Just across the border from Michigan, the Stratford Festival welcomes educators and students into our theatres, where the stage becomes a living classroom. Our productions and programs connect directly to classroom learning, making Stratford a meaningful and memorable destination for educators and students alike. Explore all we have to offer and make your next visit part of your teaching journey.

Connect with the Stratford Festival Team

Our Education, Group Sales and Box Office teams can help with planning and booking. To get started, email groups@stratfordfestival.ca or fill out our Inquiry Form.

Guidance from Experienced Trip Leaders

Each year, educators and group leaders from Michigan bring student groups to the Stratford Festival for theatrical and educational experiences. To help others plan their own visits, we spoke with two experienced leaders who regularly organize trips to Stratford.

Their advice covers budgeting, logistics, border travel and other planning considerations. Below are key takeaways from our conversations.

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Contributors:
Mary Bogrette – Public School Teacher, Bloomfield Hills Schools
Lisa Dobbin – Artistic Director, All The World's A Stage

Key Takeaways for Planning a Stratford Festival Trip:

Build Education Offerings Into the Trip

• Michigan Residency: For more than 20 years, the Stratford Festival has supported Michigan schools in exploring Shakespeare and the educational benefits of live theatre through immersive field trips and interactive workshops for students and teachers, both in Stratford and in their own learning contexts.
  • For more information and to book your spot, email Education Associate Arielle Zamora at azamora@stratfordfestival.ca
• Post-show chats with company members are among students' favourite experiences
• Workshops, InterACTive Preshows and Tours help students connect personally with performers and productions
• Stratford Shorts, Study Guides and PerformancePlus help prepare students before attending performances
• Professional Development programs give educators practical tools and strategies for bringing theatre, Shakespeare and performance-based learning into their classrooms

Reducing Costs

• Stratford Festival Bus Funding and Fall for the Bard reduce transportation and ticket costs
• Theatre Seat Selections: The most expensive seats are not always best. Let the box office representatives know your pricing situation and they will help find a balance.
• Shared hotel accommodation and early booking help keep costs low
• Student-run fundraising initiatives help bring down overall costs

Border Crossings

• Border crossings are generally straightforward and manageable
• Proper travel documentation is the most important requirement
  Options for students and guardians:
  • Passport
  • Birth certificate and ID card (need both)
  • Enhanced Driver's License
• Families should be reminded well in advance to obtain passports or acceptable travel documents

Planning

• Coordinate around school calendars, sports schedules, and major events at your school
• Secure transportation, restaurants and accommodations early
  • Find local dining and accommodations options for large groups at Stratford for Groups
• Reserve tickets and educational experiences well in advance
• Communicate deadlines and travel requirements to families early
• Consider offering flexible participation and payment plans where possible

Interested in Connecting with a Fellow Educator?

Both contributors generously offered to share their contact information with colleagues who may have follow-up questions about planning a student trip to Stratford. If you'd like to speak directly with someone who has firsthand experience, reach out today.

Mary Bogrette
Public School Teacher, Bloomfield Hills Schools, Oakland County
Email: mbogrette@bloomfield.org
Please include "Stratford Questions" in the subject line.

Lisa Dobbin
Artistic Director, All The World's A Stage, Macomb County
Michigan Email: lisadobbin@atwas.org

Travel Requirements

We strongly suggest that guests refer to travel requirements well in advance of their trip to ensure they meet all current Canadian and American requirements.

For more information on your return to the United States, please visit:
Canadian International Travel Information
U.S. Customs and Border
U.S. Border Crossing Requirements