2023/2024 Season Catalogue

Welcome to the 2023/2024 Season

Message from the Executive Director

As we head into this new season, we would like to thank all of the teachers and schools that gave us such a warm welcome this past year, and allowed Prologue artists to reconnect with your students. We visited over 500 schools across Ontario and performed to over 270,000 students inperson, and over 15,000 students virtually.

We had the privilege of working with some great schools in the Algoma region where we launched our Leadership Through the Arts Program. We were also lucky to partner with the W. Ross School for the Blind where we are working with the students to learn more about how people with vision loss experience theatre. We are excited to continue these programs throughout this next school year.

Last summer, we were thrilled to present our first in-person Arts Break series at Eglinton Square. Arts Break is back this year and it’s bigger than ever; running from June to September at Evergreen Brick Works.

For the 2023/2024 season, some amazing new artists and artist companies have joined the Prologue family, including storytellers, musicians, bilingual artists, and the return of Brendan McCleod's All Star SLAM!

We will continue to travel across the province both in-person and virtually to ensure that youth can experience accessible performing arts programs, either for the first time, or to deepen their love of the arts.

Thank you again to all the teachers, principals, and administrators that help us bring the performing arts into the curriculum. We are forever grateful for all the hard work you do in helping us inspire a new generation of arts enthusiasts.

Sincerely,

Maria Williams Executive Director

Table of Contents

04 Music

11 Dance

13 Indigenous Arts

15 Poetry & Spoken Word

17 Storytelling

18 Theatre

20 French Programs

21 The Possibility Program

22 Support us

23 Contact

Land Acknowledgement

From everyone here at Prologue, we would like to express our gratitude for the ability to work, live, and gather on this traditional territory named Tkarón:to; the place in the water where the trees stand; the land that is currently known as Toronto.

We would like to acknowledge that we are situated on the lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Wendat Peoples. We acknowledge them and the many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, and all other Nations who care for this land (recorded and unrecorded).

We recognize our responsibility to understand and disrupt the ongoing systems of oppression, and to reflect on the meaning of, and the path towards, reconciliation.

David Lane

Available:

Limited year-round (virtual)

In-person dates TBA

Grade Range: K – 8

Curriculum Connections:

Music

French Education

Fana Soro

Available:

Limited year-round

Grade Range: K – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Equity & Inclusion

French Education

Well Being

From Humming to Mouth Drumming

In-Person or Virtual Workshop

An interactive workshop of vocal gymnastics, instrument imitation, and beatboxing. Participants will experiment making sounds of their own, and share with the group.

You Can Beat Box! In-Person or Virtual Workshop

This interactive workshop kicks off with a short beatboxing performance, after which students learn to make a variety of beatbox noises of their own!

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AKWAABA! Welcome to Africa! In-Person Performance

Fana Soro welcome’s you to the music, dance, and wise messages of the Senoufo people from the Ivory Coast. Learn about the continent of Africa, their instruments, and the love that Senoufo people have for their community. Fana will introduce Balafon rhythms, dance moves, and traditional songs. You are guaranteed to feel the beat!

Djembe drumming workshops are also offered in-person or virtually

View Artist Page Submit an Inquiry

Joaquín Núñez & Rumberos

Available:

Year-round

Grade Range: K – 8

Curriculum Connections:

Equity & Inclusion

Well Being

Cuba Brazil Carnival Experience

In-Person or Virtual Performance

In his energetic and interactive performance, Joaquín showcases World Music and Latin rhythms. Students will have the opportunity to participate in percussion exercises, vocal chants, and traditional dance steps, and learn about percussion instruments used in styles such as Samba and Conga.

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Krystal Dos Santos

Available:

Limited year-round

Grade Range: K – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Equity & Inclusion

Music History

More than Motown

Virtual Performance Watch Preview

Krystle and her 4-piece band take audiences back to the peak of Motown Music to learn about its historical and significant impact on soul music.

BLAK | Canadian Women in Music

Virtual Performance Watch Preview

Embark on a powerful musical journey celebrating notable Black Canadian women in music that weaves in important stories about the underground railroad and civil rights movement

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Kuné

Available:

Limited year-round

Grade Range: K – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Equity & Inclusion

Experiential Learning

Michael Bridge

Available:

Limited Year-round

Grade Range: 4 – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Musical Arrangements

Experiential Learning

Together! A Global Music Experience

In-Person or Virtual Performance Watch Preview

A celebration of Canada’s cultural diversity and pluralism, Kuné showcases music from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and North America. Students will learn about where each artist is from, what languages they speak, and see and hear the sounds of the Oud, the Cajon, the Dizi, the Ngoni and more.

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Submit an Inquiry

Travelling Across Boarders with Digital Accordion

In-Person or Virtual Performance

Dr. Michael Bridge showcases uplifting music from around the world, expertly blending contemporary works with great composers, jazz standards, and pop hits. In his inspiring and interactive concert for young audiences, Michael uses the digital accordion to explain the philosophy of musical empathy; using music as a force for good in the world; a tool to build social bridges and to grow as global citizens.

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Mike Ford

Available:

Limited year-round

Grade Range: 4 – 12

Curriculum Connections:

French Education

Cross-Curricular Connections

Njacko Backo

Available:

Year-round

Grade Range: K – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Equity & Inclusion

French Education

TROUBADOUR

In-Person or Virtual Performance

Ford's hilarious original songs combine audience participation and storytelling to explore Canadian history, sustainability, and treaty responsibility.

Les mots qui chantent/Canada Needs Songs - In-Person or Virtual Workshops

Groups are guided through stages of improv, brain-storming, song structure, rhyme & rhythm and editing, to provide experience in lyric-based song creation.

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African Voyage/ Voyage Africain In-Person or Virtual Performance

In this interactive performance, students will learn the important role that music, dance, and storytelling play in everyday life in Cameroon. Students will experience and participate in traditional dance and drumming, listen to a traditional story, and learn about the importance of community in Central Africa.

View Artist Page Submit an Inquiry

Razzmatazz for Kids

Available:

Limited year-round (virtual)

February 12 – March 8, 2023 (In-Person)

Grade Range: K – 3

Curriculum Connections:

French Education

Experiential Learning

Sitar Fusion

Available:

Limited year-round

Grade Range: K – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Equity & Inclusion

Character Development

French Education

Razzmatazz for Kids

In-Person or Virtual Performance

Weaving stories and songs together, Razzmatazz for Kids has been delighting young audiences for 25 years with their original children’s music and traditional songs. Audiences sing, laugh, do motions, and clap to ever-changing rhythms in this musically rich performance. Volunteers will get the chance to play rhythm instruments and make little wooden “limberjacks” dance. These East Coast Music Award / 3-Time Music Nova Scotia Awardwinning musicians bring their highenergy show to your school or community in English or French!

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In the Footsteps of the Great Medieval Traveller Ibn Battuta

In-Person or Virtual Performance Watch Preview

In this performance and workshop, participants will experience the music and dance of some of the countries that Ibn Battuta travelled to: Morocco, Greece, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and China. Inspired by this journey, Anwar Khurshid will play a variety of instruments and sing while Geneviève Beaulieu dances.

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Submit an Inquiry

Sultans of String

Available:

Limited year-round

Grade Range: K – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Diversity through music

French Education

Will’s Jams

Available:

Limited year-round (virtual)

In-person TBA!

Grade Range: K – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Well-Being

French Education

Sultans of String: A WORLD OF MUSIC In-Person or Virtual Performance

3x JUNO Award nominees and Billboard charting artists Sultans of String take you on a musical journey around the world! Led by violinist Chris McKhool, this performance presents a sonic tapestry of world music, combining Arabic, Spanish flamenco, East Coast fiddling, Cuban rhythms, and Gypsy-jazz, and more.

View Artist Page Submit an Inquiry

Will’s Jams| Chanter avec Will In-Person or Virtual Performance

JUNO-nominated musician and educator Will Stroet offers interactive concerts with his 3-piece band, featuring sing-along choruses, signlanguage, and witty word play. Will’s original music explores the themes of literacy, imagination and creativity, and living a healthy and active lifestyle.

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Kaeja d’Dance

Available:

Limited year-round

Grade Range: 5 – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Well Being

Elements of Dance

Liquid Lead

Available:

Limited year-round

Grade Range: 5 – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Equity & Inclusion

Gender Indentity

EXPRESS DANCE

In-Person or Virtual Workshop Watch Preview

This inclusive workshop encourages students to discover dance through their own movement vocabulary. Participants will work in small groups to create simple dance phrases, a fun way to promote physical activity, social connection, and mental wellbeing. All workshops support the Ontario Arts curriculum for dance education and are taught by professional dance teachers.

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Liquid Lead Dancing

In-Person or Virtual Presentation Watch Preview

Liquid Lead Dancing seeks to create spaces where individuals of all genders can feel empowered, included, and free to express themselves fully by reexamining the lead/follow relationship dynamics in partner dancing. This presentation reflects on themes of gender identity, consent, toxic masculinity, safety of touch, gender biases, and power relationships.

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Little Pear Garden Dance Company

Available:

Oct, Nov, 2023 (virtual)

Apr, May, 2024 (in-person)

Grade Range: 1 – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Equity & Inclusion Character Development

The Tales of Goddesses and a Painter In-Person Performance

This story follows the Chinese Empire's best painter as he travels the Silk Road, creating cave paintings inspired by the many cultures along the way.

Dances of China: A Celebration of Asian Heritage in Canada Virtual Workshop

Students learn a number of Chinese dance styles and their connections to history and geography.

View Artist Page Submit an Inquiry

Kung Jaadee

Available:

Limited year-round (virtual)

In-person TBA!

Grade Range: K – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Indigenous Education Equity & Inclusion

Haida Stories

In-person or Virtual Performance

In her storytelling performance, Kung Jaadee shares a few famous Haida legends about Raven (Yaahl), the creator of the world, and their universal teachings. She also shares some traditional Raven songs while using her drum, teaches some basic words in aad Kil (Haida language), and shows X̱ her traditional regalia. A post-show Q & A includes a discussion about Haida culture and history.

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Submit an Inquiry

Mestre Sérgio & Suzanne

Available:

Limited year-round

Grade Range: K – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Indigenous Education Equity & Inclusion

From Pernambuco to TKaronto: a cultural movement & musical voyage! In-Person or Virtual Workshop

Join Mestre Sérgio Xocolate for an authentic Capoeira workshop, featuring rich traditional movements, music, songs, dance, drumming and important stories of cultural expression and preservation from the North East of Brazil. Suzanne Roberts Smith provides facilitation in English and/or French as well as movement & percussion accompaniment.

View Artist Page

Submit an Inquiry

Tribal Vision Dance

Available:

Year-round

Grade Range: K – 12

Curriculum Connections: Indigenous Education Equity & Inclusion

Visions of Turtle Island In-Person or Virtual Performance

Explore First Nations history and traditions in Tribal Vision’s high-energy performance! The artists will explain the history and significance of their dances and illustrate the cultural experience of First Nations peoples in Canada. This show is an introduction to the powwow culture of North American Indigenous people.

First Nations Dance In-Person or Virtual Workshop

Students will be moving and dancing for the duration of this high energy dance workshop. They will learn about the history and meanings of the dances that they participate in.

View Artist Page

Submit an Inquiry

Contact us to learn about Tribal Vision Dance’s professional development workshops for teachers

All Star SLAM

Available:

Limited year-round

Grade Range: 5 – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Literacy

Experiential Learning

Brendan McLeod

Available:

Limited year-round

Grade Range: K – 7

Curriculum Connections:

Literacy

Experiential Learning

All Star SLAM

In-Person or Virtual Performance

Slam is a poetic competition in which the audience rates each poem with a score of 1-10, just like in the Olympics. In this case, the judges are the students! And the poets? Former Canadian SLAM champ Brendan McLeod, Second City alum Justin Carter, and Julia Course—a 14-year veteran at the Shaw Festival. They present a wide-range of poetic styles and subject matter: high-octane original poetry, classical dramatic monologue, silly standup and improv.

View Artist Page Submit an Inquiry

Holy Guacamole! (It’s a Poetry Show!) Watch Preview

In-Person or Virtual Performance

Holy Guacamole offers students the opportunity to revel in the thrill of word play while offering practical lessons about rhythm and figurative language. Featuring a dinosaur rap, songs about planets and pets, and hilarious haikus and poems, the show delivers content that’s both entertaining for the ears and challenging for the mind.

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Britta B.

Available:

Limited year-round

Grade Range: 4 – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Equity & Inclusion

Anti-Bullying Awareness

Rebel with a Rhyme In-Person or Virtual Performance

How do you find your voice and turn it into a career? In her performance, Britta B. uses poetry performance and conversation to discuss how she came to recognize her voice through spoken word poetry and turned it into her career. Her talk explores themes of identity, diversity, women’s empowerment, and resiliency as a platform for creative and thriving communities.

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Rukhsana Khan

Available:

Year-round

Grade Range: K – 8

Curriculum Connections:

Equity & Inclusion Literacy

Stories for Building Bridges

In-Person or Virtual Performance Watch Preview

Critically-acclaimed author Rukhsana Khan shares stories from behind the scenes of her highly acclaimed books. Exploring South Asian culture and issues surrounding poverty, immigration, and family, Rukhsana shares her inspiration and writing process.

View Artist Page Submit an Inquiry

Contact us to learn about Rukhsana’s professional development workshops for teachers

Squirrel Suit Productions

Available:

Limited year-round

Grade Range: 4 – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Inclusion & Neurodiversity

Anti-bullying Awareness

Well being 13

The ADHD Project

In-Person or Virtual Performance

Storyteller/Comedian Carlyn Rhamey shares the trials and triumphs of growing up with ADHD and learning to embrace what makes us different. From her diagnosis and placement in a segregated classroom to navigating her “superpower” now as an adult, this is an intimate and honest journey exploring ADHD and celebrating neurodiversity.

View Artist Page Submit an Inquiry

e a t r e

DuffleBag Theatre

Available:

Limited year-round

Grade Range: K – 12

Curriculum Connections:

Character Development

French Education

Fairy Tales & Classics In-Person Performance

DuffleBag Theatre brings classic fairy tales and folktales to life in their signature funfilled and humorous fashion, using audience members as the stars.

Available Shows:

• Snow White / Blanche Neige

• Peter Pan

• Robin Hood

• The Three Musketeers / Les trois mousquetaires

• A Christmas Carol

View Artist Page Submit an Inquiry

The Gumboot Kids

Available:

Limited year-round (virtual)

Musical dates TBA

Grade Range: K – 4

Curriculum Connections:

Well-Being

Literacy

Storytime with the Authors/Filmmakers

Virtual Performance

Join Scout, Daisy and The Gumboot Kids as they mindfully explore nature. The creators of the hit CBC Kids show provide a behind-the-scenes look.

Gumboot Kids the Musical In-Person Performance

This heartfelt show draws on themes of nature connection, friendship, and mindfulness, and features dance routines with the show’s characters

View Artist Page Submit an Inquiry

h e a t r e

M. John Kennedy

Available:

Limited year-round

Grade Range: K – 6

Curriculum Connections:

Literacy

Character Development

Shoestring Opera

Available:

Limited year-round (virtual) In-person dates TBA!

Grade Range: K – 6

Curriculum Connections:

Character Development

Anti-Bullying Awareness

Fireside Munsch

In-Person Performance

M. John Kennedy’s hit solo show

Fireside Munsch is a high-energy performance featuring four of Robert Munsch’s classic stories performed as one wacky storytelling play. There are three zany shows to choose from based on four beloved Munsch stories:

Fireside Munsch: Put Me in a Book!, Andrew’s Loose Tooth, Alligator Baby, and Swamp Water. MORE Fireside Munsch: Seeing Red, The Sandcastle Contest, Give Me Back My Dad, and Smelly Socks

Fireside Munsch Classics: 50 Below Zero, PIGS, Something Good, and The Paper Bag Princess.

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Submit an Inquiry

The Shoestring Magic Flute In-Person or Virtual Performance Watch Preview

In this whimsical adaptation of Mozart’s most famous opera, Allegra finds a golden flute on her way home from school. Blowing on it, her street turns into a dark forest and out pops Papageno, a strange bird-catcher! Through the power of music and the magic of make-believe, Allegra and Papageno embark on an adventure of sharing and self-discovery.

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Submit an Inquiry

The Programs listed here are available to book in French or bilingual

Click on an artist’s image to navigate back to the full program description.

DuffleBagTheatre Fairytales & Classics

Fana Soro AKWAABA! Welcome to Africa

Mike Ford TROUBADOUR

Njacko Backo Voyage Africain

David Lane

Mestre Sergio & Suzanne Capoeira Workshops

The Programs listed here are available to book in French or bilingual

Click on an artist’s image to navigate back to the full program description.

Shoestring Opera La flute enchantée

Sultans of String A World of Music

Razzmatazz for Kids

Will’s Jams Chanter avec Will

Sitar Fusion Medieval Travellor

The Possibility Program

The Possibility Program is inspired by the founding vision of Prologue – that every young person in Ontario should have access to performing arts experiences.

The Program subsidizes performances and workshops in schools that are identified as underserved to address issues of equity caused by limited school arts budgets.

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Successful applicants will receive $500 per school year that can be used to subsidize a Prologue performance or workshop.

Support Us

The importance of having uplifting and positive representation of Indigenous peoples and cultures cannot be overstated. Self-identified Indigenous students were so happy and proud to see themselves and Indigenous identity being shared and uplifted through song, dance and the strong voices of Naomi and Derek.

-York Region Teacher

Help us maintain vital initiatives that create equal access to performing arts experiences for all young people in Ontario

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