
Canadian Stage
Toronto's premier contemporary theatre company, offering diverse plays, dance, and opera in intimate venues and the beloved Dream in High Park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dream in High Park magic

Canadian Stage
Best Time
Dream in High Park magic

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Toronto's premier contemporary theatre company, offering diverse plays, dance, and opera in intimate venues and the beloved Dream in High Park.
"Experience theatre in a warm, intimate setting that feels personal and engaging."

🧺 Pack a Picnic for High Park
Enjoy Shakespeare under the stars with a picnic! Bring a blanket and snacks for a cozy outdoor experience .
🎟️ Look for Rush Tickets
Score affordable seats for popular shows like 'Romeo & Juliet' by checking for rush ticket availability .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dream in High Park
High Park Amphitheatre
Shakespearean plays performed outdoors under the stars. A beloved Toronto summer tradition!

Slave Play
Berkeley Street Theatre
A provocative and thought-provoking play that sparks discussion and leaves a lasting impact.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Berkeley Street Theatre
A classic, intense drama brought to life with powerful performances in an intimate setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Embrace the Outdoor Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 Pack a Picnic for High Park
Enjoy Shakespeare under the stars with a picnic! Bring a blanket and snacks for a cozy outdoor experience.
🎟️ Look for Rush Tickets
Score affordable seats for popular shows like 'Romeo & Juliet' by checking for rush ticket availability.
🎭 Intimate & Cozy Venues
Experience theatre in a warm, intimate setting that feels personal and engaging.
🗣️ Prepare for Provocative Plays
Shows like 'Slave Play' are raw and thought-provoking; go in with an open mind.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Pack a Picnic for High Park
Enjoy Shakespeare under the stars with a picnic! Bring a blanket and snacks for a cozy outdoor experience.
🎟️ Look for Rush Tickets
Score affordable seats for popular shows like 'Romeo & Juliet' by checking for rush ticket availability.
🎭 Intimate & Cozy Venues
Experience theatre in a warm, intimate setting that feels personal and engaging.
🗣️ Prepare for Provocative Plays
Shows like 'Slave Play' are raw and thought-provoking; go in with an open mind.
🚽 Limited Washrooms
Be aware that washroom facilities can be limited, especially during intermission.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Canadian Stage is praised for its intimate venues and diverse, thought-provoking programming, with Dream in High Park being a beloved summer tradition. While the theatre offers a warm atmosphere and good sightlines, some visitors note limitations in washroom facilities and seating comfort. Overall, it's a highly recommended destination for quality theatre experiences in Toronto.
"My first time venturing to this space, and it was unlike anything I expected. The MainStage is well designed in such a way that I don’t have to worry if the tallest person is sitting right in front of me (which always happens).
I will say, for a fairly large theatre, there are not many washroom stalls available. I’m grateful this show didn’t have an intermission because I would’ve missed the second half simply waiting in line!"
RD
"Amazing experience every year we attend theatre in the park!!! We loved Romeo and Juliet this year."
Mirjana Wheeler Group
"Slave Play. Amazing experience. Theatre is old but so intimate and cozy. Service was super friendly at counter and box office. Definitely check out any shows Canstage puts on."
Francisco Arizmendi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Canadian Stage has multiple venues. The Berkeley Street Theatre is located in Toronto's east end and is accessible by TTC streetcar. Dream in High Park is located within High Park and is best reached by the TTC subway to High Park Station.
Street parking is available in the vicinity of the Berkeley Street Theatre, but it can be limited. Public transit is often a more convenient option.
The easiest way to reach High Park for Dream in High Park is by taking the TTC subway to High Park Station. From there, it's a short walk to the amphitheatre.
For indoor performances at the Berkeley Street Theatre, outside food and drinks are generally not permitted. However, for Dream in High Park, bringing a picnic is encouraged.
Canadian Stage strives to be accessible. It's recommended to contact the box office directly to discuss specific accessibility needs for any of their venues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Canadian Stage tickets online through their official website (canadianstage.com) or by visiting the Canadian Stage box office at the Berkeley Street Theatre. Rush tickets are sometimes available for select performances.
Box office hours can vary, but they are typically open a few hours before showtimes for in-person purchases and inquiries. It's best to check their website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Canadian Stage often offers discounts for students, seniors, and youth. They also have rush ticket programs for certain shows, offering more affordable options.
Tickets may be available at the door for some performances, but it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular shows, as they can sell out. This is particularly true for Dream in High Park.
Refund and exchange policies can vary by performance. It's advisable to review the specific terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact the Canadian Stage box office for details.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
Canadian Stage offers a warm and intimate theatre experience, a welcome contrast to larger venues. The Berkeley Street Theatre is described as cozy, while Dream in High Park provides a unique outdoor setting.
Canadian Stage presents a diverse range of contemporary theatre, including plays, dance, and opera. They are known for thought-provoking productions like 'Slave Play' and classic revivals like Shakespeare in High Park.
While the theatre is intimate, comfort can be subjective. Some patrons find the seating adequate for the duration of the performance, while others might find it less spacious than modern venues.
The Berkeley Street Theatre is designed for good sightlines, even from lower-priced seats. The intimate stage allows for a close connection with the performers.
Dream in High Park is an outdoor Shakespearean experience. Expect a casual, picnic-style atmosphere where you can enjoy theatre under the stars. Bring a blanket and be prepared for an immersive, open-air performance.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited during performances at Canadian Stage to avoid disrupting the show and performers. You can usually take photos in the lobby or before the show begins.
The exterior of the historic brick building can be charming for photos. Inside, the lobby area offers a good backdrop before or after the show. Remember to be respectful of other patrons.
Yes, the High Park Amphitheatre itself, especially with the stage set and the natural surroundings, offers beautiful photo opportunities. Capturing the atmosphere of an outdoor performance under the stars is a highlight.
Social media often features photos of the theatre exteriors, lobby ambiance, and sometimes candid shots of the audience enjoying the show. For Dream in High Park, images of the stage set against the park's greenery or the night sky are popular.
Absolutely not. Phone flashes are highly disruptive and are not permitted during any Canadian Stage performance. Please ensure your phone is silenced and put away.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
✨ Theatre Aficionados
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Dream in High Park
Visitors are encouraged to embrace the casual atmosphere by bringing picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks. Many attendees make a full evening of it, enjoying dinner in the park before the show begins. While the performances are free, donations are gratefully accepted to help sustain this vital cultural offering. The experience is truly about enjoying quality theatre under the open sky, making it a must-do for locals and tourists alike.
Berkeley Street Theatre: An Intimate Venue
This intimate setting is ideal for the diverse range of contemporary plays, dance, and opera that Canadian Stage stages. Productions like 'Slave Play' and 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' benefit greatly from this close proximity, allowing the raw emotion and complex narratives to resonate deeply with the audience. The venue's charm lies in its ability to create a personal connection between the performers and the spectators, making each show a memorable event.
Navigating Canadian Stage's Programming
Their season often features a blend of genres and styles, ensuring there's something for every theatre enthusiast. This commitment to variety means you might encounter everything from bold new plays exploring social issues to reinterpretations of established classics. Checking their official schedule is the best way to discover what's currently playing and plan your visit to catch a show that sparks your interest.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit