“Wanting justice . . . wanting answers . . . wanting change”: staging multiple and diverse identities in Canadian theatre for young audiences

Abstract

Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) is notable among Canadian theatre because the genre targets a specific audience demographic: young people. Whereas other scripts might be identified by style (comedy, realism, absurdism, immersive, dance, opera, musical), Theatre for Young Audiences is all about the audience. In English Canada, TYA companies are committed to reaching as many young people as possible. Companies invite families or school groups to experience technically sophisticated TYA productions in a theatre, or they welcome young people to experience innovative touring performances in a school gym, hall, or outdoors. TYA touring shows utilize inventive and flexible designs to allow for an entire set, three or four professional actors, and a stage manager to fit into a single cube van, and they ensure that performances are designed with running times that fit school schedules. During the pandemic lockdown, numerous theatre companies shared offerings digitally, and some streamed performances continue today. Besides featuring a variety of aesthetics and technical production values, English Canadian Theatre for Young Audiences draws from a wide range of inspiration, including folklore from all over the world, contemporary social issues, and school curricula.