Prologue's FREE family show at Young People's Theatre on May 27, 2014 at 7 p.m.

As the author of Toronto Fun Places (always interested in anything related to activities for children), I've been involved with Prologue to the Performing Arts for the last 9 years. 

That's why I strongly recommend you see their FREE showcase on Tuesday May 27 at 7 p.m. at Young People's Theatre. 

I'll be offering a FREE copy of my guide on family outings Toronto Fun Places, 5th ed. (sold $25 at Indigo) to everyone attending the event (limit of one guide per family).

Click here to confirm your presence to ensure your family gets FREE seats for Prologue showcase at Young People's Theatre on May 28 at 7 p.m. 

This showcase will feature: Stand Up Dance (Dance), Boris Sichon, CréaSon and Sheesham & Lotus (Music), Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre (Puppetry), Red Sky Performance (Theatre). 

While you're there!
I've scouted the surroundings of Young People's Theatre for you. Read this post for a few tips to make the most of your visit in the area before the evening show.

About Prologue to the Performing Arts
Prologue is a fantastic not-for-profit organization facilitating the presentation of over 2,200 children shows every year in schools and public venues throughout the province of Ontario.

Once a year they organize a showcase at the Young People's Theatre (YPT) to promote the amazing roster of artists and company they represents. First, Prologue invites teachers with their kids, then they open the showcase to the general public to fill the rest of the seats. The dynamic evening allows us to sample six different artists/companies. Nobody gets bored at a Prologue showcase!

More about Prologue's other FREE showcase 

on May 13 at Meadowvale Theatre in Mississauga.

Tips for a great family outing around Young People's Theatre

I scouted the surroundings of Young People's Theatre. Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit in the area before or after a show. (Revised May 21, 2015)

Best parking options

The YPT is located at 165 Front Street East, west of Sherbourne. Most parking lots around the theatre offer a $5 flat rate from 6 p.m. and on the weekends, but they can change prices at any time. (Just north of the Starbucks facing the theatre, in the same building, is the indoor Frederick Street Garage, usually offering such $5 flat rates from 4 p.m.)  

Want them to burn off some energy?

Kids can sit still through a good show; you just need to wear them out first! You know your kids. If you feel they'd better enjoy the show after a stretch in the park, take them to David Crombie Park (a 5-minute walk). It is a long and narrow park including an inviting large climbing structure, a great mural, a fountain and plenty of space to run (see photos at the end of the blog). 

To get there from Frederick Street Garage, walk east on Front Street, along the theatre, then turn south on Sherbourne and left on The Esplanade. At the corner of Lower Sherbourne and The Esplanade, you'll find a line-up of places where you could grab some food to eat in the park, including a Subways facing the park.

Want to take them to an exotic place?

Or, you could take your family to a truly whimsical mexican-food restaurant called Pacific Junction Hotel (no, it's not a hotel and it opens from 12 noon). Simply walk north from Frederick Street Garage and turn right on King Street. The restaurant is at 236 King East , just east of Sherbourne. 

That's where you might have a chance to sit in a half-bath tub, play pool or ping-pong and try alligator meat tacos (tastes like chicken) or more traditional tacos and nachos. I've shared a large bowl of Mojito with my girlfriends there once, but that's another kind of outing isn't it?

The game room at Pacific Junction Hotel

Around David Crombie Park

Western part of David Crombie Park

Middle of David Crombie Park (before)

David Crombie Park (after, take May 21, 2015)

Eastern part of David Crombie Park

What to do with your family around the Younf People's Theatre

Tips for a great family cultural outing!

Here are a few tips to make the most of your outing before or after a show at Young People's Theatre.

Best parking option

The YPT is located at 165 Front Street East, west of Sherbourne. Most parking lots around the theatre offer a $5 flat rate from 6 p.m. and on the weekends.  

The indoor Frederick Street Garage, just north of the Starbucks facing the theatre (in the same building as the café) offers a $5 flat rate after 4 p.m. 

Want them to burn off some energy?

You know your kids. If you feel they'd better enjoy the show after a stretch in the park, take them to David Crombie Park (a 5-minute walk). It is a long and narrow park including an inviting large climbing structure, a great mural, a fountain and plenty of space to run (see more photos at the end of the blog). 

To get there from Frederick Street Garage, walk east on Front Street, along the theatre, then turn south on Sherbourne and left on The Esplanade. At the corner of Lower Sherbourne and The Esplanade, you'll find a line-up of places where you could grab some food to eat in the park: Coffee Times, Pizza Novo, a sushi place and a convenience store.

Want to take them to an exotic place?

Or, you could take your family to a truly whimsical mexican-food restaurant called Pacific Junction Hotel (no, it's not a hotel). Simply walk north from Frederick Street Garage and turn right on King Street. The restaurant is at 236 King East, just east of Sherbourne.  

That's where you might have a chance to sit in a half-bath tub, play pool or ping-pong and try alligator meat tacos (tastes like chicken) or more traditional tacos and nachos. I've shared a large bowl of Mojito with my girlfriends there once, but that's another kind of outing isn't it?

The game room at Pacific Junction Hotel

Facing David Crombie Park

Western part of David Crombie Park

Middle of David Crombie Park (note that there's a different mural now!)

Eastern part of David Crombie Park