My family and I went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and I was completely blown away by this magical, creative, show-stopping performance. I had no idea what to expect going in as this was our first time attending a production. The musical was so beautiful and I fell in love with the costumes, music, acting and set. It is akin to a Mirvish production for kids. I came out with a huge smile on my face! I cannot wait to see more performances at this fantastic live theatre venue. What a jewel for Toronto! This is a special place for kids and adults alike. read more

Young People's Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

What a lovely show venue! I visited for the first time to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on its opening night, and it was fantastic. Young People's Theatre put on a great show and put together a lovely reception with the opportunity to hear from some of the people behind the show. I can't wait to return to see another show they put on and to learn more about some of the behind the scenes magic! read more

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We saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory here and really enjoyed it. Great production quality, beautiful stage design, and guess what, a live music production too! I didn't realize the music was live until the very end during the Q&A part. They do a short QA at the end to answer questions from the audience which I always appreciate, especially for kids friendly shows. read more

Cancelled a performance a few minutes before show time. Did not send an email to cancel. Patrons were informed by a sign taped to the window when they arrived for the play. There are other children's theatres in WNY and Southern Ontario. Would not make the effort to patronize this theatre in the future. read more

In March 2014 I attended a Saturday matinee performance of Minotaur at YPT. I've seen theater for young people all over the US (because I work in arts education) and couldn't wait to see my first Canadian theater for young audiences show. I found out about the production because I recently directed a play in Brooklyn with children around the same myth. When I read further about YTP's international collaboration (you can read about it here: http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/minotaur/), youth ensembles, and in-school partnerships I really got intrigued. From the get-go purchasing tickets online was easy, and I appreciated being given various seat selection choices - I paid about $30 a pop for 2 adult tickets. Arriving at the theater we were greeted by friendly box office staff and directed up the very whimsical stairway. The house has very high ceilings, and is very grand feeling, I'm sure even more so for a child. We were surrounded by families, which we expected, and it was even more special to glance over and see little children on the edge of their seat, jaws dropped, or snuggled up next to their parents - especially for a play that creatively illuminates the famous Greek myth about the minotaur, Thesesus, and the labyrinth. The modern twist helped students to make connections to the story and reel in the audience. After the show, a YPT staff member facilitated a conversation with the audience and actors. I was very impressed with the prepared questions for the kids, and the very thoughtful responses students made. You would have thought you were at an NPR taping - wonderful to witness a spotlight and respect for young voices. From the dynamic staging, sound design, lighting, versatile set, amazing costumes - not to mention a stellar acting ensemble, everything was professional as can be. I couldn't agree more with YPT founder Susan Rubes, "only the best is good enough for children." Bravo to the YPT staff, collaborators, and supporters! read more

The Young People's Theatre (YPT) is an amazing, kid-friendly theatre with high quality production that even an adult can enjoy. The theatre has a regular production schedule which includes really popular plays (Seusical, Never Ending Story), and some I have never heard of which are more unique to the theatre and the audience. The shows are just long enough to make it an afternoon of entertainment, and short enough so that a 5 year old can sit through without getting toooo bored. The theatre itself has about 250 seats, and tickets range from $10-$16 for adults and children. You can buy tickets on their website and in person - they usually have seats the day of if you're deciding last minute! The theatre also accommodates school groups and other group sales - with all their event space for after a show, it's a great place to rent out for a corporate family-style event! p.s. If you're not a fan of huge groups of loud kids, you might want to stay away from here, if that wasn't obvious from the name of the theatre. read more

I don't have kids and my most recent nephew just hit the ground, so I don't have that much opportunity to go see theatre that's aimed at children. Heck, time being what it is, I don't have much time to go and see theatre that's aimed at me. When I had my first opportunity to go see a performance here, it was actually to perform other work at the theatre itself. Once done, I was able to sneak in and see what all the hubbub was about. LKTYP, the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, was formerly known as YPT, Young People's Theatre before a huge act of philanthropy occurred from the Kimsa family and effected a name change. Some circles still call it YPT. In fact, the local Chinese restaurant On the Rocks (http://www.yelp.ca/biz/on-the-rocks-toronto), still sells a huge YPT soup. But what's in a name. The theatre is what makes this place. The theatre is built to accommodate several busses of children at a time, making this an ideal venue for school outings and Drama class field trips. The theatre also runs programs and throughout the year that allow students to learn about theatre and then see it on stage. The seats are positioned great, the balcony seating still provides good sight lines as you'd want, and the theatre provides great light and sound capability as well. Don't let the name fool you. In terms of production value, LKTYP is all grown up. read more

I'm sure the plays are great - but if you come here for lunch, get ready to pay upwards of $12 for a salad you can fit in your palm. When I tweeted at them with a simple, politely worded question asking what made them so pricey, I was attacked first with a hack account, then with direct messages telling me that "everyone was riled up" and "I started drama" Give me a break. All I wanted was a real answer. Worst customer service of all time. read more

Currently stationed in Toronto I've been engaging in as many cultural activities as possible including the vibrant local theatre scene. I was introduced to YPT by costume designer Robin Fisher who recently conceptualized and created costumes for their production of "Wizard of Oz." As I hadn't read any reviews or seen any photos I had no expectations when I wandered into the beautiful building housing the 50 year old theatre. Via glass cabinets of costumes from productions past, you are welcomed into the naturally lit space before walking up the winding staircase and entering into the 460-seat, proscenium-style theatre. What a gorgeous space! This production of "The Wizard of Oz" was spectacular. The acting, musicianship, set design costumes and choreography akin to on and off-Broadway musicals I've seen in the past. The audience was comprised almost solely of grade school classes and their teachers and when introductions were made before the curtain went up, the schools were announced one by one and the kids screamed with glee to hear their school name. SO CUTE! It was impossible not to have your inner child brought out by the play, the interactivity between audience/characters (the Wicked Witch moments were glorious and she plays a mean drum kit!) and the romantic nature of sitting on red velvety fold-down chairs in a gorgeous theatre. Highly recommend for children of all ages. read more

Went here today to see their production called' one thing leads to another'. It's a 30 minute piece ( with play time after) designed for children under 24 months but our 28 month old and 3 month old both loved it. I've never seen a room of kids so engaged and focused! The actors and director spoke afterwards to parents and interacted with the kids. All very passionate about this piece which was well researched and designed, using props u would have at home. Great morning, hope they do similar pieces in future. read more

Just watched Wizard of Oz. Amazing production. Costumes were great, as was the music and acting. Highly recommended.

Came to see a play on Family Day. A real hidden gem in downtown. Staff are very nice and aware of everything. Make sure to book Meet the Theatre, a behind scene theatre tour for the family and is Free. Beautiful heritage building in Toronto. Perfect place for a family to enjoy a theatre play. read more