Young People's Theatre Celebrates 50th Anniversary Tonight

YPT's "A Wonder-Filled Evening" Gala set to gather celebrated actors and showcase the best of the multi-award winning company Young People's Theatre (YPT) is turning 50! For five decades YPT has entertained, engaged and created magical experiences for children. In celebration of this milestone event, this multi-award-winning company will be hosting a celebrity-studded gala fundraiser inspired by this year's upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz! The event will be held tonight, October 29 at the stunning Arcadian Court.

Co-chaired by Sheila Brown & Doug Guzman, Holly Coll-Black & Rupert Duchesne, and Susan & Arthur Scace, YPT's gala fundraiser will celebrate the past, present and future of Canada's largest and oldest professional theatre for young audiences, featuring performances from celebrated Alumni artists and videos showcasing YPT's innovative community programs. This once-in-50-years event is not to be missed!

The guest list will include celebrated actors who have graced the stage at YPT including Eric Peterson with performances by star alumni Thom Allison, Steffi DiDomenicantonio and Sharron Matthews. Toronto Mayor John Tory, whose mother volunteered in YPT's formative years, will also be in attendance. Renowned actress and education advocate Annie Kidder (People for Education) will talk about YPT's impact on her family and the community at large.

"Over the past 50 years, Young People's Theatre has made an indelible mark on the City of Toronto. My mother was a volunteer in the early days, working alongside founder Susan Rubes. Even then, this unique company's value to our City was clear. Through its professional productions and educational programming, YPT has introduced the performing arts to millions of children. Thank you, YPT. You are vital to Toronto's cultural make- up. Here's to the next 50 years!" - Mayor John Tory

About Young People's Theatre:

YPT is Toronto's oldest professional not-for-profit theatre and Canada's largest theatre for young audiences.

For five decades, YPT has contributed to the emotional, social and intellectual development of over five million young people - sparking their imagination and perhaps a life-long passion for theatre.

YPT has won 44 Dora Mavor Moore Awards for artistic achievement and 13 Chalmers Children's Awards for commissioned plays. In 1996, the company received the Lieutenant Governor's Award for the Arts.

Celebrated actors who have graced the stage at YPT include Eli Wallach, William Hutt, Douglas Campbell, Brent Carver, Cynthia Dale, Megan Follows, Sheila McCarthy, Louise Pitre, Kate Reid, Jackie Richardson, Martin Short, and recording artists Sharon Lois & Bram. Acclaimed Drama School alumni include actor/rapper/singer Drake (Aubrey Drake Graham) and actor Keifer Sutherland!

Over the past 50 years YPT has staged many of the most important plays that form the canon of work for youth in Canada.

Through workshops in community shelters and agencies, educational initiatives in Toronto classrooms, Drama School programs in four locations throughout the City, and training and apprenticeship opportunities, YPT places learning at the centre of everything they do.

This year, YPT will provide over 100 bursaries for its Drama School students, plus 20,000 free and subsidized tickets to children who do not have the economic means to attend professional theatre.

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