatrical season, "Where You Belong", which features a lineup of compelling productions that reflect the many ways young people see the world: from fantastically adventurous to eye-openingly relevant.

Registration for Room for Play programming is available online at youngpeoplestheatre.org, by phone at 416-862-2222, or at the YPT Box Office at 165 Front Street East, Toronto. Program prices range from free ticketed events and pay-what-you-wish to $10 child/senior and $15 adult tickets. For more details, visit www.youngpeoplestheatre.org.

ROOM FOR PLAY PROGRAMMING:

YPT’S 60TH BIRTHDAY PARTY!

165 Front St. East | Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, 11AM-2PM

Ages 11 months – 5 years

Explore, play, and celebrate with us! It’s our 60th birthday and on Saturday, September 27th we’re opening our doors for families with young children (ages 11 months - 5 years) to enjoy a special sneak peek of Room for Play. Enjoy a FREE interactive tour that includes crafts, treats, a sample of a Room for Play musical experience, and the chance to step onto one of Toronto’s most iconic stages — the Ada Slaight Mainstage — for a special immersive experience.

Registration required.

SONGS OF THE SEASONS

Presented and Co-Created by Aria Zenua, Saira Remtulla, and Young People’s Theatre

Studio | Sept. 27, 2025 – May 9, 2026

Ages 11 months – 5 years

Get your little ones moving and grooving in this special interactive concert. Inspired by the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the seasons, Ms. Aria and Ms. Saira transport children to a garden full of wonder and discovery. Through a mix of musical styles and sensory play, young children are introduced to the meaningful lessons nature has to offer— such as gratitude and patience — all at a pace just right for early learners. With performances from October to May, this production changes with the seasons, and every show will be followed by 20 minutes of open playtime.

FRIDAY PLAYDATE

Studio | Oct. 3, 2025 – May 8, 2026

Ages 11 months – 5 years

Play, explore, and experience a joyful song circle in a comfy space created just for YPT’s very youngest audiences! For two Fridays each month, our Studio Theatre is transformed into a cozy playspace with soft surfaces, sensory-friendly toys, and activities that spark imaginative play and meaningful interactions between little ones and their caregivers. Unique to this program are special 30-minute song circles that fuse music, drama, and play, led by guest artist-educators: Songs with Nash and Pete Moss.

YPT CHOIR

In partnership with Smile Theatre

Studio | Nov. 16, 2025 – May 10, 2026

Ages 5 – 105 years

Unleash your voice in this unique all-ages program for children ages 5+ and their grownups to sing, play, and build a musical community together. Over five weeks, participants will learn songs inspired by the shows in our current season, and connect as an ensemble through drama-inspired games. Sessions will feature guest professionals and will culminate with one super-secret performance at YPT!

STORYTELLING IN THE STUDIO

Studio | Nov. 17, 2025 – Mar. 23, 2026

Ages 2 – 5 years

Introduce your little ones to live storytelling in a space and at a pace designed just for YPT’s youngest audiences! From folk tales to fairy tales, and stories of adventure and belonging, these sessions will spark curiosity and wonder in early learners, while building active listening, focus, and attention skills. With professional artists guiding the way, children and their caregivers will have the opportunity to connect with each other and experience the magic of interactive storytelling.

FORTS! Build Your Own Adventure

Conceived and directed by Julie Ritchey

Created in collaboration with Eleanor Kahn, Jeffrey Levin, Christian Libonati, Andrew Marikis, and Carley Walker

Studio | Jan. 24 – Feb. 8, 2026

Ages 2 – 102 years

Take family fort-building to a colossal new level! With cardboard boxes, sheets, clotheslines, and theatrical elements designed to support creative play, our Studio Theatre is transformed into a fort-building wonderland. But why stop at forts? Build a castle! Build a neighbourhood!

Build a whole city! You bring the imagination, we provide the materials in this collaborative fun-filled adventure for all ages.

Set Design by Eleanor Kahn; Sound Design by Jeffrey Levin; Lighting Design by Joel Zishuk; Based on an original Lighting Design by Carley Walker; Facilitation Design by Andrew Marikis; Originally produced by Filament Theatre, Chicago, IL under Founding Artistic Director Julie Ritchey and Founding Managing Director Christian Libonati; www.filamenttheatre.org.

TREE

Original idea and stage direction by Hélène Ducharme

Produced by Théâtre Motus

Studio | Feb. 14 – 22, 2026

Ages 6 months – 3 years

Settle into Mama Bird’s cozy nest and experience the magical world of Tree! This interactive multi-sensory production will transport little theatregoers to a luminous universe filled with enchanting puppets, soft lights, and gentle melodies. Audience sizes are limited, allowing young children to explore the forest’s wonders through personalized one-on-one interactions with performers. Thoughtfully considered and beautifully staged, this unique theatrical performance promises fun-filled family memories that will last a lifetime.

Visit www.youngpeoplestheatre.org.