Coming off its 1st Annual Family Forward Festival, Carousel Theatre for Young People (CYYP) has announced its 50th anniversary season.
Since 1976, Carousel Theatre for Young People has committed to creating and bringing engaging live theatre for youth, families, and educators, highlighting stories for and about underrepresented communities. Nurturing and introducing young minds to new ideas, CTYP provides an outlet to discuss these topics.
“Our 50th season is both a love letter and a launch pad. Honouring the extraordinary artists, families, and young audiences who shaped us, while making room for stories that reflect the beautifully diverse world we live in.” says Co-Artistic and Managing Directors, Dave Deveau & Jennica Grienke.
Beginning in November, with Jordan, A Hero’s Journey by celebrated Algonquin playwright Yvette Nolan, a play that addresses the healthcare challenges faced by Indigenous children. Next, the 2025 hit production of Stuart Little, adapted from E.B. White’s beloved classic, arrives just in time for the holidays (and a tour in March 2027). The New Year begins with the Jessie award-winning Otosan, a beautiful story that has delighted audiences with its puppetry, projections and mesmerizing musical score. In the spring we are thrilled to present the Western-Canadian premiere of Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo: The Family Musical, a new stage version of the beloved 2003 Pixar film, designed specifically for young audiences. The season concludes with a surprise show co-presented with the Vancouver International Children’s Festival. As well, look out the ever-popular CLUB CAROUSEL: BABY RAVES sprinkled throughout the season.
The Carousel Theatre for Young People 50th Anniversary Season includes:
JORDAN, A HERO’S JOURNEY HOME By Yvette Nolan
November 11-15, 2026 @ The Cultch’s Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables Street / Part of its National Tour
A Geordie Theatre co- presentation in collaboration with The Cultch
Jordan is a play that depicts Jordan River Anderson as a superhero, addressing the healthcare challenges faced by Indigenous children, and highlighting the significance of Jordan’s Principle in ensuring equal healthcare for First Nations youth.
STUART LITTLE By Joseph Robinette Adapted from the book by E. B. White
December 4-20, 2026 @ Waterfront Theatre, 1412 Cartwright Street / On Tour in BC through March 2027
A Carousel Theatre for Young People Production
Back by popular demand the 2025 Jessie Richardson Award-nominated production returns. The bold musical reimagining of E.B. White’s beloved classic makes a return holiday engagement at Carousel followed up by a tour in 2027 with stops in Nanaimo, Courtenay, Salt Spring Island, Chilliwack, Surrey, and Vernon.
OTOSAN Created by Shizuka Kai, Jess Amy Shead, and Randi Edmundson
February 9-13, 2027 @ Waterfront Theatre, 1412 Cartwright Street
A Little Onion Puppet Company Production. Winner of four 2025 Jessie Richardson Awards including Outstanding Production (TYA)
When little Shizu hides in her Otosan’s (father’s) suitcase and secretly travels to a dangerous destination, The North. Her surprise presence is a nuisance to her gruff, no-nonsense father. Encountering snowy owls, white wolves, and grizzly bears in the most remote of locations, Otosan and Shizu must learn to tackle challenges together, while learning how to communicate their love. Inspired by co-creator Shizuka Kai’s real-life experience with her father, a wildlife videographer, Otosan is told using puppetry, real wildlife projections, and an original score to take the audience on an immersive journey.
DISNEY & PIXAR’S FINDING NEMO: THE FAMILY MUSICAL Book, Music & Lyrics By Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Book Adaptation by Lindsay Anderson
Music and Orchestrations Adapted and Arranged by Myrna Conn
Based on the 2003 Disney/Pixar film Finding Nemo written by Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson, David Reynolds, and directed by Andrew Stanton
March 31-May 9, 2027 @ Waterfront Theatre, 1412 Cartwright Street
A Carousel Theatre for Young People Production
A new stage adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar film, designed specifically for young audiences. Featuring a memorable score from award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (Frozen, Coco), this fun and lively musical is sure to delight the entire family.
A SURPRISE ADDITIONAL SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED
Co-presented with Vancouver International Children’s Festival
June 2027 @ A Granville Island Venue TBC
CLUB CAROUSEL: BABY RAVES
Dates To Be Announced @ Carousel Theatre Studios, 1411 Cartwright Street
Watch for the return of the beloved kid-centric family dance party where all ages can find their rhythm and movement while dancing to music by a live DJ.
Tickets for Carousel Theatre for Young People’s 50th Season go on sale April 1, 2026. For more information, please visit carouseltheatre.ca