The Travelling Stage

The Travelling Stage Celebrating 24 seasons. Award winning dance & drama programs for schools, childcare centres and guide groups.

Our Whitby & Bowmanville studios, led by industry professionals, offers full scale production programs for young performers. Now celebrating our 21st season, The Travelling Stage offers students an opportunity to participate in dance, drama and music workshops alongside established performing artists. This past year alone, we worked with over 5 million students.

Last week, many of our students took part in DIAC, the Durham Immersive Arts Camp, an arts program run by the Durham Dis...
10/10/2026

Last week, many of our students took part in DIAC, the Durham Immersive Arts Camp, an arts program run by the Durham District School Board for students in Grades 7 to 12. DIAC made a special call for all of the Travelling Stage performers to gather for a photo, and we thought that was such a lovely gesture. So many familiar faces, talented young artists, and proud teachers all in one place! What a wonderful memory to hold onto! 💛

Our Acting & Drama classes are well underway here at the Whitby Columbus Club! Feel like your child would thrive in a fu...
10/09/2026

Our Acting & Drama classes are well underway here at the Whitby Columbus Club! Feel like your child would thrive in a fun, creative setting like this? Check out the link in our bio to see all of the amazing programs we have coming up! 🎭

The Travelling Stage is still currently accepting performers for our production of Aladdin Jr!🧞‍♂️ We have spots availab...
10/07/2026

The Travelling Stage is still currently accepting performers for our production of Aladdin Jr!🧞‍♂️ We have spots available in both our Bowmanville and Whitby locations. This program is open to performers aged 8 to 13.

🪄For more info and steps to register, click here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/44cb0f91d9747d619fb7d7d1676041ca?r=use1

25 Years of The Travelling Stage: Meet the People Behind the MagicWhen I was in the 4th grade, I was painfully shy. It m...
10/04/2026

25 Years of The Travelling Stage: Meet the People Behind the Magic

When I was in the 4th grade, I was painfully shy. It may be hard to believe now, but it was true then. That year, our school was putting on "Annie Get Your Gun", and it took every ounce of courage I had to work up the nerve to audition. I went to my music teacher and told him I wanted to try out for the role of Annie. He looked at me and said, "Toni, kids like you don't play lead roles. Kids like Amy and Stacey play leads. Kids like you play ensemble."

I can still feel the floor dropping out from under me. Whatever little confidence I had in myself fell right through it.

But that moment became the spark that lights everything I do today. The Travelling Stage is built on one simple belief: there's no such thing as "just ensemble." Every child deserves to be seen, encouraged, and have a place to shine. That's my why.

That belief doesn't stay inside our studio walls. Every time we step into a school, a childcare centre, or a community space, we commit to using the arts as a vehicle for self-esteem and self-confidence. Confidence isn't something a child either has or doesn't have. It's something we can help them build, one brave moment at a time.

Today, I also teach with the Faculty of Education at both Brock and Ontario Tech, and this is the story I share again and again with future classroom teachers. Because the words we say to a child can make or break their confidence. We're committed to art education that builds.

Thank you to every student, family, school, and team member who has been part of this journey. Thank you to every arts educator who has worked with us to support this work as part of our team. Thank you to my office staff and coordinators, who believe in the work we do. And thank you to my children, for being front seat passengers on this journey.

Here's to 25 years, and to every child (or adult) who was ever told they were "just ensemble." You were never just anything. ❤️

Toni Grates, Founding Director of The Travelling Stage.

Applications are now open for AMP, the Regional Arts & Media Program at All Saints CSS, for eligible students entering G...
10/03/2026

Applications are now open for AMP, the Regional Arts & Media Program at All Saints CSS, for eligible students entering Grade 7 or 9 in September 2027!

Interested students and families are invited to our 2026 AMP Regional Arts & Media Program Family Information Night on Tuesday, October 27 at 7:00 PM at All Saints CSS, 3001 Country Lane, Whitby.

Come discover what makes AMP a unique opportunity for young artists and media creators. Families will learn about the application and audition process, meet our arts-discipline teachers, ask questions, and tour our outstanding arts facilities, including our 320-seat theatre, two Mac labs, television studio with green screen, dance studio, and more.
Students currently in Grades 6 and 8 are eligible to audition for admission in September 2027. Grade 7 students and their families are also welcome to attend to learn more and begin preparing for the Grade 8 audition process. Students may audition/apply for the following areas:
Dance
Instrumental Music
Performing Arts (Drama and Vocal Music Combined)
Visual Arts
Media Arts* (Graphic Design, Photography, Animation): *Please note, only students in Grade 8 are eligible to apply for Media Arts as it is only offered in Grade 9
Students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 can also register for our free C-AMP Audition Workshop on Saturday, November 7, designed to help students develop their skills and prepare for a future AMP audition. C-AMP registration closes November 2. You can register for up to two sessions at the free C-AMP Audition Workshop here: https://www.con-ed.ca/elementary-programs/arts-and-media-c-amp/
Visit amp.dcdsb.ca to:
Start an AMP application
Explore audition requirements and materials
Learn more about each arts discipline
Register for C-AMP
AMP application deadline: November 26, 2026.
If the arts are where your student shines, we invite you to discover where that talent could take them. Learn more, prepare for your audition, and apply to AMP today!
If you have any other questions, please visit our website (amp.dcdsb.ca) or email us at [email protected]

JOIN OUR TEAM! As we celebrate 25 years, The Travelling Stage is growing, and we're looking for passionate people to gro...
10/02/2026

JOIN OUR TEAM! As we celebrate 25 years, The Travelling Stage is growing, and we're looking for passionate people to grow with us! We're currently hiring for TWO Production Coordinator positions.

Organization: The Travelling Stage
Location: Whitby, ON (Whitby Studio/Office)
Websites: www.travellingstagestudio.com and www.travellingstage.com

- About the Role: We are hiring an organized, detail-oriented Production Coordinator to join our team in Whitby. Working alongside our existing Production Coordinators, this behind-the-scenes role focuses on day-to-day administrative operations, customer communication, and workflow management for our Durham Region programs.
- Program & Studio Logistics: Oversee studio registrations, program schedules, and up-to-date class lists.
- Family Communications: Act as a main point of contact for families regarding program logistics, schedule updates, and general inquiries.
- Administration: Maintain databases, internal schedules, and program documentation.
- Visual Materials: Build basic graphic assets and program materials using Canva.
- Team Collaboration: Work directly with fellow Production Coordinators, the Studio Manager, Director, and teaching artists to keep daily operations running smoothly.

Candidate Qualifications & Skills:
1–2 years of experience in administration, operations, or program coordination.
Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail.
Calm, confident written and verbal communication style.
Proficient with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and standard scheduling tools.
Experience with Canva is strongly preferred.
Experience with arts/educational organizations, or live event production is a major asset.
A background in theatre is welcome, but not required.

- Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week (part-time contractor basis, with potential to scale to full-time).
- Schedule: Flexible scheduling, though some evening and weekend hours are required during production weeks.

This is not a teaching, performing, or sales position.

To Apply:
Email your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected] by Friday, October 23, 2026.

The Travelling Stage is an equal-opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity.

10/02/2026

25 Years of The Travelling Stage: Meet the People Behind the Magic

Today we're shining the spotlight on a team member who has truly done it all. Meet Benjamin Thomas!

Benjamin joined The Travelling Stage 5 years ago as an arts educator, and he's been wowing students ever since. Over the years he's worn many hats with us, including several trips up to the Northwest Territories to support our programming there. Wherever we need him, Benjamin shows up ready to make it happen.

These days, he's our Production Coordinator for Annie Kids and Legally Blonde Jr. with The Travelling Stage Studio, and he still teaches in schools across the GTA with us. Busy? Absolutely. But you'd never know it from his boundless enthusiasm!

Originally from Saskatchewan, Benjamin brings the ultimate "Yes, And!" improv energy to everything he does. 🙌 He's always a team player, always up for a challenge, and always bringing the fun. When he's not focused on the world of arts, you might catch him out on the baseball diamond!

And we have one more big reason to celebrate: Benjamin got married to his wife Tara less than two weeks ago!

Benjamin, thank you for your energy, your versatility, and your "yes, and" spirit. We're so lucky to have you on the team! ❤️

25 Years of The Travelling Stage: Meet the People Behind the MagicToday we're shining the spotlight on a true favourite ...
09/30/2026

25 Years of The Travelling Stage: Meet the People Behind the Magic

Today we're shining the spotlight on a true favourite around here. Meet Fatima Melo!
Fatima has been part of The Travelling Stage family for 4 years, but her love of theatre goes way back. She first caught the bug doing plays and musicals at St. Mary Secondary School in Pickering alongside a classmate you might know: our Director, Toni!

Around the office, Fatima is the contagious laugh that brightens everyone's day. She's a hard worker, wonderfully creative, and she tells it like it is, no nonsense. Behind that straight talk is a big heart, and she's well loved by staff, students, and families alike. Whether she's pitching in on a busy day or cheering on a colleague, Fatima is still everyone's biggest supporter, and she makes our whole team better.

Outside the office, Fatima's heart belongs to her family, and you'll often find her soaking up the outdoors and enjoying nature. And if you ever want to make her day, just bring her a malassada!

Fatima, thank you for your laughter, your creativity, and your big heart. We appreciate you. Stay tuned for tomorrow's spotlight!

Address

115 Dundas Street West
Whitby, ON
L1N2R4

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