Update (June 2, 2026):
"Grand OnStage education performance seasons are typically a sold-out, smash success with nearly 6,000 students and teachers attending performances at Kingston Grand Theatre each season. We are excited to announce our brand new season of school shows!"
-- Jayson Duggan, Performing Arts Manager
Grand OnStage 2026-27 Education Performances
School bookings will open on Wednesday, September 9th at 12:00 pm EST.
Click on the show title below to learn more about each performance. Tickets are $10 each. (Please note: group orders are subject to a handling fee of $16.95).
Rule of Three Theatre - The Velveteen Rabbit
Date: Monday, November 23, 2026 - 10:30 am & 1 pm
Grades: JK-3
Curriculum Connections: Language Arts: Storytelling, character development, and understanding narrative themes. The Arts (Drama): Expressing emotion and story through movement, voice, and performance. Social Studies / Social-Emotional Learning: Friendship, empathy, and caring relationships. Visual Arts: Imagination and bringing familiar objects and characters to life.
Literary Link: Based on the book by Margery Williams
Le Gros Orteil - The Lady Next Door
Date: Monday, December 7, 2026 - 10:30 am (English) & 1 pm (French)
Grades: K-7
Curriculum Connections: Physical Theatre, Clowning, and Circus Arts. The Arts (Drama & Visual Arts): Storytelling through movement. Language Arts: Storytelling, character journeys, responding to stories through discussion. Social-Emotional Learning: Courage, kindness, friendship, and adapting to new challenges.
Shakura S’Aida
Date: Friday, February 5, 2027 - 1 pm
Grades: 6-12
Curriculum Connections: Black History and Futures Month. The Arts – Music: Vocal technique, stage presence, and performance confidence; Interpreting lyrics and emotional expression in performance; Blues, soul, and roots music in a cultural context. The Arts – Drama: Stage presence and communication with an audience; Confidence in live performance settings. English: Lyrics as storytelling and poetic expression. Guidance and Career Studies: Career pathways in the music and performing arts.
ILL-Abilities International Dance Crew - No Excuses, No Limits
Date: Monday, February 8, 2027 - 10:30 am & 1 pm
Grades: 2+
Curriculum Connections: The Arts (Dance): Urban dance, movement, and creative expression through breakdance. Health & Physical Education: Strength, coordination, perseverance, and physical skill. Social Studies: Inclusion, diversity, and challenging perceptions of disability. Social-Emotional Learning: Resilience, confidence, and overcoming obstacles.
Mermaid Theatre - Ocean Blue
Date: Monday, March 8, 2027 - 10:30 am & 1 pm
Grades: JK-3
Curriculum Connections: Science: Ocean habitats, marine animals, and the diversity of life in Earth’s oceans. Environmental Education: Understanding ecosystems and caring for our oceans. The Arts (Drama & Visual Arts): Storytelling through puppetry, movement, design, and projection. Language Arts: Narrative storytelling, character journeys, responding to stories through discussion. Social-Emotional Learning: Courage, kindness, friendship, and adapting to new challenges.
DeeDee Austin
Date: Monday, April 12, 2027 - 10:30 am
Grades: 6-12
Curriculum Connections: Social-emotional learning, Anti-bullying and mental health initiatives, Indigenous education and Truth and Reconciliation, Equity, diversity, and inclusion programming.
Joss Arnott Dance - Meet the Hatter
Date: Monday, April 26, 2027 - 10:30 am
Grades: K+
Curriculum Connections: The Arts: Storytelling through movement, character, and imaginative performance. Language Arts: Exploring classic literature, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Social-Emotional Learning: Identity, self-expression, and celebrating individuality.
Literary Link: Inspired by the book Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
“Staff were wonderful. Performance was wonderful. Study guide was wonderful. 10/10 field trip for the students.”
-Local educator following Billy Goats Gruff & Other Tales on November 17, 2025
Learn about the Kingston Transit Field Trip Program here.
Grand OnStage school performances are made possible through the generous support of Britton Smith Foundation.
Please submit the Contact form below should you have any questions.