TEACHING STRATFORD PROGRAM
PROGRAM DETAILS
This three-part program is open to teachers in both Canada and the United States.
For just the cost of a student matinée, teachers work with Festival teaching artists to explore how active and innovative approaches can make the work on our stages accessible and highly engaging to students.
- Part 1: Professional Learning & Previewing Performances (August 19-21, Stratford)
- Part 2: Student Matinées (September & October, Stratford)
- Part 3: Pre- & Post-Show Workshops (September-November, In Your Classroom and/or in Stratford)
Available Performances:
- Anne of Green Gables
- Annie
- As You Like It
- Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
- Forgiveness
- Macbeth
- Sense and Sensibility
Key Dates:
February 3: Early Bird Registration Closes
July 15: Registration Closes
August 19-21: Professional Learning & Preview Performances in Stratford
September 18: Student Matinée Booking Deadline
To Register:
Book your spot in the program with a deposit ($299 I $279 Early Bird) no later than July 15. The deposit is used to reserve your spot and will be applied to your ticket order once you have booked the school matinée for your students. If you do not book a field trip for your
students, the deposit will be applied as an auditing fee for your professional learning and previewing performances in August.
A day rate of $129 is available for the Professional Learning & Previewing Performances on August 19, 20 or 21. To participate in just one day, please select your desired date when booking the program.
COST: $299 + tax
Early-bird rate until February 3: $279 + tax
Day Rate: $129 + tax (not eligible for parts 2 and 3 of the program)
Register by July 15. Space is limited.
Teacher Professional Development Itinerary:
August 19
10 to 10:45 a.m. Registration & Welcome
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Workshop Choice:
- Literary Adaptation in Theatre: Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look into the work and collaboration that goes into literary adaptation here at the Stratford Festival with a focus on Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and
Sensibility and Kat Sandler’s adaptation of L.M. Montgomery’s beloved Anne
of Green Gables. Gain insights into how classic novels and stories can be brought to new life on stage, examining ways to adapt prose to script, maintain narrative voice, and develop character through dialogue, staging and dramaturgy.
- Historical Insights: Delve into the intersection of history and theatre through Forgiveness, a contemporary Canadian play based on Mark Sakamoto’s memoir about his family’s history during World War II, and the much-loved musical Annie, set during the Great
Depression in the United States in 1933. Explore how these powerful stories provide enriching perspectives on resilience, justice, and the impact of historical events on personal lives. Learn practical strategies to support students in building empathy and critical thinking skills as they
analyze how theatre can serve as a lens to view and interpret significant events.
2 p.m. Performance of Annie OR Anne of Green Gables
5 to 7 p.m. Social at Bentley's Bar, Inn & Restaurant
8 p.m. Performance of Sense and Sensibility OR Forgiveness
August 20
10 to 10:45 a.m. Plenary Session
10:45 a.m. Coffee Break
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Workshop Choice:
Dive into Shakespeare, focusing not only on the wordplay, language, poetry and dramatic structures, but also the particular resonance of your chosen play today. Discover how these 2025 productions can uniquely support students in exploring issues of power, justice, identity, love and forgiveness.
There are three productions to choose from for this workshop slot. Choose one:
- As You Like It
- Macbeth
- The Winter's Tale
2 p.m. Performance of Macbeth
5 to 7 p.m. Social at The Starlight
8 p.m. Performance of As You Like It OR The Winter's Tale
August 21
10 to 10:45 a.m. Plenary Session
10:45 a.m. Coffee Break
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Workshop Choice:
- Musical Theatre Immersion: This workshop is designed for educators newer to working in musical theatre and is applicable to all levels (elementary through post-secondary). With Annie and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels as points
of reference, learn foundational techniques and practical exercises for teaching musical theatre to students. Explore essential skills such as vocal warm-ups and techniques, choreography basics, character work, staging and building social-emotional skills. Leave with ready-to-use resources and
techniques to lead students through the engaging world of musical theatre.
- Musical Theatre Advanced: This workshop is designed for experienced musical theatre educators looking to deepen their expertise in directing musicals. With a focus on Annie and Dirty
Rotten Scoundrels, discover advanced vocal techniques and music direction, choreography and movement direction, as well as layered approaches to character development. Experiment with innovative staging and ensemble-building practices for a polished production. Elevate your approach to the technical aspects of
the work with a focus on how to best support student leaders in key behind-the-scenes roles.
2 p.m. Performance of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
8 p.m. Performance of Annie