Toronto boasts a vibrant theatre scene, with numerous troupes that bring joy to audiences through their performances. Many of these groups are not only well-known in Toronto but also enjoy international recognition as they tour and evolve. Among them is Young People’s Theatre (YPT), a cherished institution with a rich history. Discover more about YPT on toronto-trend.
Founding of YPT and Studio Theatre Construction
Young People’s Theatre was founded in 1966 by Susan Rubes. The troupe’s first production, The Looking Glass Revue, targeted children aged 3 to 7 and was performed at the Colonnade Theatre.
As new productions quickly followed, YPT gained popularity among its audiences and began touring Toronto schools.
At the heart of YPT’s work is a commitment to high-quality, professional classical and contemporary plays. Founder Susan Rubes tirelessly worked to create compelling Canadian plays that could stand alongside the best from around the world.
The troupe’s first professional performance in its own building, Laterna Magika’s The Lost Fairy Tale, took place on December 22, 1977. The building, a former 19th-century horse stable, was repurposed to house the troupe.
To make the space suitable for performances, Susan Rubes enlisted the help of architects to add a stage and a small studio. Following the renovation, the Toronto Historical Board recognized the troupe for preserving a historic landmark that might otherwise have been lost.
Over time, the theatre building became surrounded by the growing St. Lawrence neighbourhood, placing it at the heart of a lively and vibrant community.
In 1980, Susan Rubes transitioned to a career in television, and Richard Ouzounian took over as artistic director for one season. He was succeeded in 1981 by Peter Moss, who oversaw the troupe’s further development and another major renovation of the building. Under Moss’s leadership, the theatre’s seating capacity expanded to 400, a new sound system was installed, and backstage and administrative spaces were improved.
During the 1980s, as Toronto grew, so did YPT. With its own stage, the troupe focused on elevating artistic standards.
From 1991 to 1992, the troupe was led by Maya Ardal, a renowned theatre and television actress. Ardal further advanced YPT by creating new plays, introducing regular workshops for budding playwrights, and organizing the WordPlay Festival, a competition for teen playwrights. She also established a dynamic Community Advisory Theatre Group.
YPT productions aim to benefit children and teenagers, with each play designed to deepen their understanding of the world through immersive experiences.
In 2001, YPT received a generous $1.5 million donation from Kevin Kimsa, made in honour of his mother’s lifelong dedication to community theatre.
In 2002, Nancy Webster became the organization’s leader. Under her guidance, YPT established an education department, launching bold initiatives aimed at having a lasting intellectual and cultural impact on children through theatre.
In 2016, YPT launched a $13 million expansion project called the “Room for Imagination.” The organization also acquired a building at 161 Frederick Street, creating YPT 161 Studios, the largest state-of-the-art youth theatre complex in Canada.
Young People’s Theatre has become a thriving organization with a vibrant audience, impactful performances, and initiatives that help teenagers “find themselves” while fostering a love for theatre among children.
YPT has built a strong reputation as a space where talented individuals, volunteers, educators, and youth come together to gain meaningful experiences, participate in productions, and develop a deep appreciation for the theatrical arts.
