Manitoba Theatre for Young People
Since 1982, MTYP has been one of the largest theatres in Canada dedicated solely to children’s theatre and education. MTYP plays a key role in the development and delivery of theatre-in-education programs that concentrate on using theatre as an educational tool to illustrate and express ideas about social issues. In addition to it’s mainstage and touring activities, MTYP also operates a Theatre School where over 1,500 children and teens learn the art and craft of theatre and related disciplines, and Native Youth Theatre, which offers free classes in theatre and related disciplines to Winnipeg’s Indigenous youth. MTYP’s Drama Outreach program provides workshops, satellite programs and residencies for schools and community partners throughout Manitoba.
Programs
MTYP offers:
-
Mainstage shows dedicated to children and Teens. Public and school matinées.
-
Two touring performances that travel to schools across MB. Generally one for elementary aged children (Gr. 1-6) and high school (Gr. 7-12)
-
A Theatre School program that runs all year round. Including spring break camps and summer camps. MTYP offers theatre school classes from ages 3-19. Also offered to our teen students is a pre-professional experience to join a theatre company: Young Company and Musical Theatre Company.
-
Native Youth Theatre program offers free classes in theatre and related disciplines to Winnipeg’s Indigenous youth.
-
I Can Pretend! courses
I Can Pretend!
MTYP is excited to bring back a beloved creative drama program for children with Autism this fall, called I Can Pretend! Created by a seasoned drama educator and parent of a child on the autism spectrum, this program uses best practice teaching for children with autism including modelling, picture activity schedules, familiar routines, repetition, and reward. Through drama, younger children learn imaginative play skills and how to work in a group while older children hone social skills and performance skills. It is a program that is based on research supporting how children with autism learn.
There are two courses offered:
-
I Can Pretend! for Ages 5-8
-
I Can Pretend Too! for Ages 9-12
Courses run on Saturdays for eight weeks. The cost is $245 to take an I Can Pretend! course but financial assistance is available for those who face barriers. Demetra, the I Can Pretend! program creator, shares all about the program here.
Registration for the winter 2024 session is open, click here to learn more!
What is a relaxed performance?
Relaxed performances at MTYP are designed to make shows more welcoming to audience members who may benefit from a less formal theatre setting. This includes people on the autism spectrum, folks with learning disorders and sensory concerns, and first-time theatregoers. But of course, all are welcome!
Modifications include:
-
House lights will be at a low level at the beginning and throughout the show to allow patrons to exit and enter comfortably
-
Sound levels will be altered to account for sensory sensitivities
-
The Quiet Room (located up the stairs at the back of the theatre) will be available to take a break if needed during the show
Photo Credit. From Left to Right: Joanna Hawkins, Shannon Gulie and Anna-Laure Koop. Photo by Mike Peters
The Snail and the Whale, photo courtesy of Tall Stories
Photo Credit. From Left to Right: Joanna Hawkins, Shannon Gulie and Anna-Laure Koop. Photo by Mike Peters