In this episode, join renowned Shakespeare scholar, general editor of The Norton Shakespeare and Harvard University Professor Stephen Greenblatt in conversation with Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino, commemora…

"Oh no, am I talking too much?" It's the start of a beautiful thing when Anne Shirley steps off the train at Avonlea. Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert may have asked for a boy from the orphanage but what they get p…

😱 “A horse from a strange man?” The Dashwood sisters of Sense and Sensibility could not be more divided on this extravagant gift from Mr. Willoughby: Marianne (Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane) is easily romance…

A ghostly transformation. 👻 See how Graham Abbey quick changes in Macbeth. Playing the role of Banquo, he rushes off-stage after his character's gruesome death to become a ghost, with a new costume, wig and …

Teachers — are you ready to liven up your lessons? Our new digital arts platform StratFest+ has just launched, bringing world-class theatre and resources directly to schools, colleges, universities and librar…

When the seed of jealousy is planted in The Winter's Tale. Having easily persuaded him to stay longer, Hermione asks Polixenes to tell her about his childhood friendship with her husband, King Leontes. Their fa…

The moment when Ralph MacLean forgives himself. Forgiveness is based on Mark Sakamoto's memoir and chronicles his grandparents' struggles during and after World War Two. His grandfather Ralph had to confront th…

In this episode, join playwright Erin Shields, Nehiyaw storyteller Trina Moyan, and University of Toronto professor Adriana Brook as they explore storytelling as a transformative force across time. From the o…

"All the world's a stage." One of Shakespeare's most iconic monologues in As You Like It, called the Seven Ages of Man, is delivered by the character Jaques (played here by Aaron Krohn) and details the stages o…

Leapin' lizards! 🤩 “Harper Rae Asch is sensational” as Annie and her "fellow orphans are also terrifyingly talented, earning a mid-show standing ovation" (Toronto Star). Here they are absolutely smashing…

Sisters are doing it for themselves! Playwright Erin Shields talks about the power of women working together to end the Trojan War in her new play Ransacking Troy. For more, listen to the latest episode of the …

The Wall Street Journal is raving about The Winter's Tale: "It wasn’t just the most gripping version of this play I have seen, but one of the finest Shakespeare stagings I have experienced." In the principal …

Last chance to see Forgiveness! This "gripping production" (The New York Times) must end September 27, 2025. Book your tickets now to experience this "quietly profound" (Postmedia) play based on the Canada Rea…

Let's go to the movies! 🎥 With the Toronto International Film Festival kicking off, we take a look at our 2025 season on the silver screen: 🐶 Following the Broadway premiere of the musical Annie in 1977,…

There's no bad hair days when you have incredibly talented and dedicated artists backstage. For this season's production of Dangerous Liaisons, there are more than 15 custom-made wigs. These late 18th century…

👀 Turning some serious lewks. Jamie Murray transforms from nightclub dancer, Oklahoma cowgirl to two very different maids in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, thanks to the bold and colourful costumes designed by Sue…

In case you missed it — our 2026 season has been announced! Let us know which production you're most looking forward to in the comments. Without further ado, the 2026 playbill: Festival Theatre: - Antoni C…

🛎️ From French bellhop to Oklahoma cowboy! 🤠 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is full of surprises (and laughs) — plus Dance Captain and ensemble member Jason Sermonia rocks tons of amazing costumes, all desig…

E22: Why are audiences so captivated by characters who blur (or outright cross) the moral line? In this episode, theatre critic Chris Jones is joined by veteran Festival actors Tom McCamus and Jonathan Goad for…

Announcing our 2026 season! This will be Antoni Cimolino's final season as Artistic Director. The culmination of a 40-year career with the Festival, including 14 seasons as Artistic Director, this farewell seas…

A rollercoaster of emotion! A great joy of repertory theatre can be found in the reverberations amongst the shows. As the New York Times reflected: "After you see two or three [productions at the Stratford Fes…

Even wigs need a regular wash and set! There is so much work that happens behind the scenes that we never dream of. All those wigs you see on stage are made with care from real hair (with the odd exception) so…

The trip was so nice they extended it twice! You heard it here first from Linda and Stefanie — whether you're planning a staycation or cross-border escape, we've got you covered with world-class theatre, a ch…

Dangerous Liaisons will be a feast for the eyes! 😍 Hear from A.W. Nadine Grant on her costume designs for this delectable production. Dripping with lavish details, the fashions of 1780s France have been meti…

Simply timeless. 💘 When Rosalind discovers Orlando's love letters in our 1983 production of As You Like It! We've extended our 50% discount to Stratfest@Home, where you can watch this archival gem along wi…

Don't we all?! 🤑 Small-time swindler Freddy Benson (played by Liam Tobin) feeling the pangs of the 99% in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. While he may be a con artist, he's definitely relatable (and ridiculously fu…

How do you navigate a stage in a three-foot wide dress? Ashley Dingwell tells all about wearing a pannier in rehearsals for Dangerous Liaisons. This is her first season at the Festival, and we can't wait to se…

🌟 A star is born! 🥹 Harper Rae Asch is "perfect as Annie" (Postmedia) and "a star in the making" (The Globe and Mail). Watch as she sings the iconic hit "Tomorrow" from the rehearsal hall to the stage, al…

🥁 Introducing Shakespeare's best female character! Rosalind is the engine of As You Like It, and with 685 lines, she is the largest female role in all his plays! She's also the most fully realized woman wri…

What an entrance! 😱 Watch as Shakura Dickson brings Christine Colgate to life in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, singing "Here I Am" from the rehearsal hall to the stage! Shakura "shines in an excellent performanc…

How do you get a mid-show standing ovation? 🤩 "It's The Hard Knock Life" performed by the adorable and incredibly talented orphans of Annie. See them shine (despite wearing rags) in this "classic musical do…

Meet Hazel Heaney — she plays the role of Daisy in Annie! While not exactly an orphan, Daisy makes appearances in Hooverville and during "N.Y.C." in the beautiful window display of Bloomingdale's. Hazel also …

E21: We kick off the 2025 season of the Everyday Forum Podcast with a lively chat with cultural commentator Stephen Marche. He talks with the Festival's Artistic Director, Antoni Cimolino, and André Sills, act…

Meet Fae Lewis, who plays the role of Francis in Annie! While not technically an orphan, she features in Hooverville and in the gorgeous Bloomingdale's window display during "N.Y.C". Fae also understudies for a…

We've got a couple dirty rotten guys for you! 😎 From the rehearsal hall to the stage, Jonathan Goad and Liam Tobin "work in terrific synchronicity" (The Globe and Mail) as the oddball pair of con artists at …

Meet Isla Horner, who plays orphan July in Annie! You don't want to miss this "classic musical done exceptionally well" (Next Magazine) as "the eight little girls in the dance numbers are all excellent, some p…

Why see As You Like It now? 🎧 Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino, in a newly released podcast, tells us how this play will give us the hope we are looking for. The plotline of As You Like It runs almost in pa…

Meet Sofia Grace Otta — she plays the role of orphan Duffy in Annie! “Donna Feore’s choreography is always wonderful, and she does not hold back with her younger performers” says BroadwayWorld, so don'…

They make "Easy Street" look, well... easy! Watch Laura Condlln (Miss Hannigan), Amanda Lundgren (Lily St. Regis) and Mark Uhre (Rooster Hannigan) go from the rehearsal hall to the stage, to shine in this magni…

Leapin' lizards! "Spectacular Annie is a must-see" (BroadwayWorld) and now extended by six weeks until December 14! Giving it a Critic's Pick, The Globe and Mail said "the dancing and singing alone are worth t…

Earning a Critic's Pick from The Globe and Mail and ★★★★ from the Toronto Star, "Kat Sandler’s transcendent Anne of Green Gables will become as central to the Canadian canon as the much beloved tome t…

Meet Cydnee Abbott, who plays orphan Pepper in Annie! "The dance and acrobatic skills of these young artists is astounding" (BroadwayWorld), so you won't want to miss this "classic musical done exceptionally …

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is “a laugh-out-loud good time” (Postmedia) and "a hilarious romp" (BroadwayWorld) that's now been extended until November 23! "A knockout cast" (Toronto Star) delivers this "crowd-…

Meet Jessica Reddy, one of the insanely talented orphans in Annie! She plays the role of Kate. “You’d be a fool to miss seeing Canada’s next generation of talent” in this musical says The Globe and Mai…

"Cinematic, inventive, and captivating from start to finish" (BroadwayWorld), Robert Lepage's Macbeth is "a towering achievement" (Postmedia) and now extended by three weeks, until November 22! Reimagined in t…

📢 BIG NEWS: our 2025 season is extended! 🎉 The Globe and Mail were "gobsmacked by the strength of this year’s opening week", and with overwhelming audience demand, we're thrilled to be extending four pr…

Meet Addison Wagman, the sweetheart playing the role of Tessie in Annie! "The dance and acrobatic skills of these young artists is astounding" says BroadwayWorld, and we're only halfway through meeting all the…

Meet Olivia Padfield, who plays the role of orphan Audrey in Annie! You may have also seen her understudy the role of Annie. "The orphans are utterly stellar every moment they are on stage," says BroadwayWorld…

We're 'giving them what they want': Wealthy Woman Energy! Sara-Jeanne Hosie gives the women of White Lotus a run for their money with her hilarious portrayal of Muriel in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. 🤩 She is a…

Meet Harmony Holder, the little firecracker performing the role of orphan Molly in Annie! We're meeting all the Annie orphans - who will be next? 👀 Don't miss this "heart-warming story, starring some very i…

Meet Evonny Harker, one of the "terrifyingly talented" (Toronto Star) girls in Annie! Evonny performs the role of little orphan Clara. Keep your eyes peeled to meet all the other orphans of Annie, and don't mi…

Forgiveness is "another must-see at this year's Festival" and has garnered a Critic's Pick from The Globe and Mail! Adapted from Mark Sakamoto's Canada Reads-winning memoir, Forgiveness tells the true story of…

Meet Harper Rae Asch, the talented young girl performing the title role in Annie! We’ll be meeting all the orphans of Annie, so tune in for more. 🤗 And be sure to book your tickets for this “surefire hi…

Anne of Green Gables is "a celebration of imagination, our individuality and of finding the remarkable in the everyday" and it's simply "unmissable" (Toronto Star). Book now for this "heartwarming, gut-wrench…

This is not your ordinary Jane Austen remake. Sense and Sensibility is a "boisterous new production" and a "rollicking comedy" (Toronto Star). "If you're chomping at the bit for the next season of Bridgerton, …

“Never before has cheering for the bad guys been so fun." 👏 Let's hear it for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which received a Critic's Pick in The Globe and Mail! 🎉 You're in for a "damn good time" as “Jon…

The Winter's Tale is a "magical and fantastical" delight with "hearty and plentiful humour" rating 4 out of 4 stars in the Toronto Star! “Graham Abbey delivers a tour de force performance [and] Sara Topham is…

The Winter's Tale is a "magical and fantastical" delight with "hearty and plentiful humour" rating 4 out of 4 stars in the Toronto Star! “Graham Abbey delivers a tour de force performance [and] Sara Topham is…

As You Like It is "more than just a delightful escape" (BroadwayWorld). Experience Shakespeare's comedy in this "genre-bending, post-apocalyptic boom". A Critic's Pick in The Globe and Mail! Book your tickets…

Rev your engines for Macbeth! Here's a first look at Shakespeare's tragedy told through the lens of a motorcycle gang in Robert Lepage's bold retelling. You don't want to miss this, get your tickets: https:/…

Here's a look at Annie, the feel-good musical that is capturing people's hearts. Be sure to get your tickets: https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/Annie Book: Thomas Meehan Lyric…

Powerful together. Excitement is building for Macbeth, with Tom McCamus in the titular role opposite Lucy Peacock's Lady Macbeth. This is not the first time these two powerhouse actors have shared the stage. In…

Step into the rehearsal hall with us as… Shakura Dickson runs the number "Here I Am", which announces her arrival as Christine Colgate in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. She is conducted by Music Director Franklin B…

Step into the rehearsal hall with us as… Broadway composer and arranger David Dabbon talks about the additional dance music he has arranged and orchestrated for Annie. David's job is to take the original musi…

Step into the rehearsal hall with us as… Harper Rae Asch rehearses the hopeful and heart-breaking tune "Maybe" for Annie. She is accompanied on piano by Music Director Laura Burton and Associate Conductor-Key…

Take a break in the rehearsal hall as... Annie stars Cydnee Abbott (Pepper) and Devon Michael Brown (Fred McCracken/Wacky, Kaltenborn) show off some tricks and flips to Director-Choreographer Donna Feore. So mu…

Ever wish you could sneak backstage and see how the magic’s made? Take this whirlwind tour behind the scenes at the Festival Theatre with this hyper-lapse video! From the intricate details of Wardrobe to the …

Step into the rehearsal hall with us as… Laura Condlln (Miss Aggie Hannigan), Amanda Lundgren (Lily St. Regis) and Mark Uhre (Rooster Hannigan) rehearse their scheming song “Easy Street” with Director-Ch…

Step into the rehearsal hall with us as… Annie stars Harper Rae Asch (Annie) and Dan Chameroy (Oliver Warbucks) have some fun with Director-Choreographer Donna Feore as they work on the delightful duet "I Don…

The Understudy premieres today on STRATFEST@HOME! This Stratfest@Home original, filmed at the Festival’s Warehouse and Avon Theatre, offers a glimpse behind the curtain of the theatre world… Tom Rooney sta…

Step into the rehearsal hall with us as… Jonathan Goad and Liam Tobin rehearse the duet "Dirty Rotten Number" for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. They are conducted by Music Director Franklin Brasz and accompanied o…

This World Theatre Day, it’s all hands on deck as we get ready for a fabulous season. But there’s time to pause and reflect on the impact theatre has on the world. Canadian theatres employ more than 30,00…

Step into the rehearsal hall with us as… Ron Sexsmith performs “Under the Greenwood Tree” — one of his original songs for this season’s production of As You Like It, with lyrics by William Shakespeare…

Step into the rehearsal hall with us as… Harper Rae Asch rehearses the signature song “Tomorrow” for Annie, accompanied on piano by Music Director Laura Burton and James Smith, Associate Conductor and Key…

✨From the Stratford Festival's 2023 season, Alice Childress's powerful play Wedding Band, an emotional and revealing portrayal of interracial love, set in South Carolina in the shadow of the First World War a…

E20: The Body Politic: History of Queer News in the Gay & Lesbian Liberation Era | Everyday Forum Podcast The Body Politic was Canada's primary queer periodical from 1971 to 1987. It amplified the lives of que…

Infused with romance, comedy and tragedy, Cymbeline is an epic drama. When Cymbeline’s daughter, Innogen, one of Shakespeare’s most celebrated heroines, is thrust into the world of court politics and ruthle…

Censorship and Artistic Expression In this conversation moderated by actor Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah with Assistant Professor of University of Toronto and Director of the Southeast Asian Seminar Series at the A…

Valley of the Birdtail: Conversation with Co-Authors Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) and Andrew Stobo Sniderman Co-authors Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) and Andrew Stobo Sniderman discuss their acclaimed bo…

The "Golden Age" of children's literature (roughly 1850s-1910s) marked a period of innovation and creativity in children's books, giving rise to many enduring classics that continue to captivate and inspire gen…