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Step 1
Explore the past. The history of Canadian theater begins with the ceremonial rituals of the First Nations, embraces the colonial heritage of Shakespeare and Moliere, flourishes in the development of uniquely Canadian voices and looks to the future with fringe and experimental drama. Browse the Canadian Theater website for a guided tour.
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Step 2
See or read the best of Canadian theater. Among the noted works of Canadian playwrights working in English are Merrill Dennison's "Brothers in Arms," George Ryga's "The Ecstasy of Rita Joe," John Herbert's "Fortune and Men's Eyes," James Reaney's Donnelley Trilogy, and Judith Thompson's "Perfect Pie." Remember that Canadian theater is bilingual: sample Marcel Dibe's "Un simple soldat" and Francoise Loranger's "Le chemin du roy" in French.
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Step 3
Plunge into Canadian theater. Visit one of Canada's many world renowned theater festivals, where you can sample everything from European classics to improvisational street theatre. The best-known festivals include the Stratford Festival of Canada (Shakespeare, musicals and modern Canadian theatre in Ontario) and the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake (works of and inspired by George Bernard Shaw). If you're looking for cutting edge, don't miss the Winnipeg or Edmonton Fringe Festivals.
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Step 4
Appreciate Canadian theater artists. Giants like director Tyrone Guthrie, for whom a Minneapolis theater is named, have left their mark south of the Canadian border. Popular TV and film actors like Christopher Plummer, Howie Mandel, David James Elliott, Keanu Reeves, Jim Carrey and Sandra Oh all honed their acting or comedic chops in Canada before going global. "Saturday Night Live" originator Lorne Michaels, along with many of the show's cast members through the decades, hails from Canada.
