Toronto March Break 2010- Theatre Arts Activities for Grandparents and Kids

By Sam Mooney

As I started looking at what’s on in theatre for Toronto kids this March break, I found myself wishing that I was a kid – or that my grandson was older so I could do some of these things with him.  You don’t actually have to be a grandparent to enjoy the various activities and performances.

We’re looking at activities that fall into two broad categories – day camps and workshops, and performances.  Some are free, some are cheap and some aren’t.

Toronto Public Library March Break at the Library

There are so many things happening in Toronto Library Branches that you could spend all of March Break at the library.  There’s magic, music, science, story telling and theatre performances.

March Break Programs for Teens at the Toronto Public Library

Some workshops that sound terrific for teens – drumming, dub poetry, mime, comedy improv and dance. Click on the library branch to find out times.  Personally, I find the site confusing and would just call the branch to get information.

March Break at the Canadian Opera Company

This sounds great.  From the website:

Explore music, acting and singing in this fun and interactive full-day workshop! Participants learn operatic excerpts and use shadow puppets to create their own story to music.

No musical or acting experience required!

Ages: 6 to 12
Dates: Thursday, March 18, 2010, ages six to nine (FULL—wait list only)
Friday, March 19, 2010, ages 10 to 12
Time: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre, 227 Front St. E.
Cost: $30 (an additional $5 per participant for early drop-off at 8:30 a.m.)

The Monster Under the Bed

Ben has BIG problems. His Mom is acting grumpy, his former best friend Vince has stolen his precious binoculars and his Dad is far, far away… oh, and there’s a monster under his bed. But this monster isn’t scary; he’s a boy just like Ben and he’s aching to see the outside world. When he swaps places with the under-bed monster, Ben’s life – and his school – is turned inside out and upside down.

Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People (165 Front St East)
Mar. 8 to Apr. 1, 2010
By Kevin Dyer
Directed by Nina Lee Aquino
Recommended for Grades 1-6 | Ages 6 & up

TICKETS: $10-$20
order online or by phone – 416-862-2222

Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People Monster March Break Drama Classes

LKTYP will once again be offering our very popular Day Camps during March Break Week: Mar. 15-19. A variety of fun and educational half and full-day sessions, themed to The Monster Under the Bed, have been created to engage young people in Grades JK to 6. And each young person registered receives a FREE ticket to the show!

Space is limited.

Tel: 416.363.5131 x242
Email: ithomas@lktyp.ca

Second City Toronto March Break Camp 2010

March Break Camp 2010 – Registration on NOW!
March 15-19 9am-4pm
Ages 10-17 (please note all students are divided up according to age)
Tuition: $380.00 + GST

Explore the fundamentals of improvisation.  Build self-confidence, listening and communication skills and develop creative thinking, team building skills and empathy.  Focuses this March Break include character and status.  All campers will see The Second City Education Company’s newest revue “Teacher Will This Be On The Test?” and have a performance of their own on the last day of camp in our John Candy Box Theatre.  We encourage new students to improv and experienced students to our March Break Camps!

Phone: 416-340-7270
Fax: 416-260-2842
Email: training.to@secondcity.com

Spring Fling at the Rogers Centre

Canada’s largest indoor carnival returns to Rogers Centre for a 6 day run through March Break 2010. Spring Fling is your solution to the question “What should we do this March Break?” Enjoy midway fun with rides, and games of chance. New this year: a children’s stage, Reptilia, Inflatable Sports Zone and Activity Area (Some additional charges may apply for certain activities in the Activity Area).

Date and Time
Tuesday, March 16 – Sunday, March 21, 2010
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 21
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Gates Open
10 a.m. Daily – Gate 5

Ticket Prices and Information
$20.00 – All day ride ticket (2 years and up)
$10.00 – No ride ticket
*prices do not include applicable service charges and facility fees.
Tickets are on sale via all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online.

Munsch Muddles

Solar Stage Childrens’ Theatre (North York, 100 Upper Madison Ave)

We bring back our traditional and very popular series of Munsch stories done as one play. Enjoy Mud Puddle, Playhouse, Zoom, and Look at Me presented in skillful and comic Solar Stage fashion. Your children love to read Munsch! They’ll be entranced by the play!

MARCH BREAK DATES: Mar 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 2010
TIMES: 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm
Tickets available at the box office – 416-368-8031

Casa Loma

Lot’s happening for kids, grandparents and parents  at Casa Loma during March break. (One Austin Terrace near the corner of Davenport Rd. and Spadina Ave)

Breakfast With Robin Hood and Maid Marion

$22.50 per child + PST and GST (includes served pancake breakfast-2 pancakes, 2 sausages & fruit salad, orange juice, visit with Robin and Maid Marion, castle admission, self guided touring and ticket to our holiday themed show, Robin Hood at 10:30am) All children to be seated together at round tables.
$21.25 per adult + PST and GST (includes assorted breakfast pastries, coffee, tea, orange juice, castle admission, self guided touring, and ticket to our holiday themed show, Robin Hood at 10:30am) Perimeter seating provided for adults.

Sat., March 13, From: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Sun., March 14, From: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Sat., March 20, From: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM

Book early as space is limited
full payment required upon booking (credit card or cash payment) non-refundable 10 days prior to date of the breakfast
Call 416-923-1171 Ext. 202 or 213 for reservations.

THE LIBRARY

Robin Hood*

The timeless classic of Robin Hood is brought to life in a whole new way, featuring those masters of merriment Men In Tights. This comedic troupe depends on audience participation to tell a swashbuckling rendition of this tale. Every show is different!
Showtimes: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Tickets available online
*$1.00/person surcharge. Limited bench seating.

THE BILLIARD ROOM

Tim Holland: Puppet Tamer

Through Cheap Trickery and Genuine Magic, master ventriloquist, Tim Holland convinces the audience of the dangers inherent in the taming of ferocious and uncooperative puppets. To see Tim Holland in action, please visit
www.puppettamer.com
Showtimes: 11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 1:00 p.m., 2:45 p.m. & 3:45 p.m

STROLLING CHARACTERS

Maid Marion and Friar Tuck

Every half hour, Maid Marion or Friar Tuck will take children on a 30-minute tour of the castle looking for the gold Robin Hood borrowed from the rich to give to the poor.

Did I miss something?  If you are offering a March Break activity – or know of one that should be included here – please leave the information in a comment.

Happy Spring!