imPACt Education Series
Exceptional Arts Experiences for Pre-K to 12
The arts belong here. And so do you. 26/27
Jully Black, photograph by Giant Shoe.
About imPACt
The imPACt Education Series brings students into the PAC to experience the arts in a world-class setting, often for the very first time. Through daytime music, theatre, film and storytelling performances by Canadian artists, students connect what they see on stage to what they are learning in the classroom — and to the world around them. With tickets offered at a guaranteed low price of $10 + HST, imPACt helps make the arts accessible, meaningful and memorable for young people across our community.
An outstanding performance! Kids loved it. The post-show Q&A was excellent and very valuable as the kids were able to connect what they saw with how hard the artist had to work to become that skilled.”
Theatre experiences like this help our students see the world beyond their neighbourhood, and I know that our students truly appreciate these opportunities.”
Yamato Drummers, photograph by Giant Shoe.
How to book
To book your school group contact: Robert Harte, Ticketing Services Manager 905-322-9862 | rharte@firstontariopac.ca
To learn more about our educational programming contact: Katey Gatta, PAC Presents & Community Programmer 289-260-1585 | kgatta@firstontariopac.ca
Our Sponsors
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre gratefully acknowledges Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore, Rotary Club of St. Catharines South, and The May Court Club of St. Catharines for their generous support of the 26/27 imPACt Education Series.
How to support
To support the imPACt Education Series contact: Dan Hickey, Director of Fund Development 905-933-4184 | dhickey@firstontariopac.ca students and teachers received subsidized imPACt Education tickets.
6,461 In 2025,
Secret Path Live
Presented in partnership with the
Secret Path Live featuring Joe Lapinski Band, photograph by Lauren Garbutt.
Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.
Secret Path Live
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 at 1p.m.
Partridge Hall
Runtime: 60 minutes
All Tickets $10 +HST
Recommended for: Grades 6 to 12 | Study Guide Available Live Music, Film
Subject Connections: Language and Literacy, Indigenous Studies, Media Studies, First Peoples, Civics, History, English, Music
This screening of Secret Path features a live musical score performed by a full band. Secret Path is an animated film adaptation of Gord Downie’s musical album of the same name and Jeff Lemire’s graphic novel about Chanie Wenjack, a young Indigenous boy who died after escaping a residential school in northern Ontario.
The Secret Path Band brings together a collective of acclaimed Canadian musicians, united by a shared musical lineage and deep artistic connection to the work of Gord Downie. Drummer Dave Clark and pianist Dr. Pee both performed extensively with Gord Downie’s Country of Miracles, recording and touring with him over many years.
On bass is Ian de Souza, a JUNO Award–winning musician best known for his work with Sisters Euclid. Laurel Minnes, co-lead vocalist and ukulele player, is the artistic director of the choral-pop ensemble Minuscule, bringing a rich vocal dimension to the group’s sound. Rounding out the band is Joe Lapinski, music director, co-lead vocalist, and guitarist, recognized for his solo career and his work as a producer for numerous Canadian artists.
The film Secret Path is divided into 10 chapters, each a song from Downie’s musical retelling of Chanie’s story — from his escape from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School to his subsequent and heartbreaking death from hunger and exposure to the harsh weather. The final product is a uniquely immersive emotional experience — an insight into the life of a little boy who, as Gord has said he never knew, “but will always love”.
The Velveteen Rabbit Rule of Three Theatre Company
The Velveteen Rabbit, photograph c/o Rule of Three Theatre Company.
The Velveteen Rabbit
Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 at 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Partridge Hall
Runtime: 60 minutes
All Tickets $10 +HST
Recommended for: Pre-K to Grade 6
Live Music, Choreography and Shadow Puppetry
Subject Connections: Language Arts: Literacy and Narrative, Wellness: Self Worth, Identity, Empathy and Loss
Embark on the journey of The Velveteen Rabbit with Rule of Three theatre company. Reimagined in the modern day, we follow the journey of our protagonist — a shy toy who wants nothing more than to become ‘real’. In other words, to be truly loved by the child that takes care of you. Through the story, we experience the unbreakable bond between the toy rabbit and the girl. We also meet outlandish characters, deal with major toy-world crises, sing, dance, and most importantly, have fun.
Rule of Three theatre company is a female-led collective started by Naomi Jijina, Mya Leworthy, and Lucy Ellis, who all met in theatre school. They are passionate about storytelling through as many mediums as they can get their hands on and fostering community through theatre.
Ocean Blue
Monday, March 1, 2027 at 12 p.m.
Partridge Hall
Runtime: 60 minutes
All Tickets $10 +HST
Recommended for: Pre-K to Grade 3 | Study Guide Available Puppetry, Digital Projection, Music
Subject Connections: Science and Marine Ecosystems, Environmental Stewardship, Language Arts, Creative Arts and Puppetry
Plunge into a breathtaking theatrical adventure where icebergs drift, waves crash, and life teems above and below the sea.
When Charlie, a young crab, dares to stand up to his older brothers and declare his desire for a different life, he is suddenly swept into danger — snatched by a gull searching for its next meal. But a dramatic shark ambush sends Charlie tumbling into “The Gully,” a deep-sea trench in the Atlantic Ocean where alien-like creatures glow in the darkness and Northern bottlenose whales dive to extraordinary depths. It is here that Charlie’s true adventure begins.
Sensory Accessibility: The production is intentionally designed to be sensory-inclusive. The theatrical settings utilize lowered house lights, softened sounds, and zero flashing lights to accommodate students with autism or sensory sensitivities.
Journeying through the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific Oceans, Charlie travels alongside migrating whales and sea turtles. Along the way, he learns to survive and adapt, outsmart predators, and navigate the vast underwater world. Charlie discovers that courage, kindness, and friendship can change the course of even the smallest creature’s life.
This state-of-the-art, one-hour theatrical experience by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia blends sophisticated puppetry, dynamic digital projection, and captivating original music to transport audiences into a mesmerizing underwater realm. Bursting with fascinating ocean facts, playful humour, and moments of pure awe, Ocean Blue is designed to spark curiosity and ignite the imaginations of children aged 5 and up — and the grown-ups who share the adventure with them.
First Ladies of Jazz
Tim Johnson and Juliet Dunn
Curated and produced by
First Ladies of Jazz
Tuesday, April 13, 2027 at 10 a.m.
Partridge Hall
Runtime: 75 minutes
All Tickets $10 +HST
Recommended for: Grades 7 to 12
Live Music, Video, Storytelling
Subject Connections: History, Civil Rights and Social Justice, Indigenous History, Black History, The Great Migration, Harlem Renaissance, The Great American Songbook
A hallmark of distinction in the world of jazz music is the assignment of royal titles to artists of stature. In this incredible concert experience, First Ladies of Jazz honours Mildred Bailey (Queen of Swing), Billie Holiday (Lady Day), and Ella Fitzgerald (Queen of Jazz). Through their sophisticated jazz vocal stylings, they inspired and influenced generations of musicians creating indelible impressions that live on in the soundtracks of our lives.
As a partnership involving Tim Johnson (RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked The World) and Juliet Dunn (Niagara Jazz Festival), an ensemble of three sensational female vocalists backed by a world-class jazz band comprised of JUNO and Order of Canada recipients, take us on a journey that extends from the earliest jazz vocal renderings through the Great American Songbook. Along the way, audiences learn about the improvisational musical fusion that is jazz, developed by African American, American Indian, and European harmonic structures and rhythms.
imPACt Plus Film
Film is a powerful expression of the human experience and one of the most accessible methods of storytelling. Join us for an imPACt Plus Film at The Film House to view a film and engage in post-screening discussions with knowledgeable panelists based on important topics facing our society today.
These films are a part of our Art in Action: Climate series.
About Art in Action: Climate
Art in Action: Climate (AiA) was a 10-day festival, which was launched by the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in January 2026. While our next festival returns in 2028, this imPACt Plus Film series will continue to explore aspects of our changing planet and the opportunity we have to take action locally. Find out more about AiA at artinactionniagara.ca.
Kiss the Ground
Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 at 10 a.m.
The Film House
Runtime: 45 minute film plus guided Q&A
All Tickets are FREE
Recommended for: Grades 6 to 12 | Study Guide Available Film
Subject Connections: Biology, Earth Science, Geography, and Media Literacy.
Narrated and featuring Woody Harrelson, Kiss the Ground is an inspiring and groundbreaking film that reveals the first viable solution to our climate crisis — that, by regenerating the world’s soils, we can completely and rapidly stabilize Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems and create abundant food supplies. Using compelling graphics and visuals, along with striking NASA and NOAA footage, the film artfully illustrates how, by drawing down atmospheric carbon, soil is the missing piece of the climate puzzle.
Common Ground
Thursday, April 8, 2027 at 10 a.m.
The Film House
Runtime: 45 minute film plus guided Q&A
All Tickets are FREE
Recommended for: Grades 7 to 12 | Study Guide Available Film
Subject Connections: Environmental Science, Social Studies, Geography, Civics and Government, Health and Nutrition
Content includes brief profanity and discussions of environmental and mental health themes.
Common Ground is the highly anticipated sequel to the juggernaut success documentary, Kiss the Ground, which touched over 1 billion people globally and inspired the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to put $20 billion toward soil health. By fusing journalistic exposé with deeply personal stories from those on the frontlines of the food movement, Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colours are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, Black, and Indigenous farmers who are using alternative regenerative models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy — before it’s too late.
imPACt Plus Production
Available by request
All Venues including Partridge Hall
Recommended for: Grades 10 to 12
Program Length: 90-120 Minutes, 50 Participants Maximum. All Tickets $10 +HST
SHSM Connections: Arts & Culture, Information & Communications Technology, Hospitality & Tourism
Subject Connections: The Arts, Technological Education
Join us at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) for an in-depth look at technical production in our building — what technologies we have, who are the people who manage production, what is possible on our stages and in The Film House!
Students will go on an in-depth tour of all the venues inside the PAC with our knowledgeable Production Manager and engage in a hands-on demonstration of our equipment in beautiful Partridge Hall. The hands-on demonstration can be customized, and a discussion with various staff members can be added. Let us know what you’re looking for!
To request an imPACt Plus Production visit for your class, please contact Robert Harte, Ticketing Services Manager on 905-322-9862 or by emailing rharte@firstontariopac.ca.
Children engage with performers from Femmes du Feu Creations, photograph by Giant Shoe.
Our Give Joy Donors 2025
Thanks to the generous support of the following community members who donated to our Give Joy campaign in 2025, we were able to provide imPACt programs at a guaranteed low price of $10 per child. You can donate to Give Joy this coming holiday season at firstontariopac.ca or by calling our Box Office 905-688-0722.
Vicki Armstrong
Jane Ash
Glenn Barr
Viola Bartel
Gerry Bates
Martha Bauer
Stephen Bedford
Kathleen Berry
Brenda Bevacqua
Lorne & Barbara Bjorgan
Andrea Boitor
Marie Bonin
Rod Bremner
Brandon Brisson
Wayne Bristowe
Julie Broomer
Adriano Romano Bruno
Wendy Butler
David Butz
Louise Burley
Dina Caplan
Liana Caracci
Kristine & Bob Casement
Dennis & Lauire Cheredar
Michael Collins
Sonia Cottle
Trish Crawford & Jacques Beaudoin
Trish Cunningham
Jennifer Davis
Marilyn Davis
Benjamin Dietschi
Mario De Divitiis
Kristine & Jeff Douglas
Kenneth W. Draayer
Alec Edmondstone
Linda Eichfuss
Astrida Ezergailis
Paul Faris
Don Firth
Kweku Folson
Dean Frado
Janet Fraser
Jill Goebel
Larry Greenspan
Roger Greig
Peter & Linda Hammond
Ryan Harder
Ernest Harris
Robert Harte
Deborah Havill
Kathleen Hay
Elliott J Herman
Dan Hickey
Diane Hockey
Cynthia Hogan
Greg & Jill Holmes
Roger L. Honsberger
Colleen Hughes
Ginette Hunter
Ivars Ingelevics
Jack & Irene Inglis
Peter & Erika Janzen
Elly Jenkyns
Herb & Kirsten Kah
Sherry A. Keast
Bonnie Kinal
Lauren Klassen
Catherine Krasnik
Peggy Lampard
Give Joy Donors 2025
Steve Landry
Ralph Larid
Robert Latham
Brian Lawrie
Robert & Mary Lehan
Tammy Locke
Judie Long
Marc Losier
Angela Macrae
Allan Magnacca
Angie Mannella
Thais Maranho
Joe Marsh
Eileen Martin
Keith Matheson
Margaret Matyus
Diana McAdorey
Danielle McCaffery
Francine McCarthy
Les & Joan McCurdy-Myers
Leona McDonald
Karen McLean
Bridget McLoughlin
Joan & Gus Medina
Rand Meshki
Patrick Mitchell
Cindy Monaghan
Bryan Moncion
Cathy & Michael Mondloch
Sabrina Montefiore
Lisa Montgomery
Shiraz Mottiar
Christiane Muir
CJ Mullin
Dan & Eleanor Munroe
Susan Murphy
Orla & Jason Newhouse
Shawna Olive
Adrian Palmieri
Rupa Parakh
Peter Partridge & Poppy Gilliam
May Paterson
Elizabeth Pattison
Brent & Bonnie Pfab
Lisa Piccolo
Anita Pilon-Wilhelmson
Ivan Plamondon
Dean Pollock
Jennifer Pothier
Gail Poulsen
Bob Price
Peter & Linda Pringle
Colleen Quinn
Lorna Reid
Robert & Margaret Reid
Eric Robineau
Kathy Roper
Kathleen Ross
Margot Roza
Birgit Rumlich
Kathy Sabo
Shelley Sandwell
Janet Savard
Hammie Schilstra
Diana Scholtens
Bruce & Anna Scott
Julia Sebastian
Carol Serroul
Martin Slepkov
Teresa Slobodian
Lloyd Smith
Roz Smith
Sharon Smith
Bob Stinson
Jim Stirling
Susan & David Sydor
Lydia Tarasiuk
Karen Tausendfreund
Scott Thomas
Diane Thompson
Rae Ann Thorsteinson
Pat Trudeau
Ruth Tupper
Annette Urlocker
Carl & Rachel Vaughan
Shirley Veldman
Susan Ward
Ian Watt
Gail Whiteside
John Wismer
Helen Young
Children enjoying a performance, photograph by Giant Shoe.