YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE (YPT) is Canada’s largest and oldest professional theatre for young people, co-led by Artistic Director Herbie Barnes and Executive Director Camilla Holland. The company produces and presents a full season of theatre and arts education programming, serving approximately 150,000 patrons annually.
In 2022, YPT launched the next stage in the company’s storied history with the unveiling of YPT’s expanded and renovated theatre complex, more than 10 years in the making. With the purchase of a multi-use building across the street from its historic theatre, YPT has expanded its footprint, increased its accessibility, refreshed its lobbies, and upgraded the theatrical equipment capabilities of its 433-seat Ada Slaight Stage and 115-seat Studio. United in vision, the two facilities anchor the corner of Front and Frederick Streets in Downtown Toronto creating Canada’s largest theatre complex for young people.
Over the past 59 years, YPT has staged many of the most important plays that form the canon of work for youth in our country. YPT continues to develop new work and create partnerships with theatre companies across the country and around the world. But that’s not all. The enriched learning experiences of YPT’s Education & Participation Department provide young people with opportunities to develop their whole being.
Through our educational initiatives in Toronto classrooms, Drama School programs in two locations in the GTA, and training and apprenticeship opportunities, we place learning at the centre of everything we do. At YPT we strive for a positive and lasting impact on the emotional, social, and intellectual development of young people – giving them the chance to grow into the unique and wonderful people they were born to be.
Herbie Barnes
Artistic Director
An Anishinaabe theatre artist from Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation on Manitoulin Island, Herbie is an accomplished playwright, performer, director and arts educator whose 30-year-career spans stages across North America. Herbie was raised in Toronto and was among the generation of young Indigenous artists in the 1990s breaking down barriers to forge professional careers in Canadian theatre. His theatre career began in 1989 with Debajehmujig Theatre Group, touring Ontario with the first run of Drew Hayden Taylor’s Toronto at Dreamer’s Rock. Since then he has collaborated with some of North America’s most prestigious stages – whether appearing in productions such as Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing (Mirvish – Royal Alexandra Theatre) or collaborating with the Stratford Festival on development workshops. He was nominated for a John Hirsch Director’s Award and his new play, Bentboy, was shortlisted for the Sharon Enkin Plays for Young People Award in 2020. Learn more about Herbie here.
Camilla Holland
Executive Director
For three decades, Camilla has built a career in theatre in various positions as general manager, producer, grants officer, fundraiser, community volunteer, board member, educator and advocate. She was the General Manager at Tarragon Theatre and has worked for a number of professional theatres, including Canadian Stage Company, Factory Theatre and Volcano Theatre. A Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award winner, Camilla sits on the board of the Siminovitch Theatre Foundation. She recently served as a board member of the National Theatre School and was a member of the National Arts Centre’s Creation Fund Advisory Council.