Young People’s Theatre (YPT) is welcoming its youngest audiences back for another season of Room for Play, its creative early-years series designed especially for children ages 11 months to 5 years and their grownups.
Following its successful debut last season, Room for Play returns with an expanded lineup of interactive experiences where little ones can explore music, movement, storytelling, art and sensory play. Programs are designed for young children to participate alongside their caregivers, creating opportunities to play, discover and connect together.
The 2026/27 lineup runs from September through May and includes Friday Playdate, Little Makers, Storytime in the Studio, and special PlayTime at YPT events. Explore the lineup below to discover all the ways little ones and their grownups can play, create and experience theatre together.
Friday Playdate
- September 11, 2026 – April 9, 2027
- Program Details
The popular Friday Playdate returns with relaxed mornings of live music, movement and interactive play for young children and their caregivers. Each session offers families a welcoming space to play and explore together, with special guest artist-educators joining the fun throughout the season.
Featured guests include Pete Moss and Songs with Nash, bringing music, movement and playful interactive experiences designed especially for YPT’s youngest participants.
Friday Playdate is a great option for families looking for a playful morning activity where little ones are encouraged to move, participate and experience live music at their own pace.
Little Makers
- October 18, 2026 – April 4, 2027
- Program Details
New this season, Little Makers combines music, crafts and sensory discovery in a guided hour of hands-on creativity.
Led by artist-educators Ms. Aria and Ms. Saira, sessions give children and their grownups a chance to make, experiment and explore together through age-appropriate creative activities.
The emphasis is on the experience rather than creating a perfect finished project, giving little makers plenty of room to experiment while developing their creativity and fine motor skills.
Storytime in the Studio
- March 16 – April 18, 2027
- Program Details
Storytime in the Studio introduces young audiences to the fun of storytelling and live performance in an interactive, welcoming setting.
These energetic sessions offer an accessible first theatre experience for little ones, encouraging children to listen, imagine and participate as stories come to life around them. For families who aren’t quite ready for a full-length theatre production, Storytime in the Studio offers a gentle way to begin exploring live performance together.
PlayTime at YPT
- September 26, 2026 (SOLD OUT!) & February. 15, 2027 (Family Day)
- Program Details
Families can get a taste of Room for Play at two special PlayTime at YPT events this season. The first sold out date in September features a free morning of stories, music and crafts. PlayTime returns for Family Day in February, when families can choose from two Room for Play programs for a fun day at the theatre.
Room for Play 2026/2027
Room for Play is designed around the idea that children don’t have to wait until they’re old enough to sit through a traditional theatre performance to experience the arts.
Across the different programs, children and their caregivers can sing, make, move, listen and play together in experiences created specifically with very young participants in mind.
Ages: 11 months to 5 years with a caregiver (YPT Choir ages 5+)
Dates: September 11, 2026–May 2, 2027
Location: Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front Street East, Toronto
Admission: Please register in advance to reserve your ticket.
Families can visit Young People’s Theatre for individual program dates, times and registration details.
