Canadian Stage is proud to be a part of Toronto’s unique St. Lawrence Neighbourhood. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the area was the centre of Toronto’s industrial activity, but by the 1950s it had declined into an urban wasteland. It wasn’t until the 1970s, under the vision of Mayor David Crombie, that the area became a residential neighbourhood. Determined not to replicate the same mistakes of urban renewal housing projects from past decades, Crombie engaged famed urban planner Jane Jacobs to oversee a two decade-long transformation. The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood has gone on to be internationally recognized as a major success in urban planning and has become a model for the design of new urban communities across North America.
Enhancing Local Artistic Engagement
Canadian Stage aims to inspire, cultivate, and advocate for the creativity that is inherent in all people. One of the ways that we do this is through our partnerships with local community groups.
Jamii – Canadian Stage Partnership
Jamii (Swahili for “community”) is a St. Lawrence Neighbourhood arts organization with the intent of building community through arts experiences. Jamii is on a mission to bring members of the neighbourhood closer together within The Esplanade neighbourhood to cultivate shared memories and strenghthen social bonds.
The ongoing collaboration between Canadian Stage and Jamii has resulted in numerous high-quality initiatives that continue to enrich and engage the local audience.
Community Outings to Canadian Stage Performances
Canadian Stage and Jamii proudly collaborate year-round to bring community members — including youth, young adults, and older adults — to live theatre experiences.
Through this ongoing initiative, participants are invited to attend select Canadian Stage productions, creating opportunities for artistic discovery, cultural exchange, and connection across generations. In addition, Canadian Stage and Jamii complete the experience by offering backstage tours of Berkeley Theatre. These outings not only increase access to the arts but also foster a sense of belonging and shared experience within the community.
Childcare for Canadian Stage Audiences
Canadian Stage and Jamii have come together to offer intentional, creative childcare during select performances throughout the year - making the theatre experience more accessible and enjoyable for parents and families.
While parents take in powerful performances, children engage in a parallel journey of play, creativity, and exploration through Jamii’s arts-based programming. Designed with care, these activations provide a safe, enriching space where kids have fun and connect with others, all while being introduced to the joy of artistic expression.
Parents consistently share how much they value this offering, appreciating the opportunity to attend Canadian Stage performances with peace of mind. Children also share that they love their time with Jamii - a true win-win for the whole family.
This ongoing partnership reflects a shared commitment to inclusivity, community, and access to the arts for all.
WAYO Children’s Festival
Each summer, Jamii and Canadian Stage partner to present the WAYO Children’s Festival - a joyful, multi-day celebration of creativity designed especially for children and families. Taking place in and around the historic Berkeley Castle and the Berkeley Theatre (home of Canadian Stage), WAYO transforms these iconic spaces into immersive worlds of imagination and wonder.
From August 7th to 10th, Wayo returns for its 6th edition, and children are invited to explore and learn more about continents through immersive creative experiences: from Filipino storytelling and French accordion, to Chilean dance, Indigenous craft, Antarctic landscapes, and Australian shadow puppetry - each stop brings a new world to life.
WAYO continues to be a cherished summer tradition, offering free, inclusive, and artistically rich experiences for young audiences. As shared by attendees, it remains a true highlight of the season — one that brings families together through play, learning, and shared discovery.
Celebrate Cultures – A Multicultural Celebration
Each year, on June 27, Canadian Stage and Jamii come together to present Celebrate Cultures - an open-air event honouring Multiculturalism Day and the rich diversity of our communities.
Held in the heart of The Esplanade neighbourhood, this vibrant celebration features live performances, cultural exchange, and meaningful community engagement. Canadian Stage joins the festivities to connect directly with audiences - including opportunities to share upcoming season highlights and offer special ticket giveaways through a free community raffle.
The partnership creates a welcoming space where people of all ages and backgrounds come together in joy, creativity, and connection — celebrating the many cultures that shape and enrich our city.
This annual collaboration continues to grow, with Canadian Stage and Jamii proudly renewing the partnership for future editions of Celebrate Cultures.
Outdoor Arts Events in the Esplanade Neighbourhood
Canadian Stage and Jamii collaborate throughout the year to bring free, outdoor arts events to the Esplanade community — celebrating creativity, culture, and connection in public spaces.
These gatherings transform local parks into vibrant stages where live performance meets community spirit. From music and dance to storytelling and theatre, each event invites people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and experience the power of the arts in the open air.
By working in partnership, Canadian Stage and Jamii create accessible cultural experiences that reflect the richness and diversity of Toronto’s communities, while strengthening the relationship between artists and the public.
This ongoing collaboration continues to grow, with new outdoor activations planned each season — bringing the arts closer to home, and making space for joy, dialogue, and discovery in the everyday.
