FREE PERFORMANCES
GRADES 1-8*

Education through live arts sparks creativity, inspiration and engages students to reflect, respond, explore and analyze different cultural forms and contexts in a fun and interactive way. Flato Markham Theatre’s Every Child, Every Year program offers students from Grades 1-8 enrolled in Markham schools, the opportunity to access world-class performing arts, once a year for free.

*Markham schools only. Some conditions apply.

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia: Billy Goats Gruff & Other Tales
Wed., Nov 12 & Thur., Nov 13 | Grades 1–3

This production presents a fresh and engaging reimagining of three cherished children’s stories—Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, and The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Filled with adventure, humor, and heroism, the story follows a brave raccoon and clever mouse who are on a journey to collect treasure. Along the way, they unknowingly help the goats, bears, and pigs, preventing disaster—without any of the animals ever encountering a true villain. This imaginative retelling seamlessly interweaves three classic tales into a heartwarming adventure that celebrates friendship and courage.

Julian Taylor: Stories, Songs, and the Threads That Connect Us
Mon., Oct 6 & Tue., Oct 7 | Grades 7-8

Join award-winning singer-songwriter Julian Taylor for a powerful, interactive performance that weaves together music, storytelling and history.

Through his Mohawk and African-Canadian heritage, Julian explores themes of identity, resilience, justice and belonging, inviting students to see how their own stories connect to the wider world. Blending original songs with compelling stories of civil rights leaders, personal experiences and the art of songwriting, this theatrical program takes students on an emotional journey from reflection to inspiration. With call-and-response, rhythm, lyric-building and moments of guided participation, the audience is never just watching they become part of the performance. By the end, students will not only have experienced a vibrant performance, but will be encouraged to carry these lessons forward: to honor their roots, stand up for justice and find their own voices through story and song.

Curriculum Links: Poetry, Music 101, Music Business 101, Music History, Civil Rights History

Sultans of String – French Language Show
Tue., Jan. 27, 2026 12:15 p.m. | Grades 3–8

Explore musical fusion and human creativity through world rhythms that excite audiences to their feet!

This multi-award-winning, three-time JUNO nominated, six-time CFMA winning and Billboard charting band creates “energetic and exciting music with talent to burn!” (Maverick, UK). For more than a decade, Sultans of String have thrilled audiences with their genre-hopping passport of Celtic reels, Spanish Flamenco, Django-jazz, Arabic, and Cuban rhythms.

Sultans of String have been called “the very epitome of world music: no boundaries, no rules”. Individually, they’ve performed with internationally acclaimed artists such as Jesse Cook, Pavlo, The Chieftains and Chantal Kreviazuk. They have played for BBC Television, Irish National Radio and SiriusXM in Washington. They recently entertained a sold-out audience at Koerner Hall, accompanied by a full symphony orchestra. From CBC’s Canada Live to Birdland Jazz Club in NYC, to Roy Thompson Hall with the TSO, they’ve done it all!

“…groundbreaking…virtuoso…boundary pushing… infectious…visionary… brilliant…and absolutely stunning!” – THE LIVE MUSIC REPORT

Chris McKhool: Earth, Seas and Air
Mon., Jan 26 to Wed., Jan 28 | Grades 3–6

This concert is part musical performance, part environmentalism and 100% fun! This award-winning show is fully interactive, featuring songs from Chris’ appearances on Mr. Dressup, YTV and the CBC! Chris gets kids singing, dancing and talking about taking care of the Earth. For over a decade, Chris has taken his audience beyond the 3 R’s of ecology (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) to a new level of understanding of our global connection to forests, air, water and animals. Everyone leaves with the feeling that they can really make a difference!

DuffleBag Theatre’s Beauty & The Beast
Mon., April 20 & Tue., April 21 | Grades 1-6

A classic tale told in a new way! When a handsome but arrogant prince insults a mysterious old woman who appears at his door one rainy night, he finds himself magically transformed into a “horrible, nasty Beast”! The spell can only be broken when he learns to love another more than he loves himself. Fortunately, fate sends a bright and beautiful village girl, searching for her missing father in the forest, towards the hidden castle. Can the Beast learn his lesson and redeem himself before it’s too late? DuffleBag’s adaptation of this timeless classic stars members of the audience in the main parts and is guaranteed to ring a Belle!