May 8-13, 2025
Thank you all for a wonderful 2024 Festival
All sales Final. Programming is subject to change.
Shows at Downtown Rideau, 2024 (Arts Court)
ROBOT SONG
Arena Theatre Company, Australia
Ages 8+ | English | 70 min
Short Description
Juniper is constantly compared to a robot, but after encountering one on her doorstep, she begins the adventure of a lifetime. Bullies are no match for our young heroine, as she believes in herself and her passion for robots more than anything in this upbeat musical comedy.
Robot Song has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia and Creative Victoria
Schedule
Arts Court Theatre (Downtown Rideau) 70 min
Saturday May 11: 10:30 am
Saturday May 11: 1:30 pm
Sunday May 12: 10:30 am
Sunday May 12: 1:30 pm
Monday May 13: 10:00 am
Monday May 13: 1:30 pm
Tuesday May 14: 10:00 am
Tuesday May 14: 1:30 pm
Detailed Description
Juniper is constantly compared to a robot, but after encountering one on her doorstep, she begins the adventure of a lifetime. Bullies are no match for our young heroine, as she believes in herself and her passion for robots more than anything.
In this upbeat musical comedy, we follow young Juniper and her parents as they learn that life is not always predictable, rigid or consistent, no matter how hard we try. Unexpected outcomes are difficult but with the help of her parents, her robot, and a Robot Song, everything will turn out just fine.
Based on a true story, Robot Song illustrates the profound, transformative nature of creativity that when combined with unconditional love, becomes an unstoppable force.
SONIA AND ALFRED
Teatro Gioco Vita, Italy
Ages 4+ | English/French | 50 min
Short Description
Proof that opposites really do attract, Sonia and Alfred tell a heartwarming story of friendship. A New York City native and a midwestern belle cross paths. One is on a mission for a new and exciting life, and the other is perfectly and persistently content on his own.
In partnership with ATER Foundation & Regione Emilia-Romagna Cultura d’Europa
Schedule
Arts Court Studio (Downtown Rideau) 50 min
Saturday May 11: 12:00 pm (English)
Saturday May 11: 3:00 pm (English)
Sunday May 12: 12:00 pm (English)
Sunday May 12: 3:00 pm (English)
Monday May 13: 12:00 pm (French)
Tuesday May 14: 12:00 pm (French)
Detailed Description
Proof that opposites really do attract, Sonia and Alfred tell a heartwarming story of friendship. A New York City native and a midwestern belle cross paths. One is on a mission for a new and exciting life, and the other is perfectly and persistently content on his own.
Shy Alfred and Carefree Sonia show the audience how rewarding stepping out of your comfort zone can be. The great joy of finding a new home, a new friend or even learning something new about yourself. Growing up and experiencing new things is scary, but with someone you love by your side, you can face any challenge.
This production is based on the books “Go away, Alfredo!” and “Are you there, Alfredo?” by Catherine Pineur, edited by Pastel/Ecoledeloisirs. The first of which has been published in Italian by Babalibri. The stage version, for actors and shadows, is based on and rolls the contents of both books into one story.
Imagineland access is FREE with a ticket to any show!
(including the shows at Arts Court)
Join us on the Festival grounds at Lebreton Flats (near the War Museum) before and after performances for a variety of fun and interactive extra features that will let you unleash your creative side! Featuring Puppet Workshops, Circus Factory, Bubbles, Giant puppets, Soccer Shots and more!
Shows at Lebreton Flats Park, 2024
NEW SHOW ADDED!
1, 2, 3 ON Y VA avec MISSY D
MISSY D, Canada
Ages 5+ | Bilingual (English/ French) | 50 min
Short Description
Are you learning French ou tu parles déjà français couramment? This show is for you, c’est pour toi, nos ami(e)s bilingues ou francophones! Music has a way to bring us together, helping us express our feelings, learn about each other and translate melodies into a universal moment. Whether you understand every word, get ready to dance and sing along to the sounds of Missy D. 1, 2, 3 on y va, on y va! La Case Départ continue pour toi et moi.
Schedule
Tent 2 (Lebreton Flats) 50min
Sunday May 12: 1:30 pm
Monday May 13: 10:00 am
Tuesday May 14: 10:00 am
DER LAUF
Les Vélocimanes Associés, Belgium
Ages 8+ | non-verbal | 55 min
Short Description
The most nonsensical game show you will encounter! With the help of a silver mop bucket, the blinded performers move through terribly unexpected challenges.
Generously supported by:
Schedule
Tent 1 (Lebreton Flats) 55min
Friday May 10: 6:00 pm
Saturday May 11: 10:30 am
Saturday May 11: 1:30 pm
Sunday May 12: 10:30 am
Sunday May 12: 1:30 pm
Monday May 13: 10:00 am
Monday May 13: 12:15 pm (new time)
Tuesday May 14: 10:00 am
Tuesday May 14: 12:30 pm
Detailed Description
Take charge in this electric performance of daring challenges and nail-biting fun! With the help of a silver mop bucket, the blinded performers move through terribly unexpected challenges. Come what may .. nothing can stop the show … except for you, perhaps?
The most nonsensical game show you will encounter, Der Lauf brings mind-bending illusions to Canada’s Capital City. Strange and absurd, dark and joyful, hearts will be racing as the performers complete their tasks, and teach the audience a little something about trust.
MAKE ME DANCE
Panta Rei Danseteater, Norway
Ages 10+ | English | 55 min
Short Description
Make Me Dance is a choreographed concert. Through movement, sound and text, three dancers and one musician look at why they became professional artists.
Generously supported by:
Schedule
Tent 2 (Lebreton Flats) 65min
Saturday May 11: 12:00 pm
Saturday May 11: 3:00 pm
Sunday May 12: 12:00 pm
Sunday May 12: 3:00 pm
Monday May 13: 11:30 am
Tuesday May 14: 11:30 am
Detailed Description
Make Me Dance is a choreographed concert. Through movement, sound and text, three dancers and one musician look at why they became professional artists. Make Me Dance is a performance about the choices we make and the small, universal stories that shape us as human beings.
The work is an energizing performance suitable for a cross generational audience. It’s a performance that inspires and leaves you feeling nostalgic. The movement vocabulary and text are results of discussions between the performers and the creative team. Discussions based on stories that are shaped through memories of how it all started, how the need to dance became the key to the future and the source of challenges and success.
Make Me Dance is an immersive dance theatre production where the audience is part of the performance space, encapsulated by the scenography.
Shows at the Canadian War Museum, 2024
I WISH I WAS A MOUNTAIN
“The Egg”, Theatre Royal Bath, England
Ages 6+ | English | 45 min
Short Description
I Wish I Was a Mountain takes the audience through the lively town of Faldum, celebrating its infamous annual fair. A strange traveller promises to grant the wish of any villager who pleases. Would you wish for a cat? For a house? Anything you can dream of.
Schedule
Barney Danson Theatre (War Museum) 45min
Saturday May 11: 10:30 am
Saturday May 11: 1:30 pm
Sunday May 12: 10:30 am
Sunday May 12: 1:30 pm
Monday May 13: 10:30 am
Tuesday May 14: 10:30 am
Detailed Description
If you could have any wish granted, what would it be?
I Wish I Was a Mountain takes the audience through the lively town of Faldum, celebrating its infamous annual fair. A strange traveller promises to grant the wish of any villager who pleases. Would you wish for a cat? For a house? Anything you can dream of.
Based on Herman Hesse’s classic fairytale ‘Fadlum’, I Wish I Was A Mountain helps us examine how unknown life is to the human mind, and how decisions lead us down paths we never could have imagined. A brilliantly philosophical show, children are able to engage in some inherent aspects of reality that evade even adults. Join us to enjoy this introspective show of love, loss and freedom.
LEARNING AND FORGETTING
Presentation House Theatre, Canada
Ages 3+ | English | 70 min
Short Description
Eva and her grandfather share a unique connection; “while one learns, the other forgets”. Both have their minds fixed on the present, with no need for the unknown future, and the distant past. A beautiful story about intergenerational love, the phases of life and most importantly laughter.
Schedule
Atliers C &D (War Museum) 60min
(+ 10 minute artist talkback after the show)
Saturday May 11: 11:45 am
Saturday May 11: 2:45 pm
Sunday May 12: 11:45 am
Sunday May 12: 2:45 pm
Monday May 13: 11:30 am
Tuesday May 14: 11:30 am
Detailed Description
Eva and her grandfather share a unique connection; “while one learns, the other forgets”. Both have their minds fixed on the present, with no need for the unknown future, and the distant past.
Play and storytelling are not reserved for the young. Join Eva and her grandfather to explore the world through two sets of eyes.
A beautiful story about intergenerational love, the phases of life and most importantly laughter. Learning and Forgetting recently debuted in English for the first time, born from an international collaboration between Mexico and Canada, audience members describe the show as warm and whimsical.
Thank You to Our Partners
Adopt-a-School Sponsors
Thank you to our Board of Directors
Stephanie Gilman, President
Sarah Jane Estabrooks, Vice-President
Nick Masciantonio, Past-President
Janine Debanne, Member at large
Megan Gillis, Member at large
Catherine O’Grady, ex-officio