Community Outreach
SickKids Hospital
Laughter is the best medicine! Since 2016, Suitcase Theatre has led monthly workshops at SickKids Hospital, one of the leading children’s hospitals in the world. Bringing laughter and joy into the lives of children undergoing chemotherapy or treatment for other serious illnesses is a priority for Suitcase Theatre.
Our monthly shows at Sick Kids Hospital are filmed in Marnie’s Studio and broadcasted across the hospital on the closed-circuit television network. Children are invited to call in from their hospital beds to participate or they can be a part of the studio audience and even be invited up on stage to share their talents and escape for a while.
Our shows are full of laughs and silliness and bring joy to children, parents and caregivers. We also invite very special guests including therapeutic clowns, friends from DramaWay and even doctors and nurses too to be a part of the show.
Ronald McDonald House
Since 2008, Suitcase Theatre has reached more than 150,000 children who may not otherwise have had access to an arts experience.
Through strong community partnerships including Ronald McDonald House, we offer performances and workshops for children and families living at the house while they or their family member undergoes medical treatment.
Being a part of the Ronald McDonald school program and enriching children with an arts experience to help them build confidence creates lasting memories in trying times. The creative learning opportunities that Suitcase Theatre provides can boost a child’s self-confidence and foster coping skills essential for their health and well-being.
Art City
Art City is a not-for-profit organization committed to providing free and accessible art programs to the children and youth of St. Jamestown, Canada’s most densely populated neighbourhood and one of Toronto’s most economically deprived.
The average household income is $22,300 and many residents are newcomers to Canada fleeing war, abuse and poverty. The parents simply want the best for their children and Art City delivers amazing programs on a shoestring budget.
Suitcase Theatre was honoured to work in partnership with Art City to provide free, weekly after-school dance and drama programs to inspire creativity, help develop language skills, nurture confidence and spark a lifelong passion for the arts. And smiles, we helped bring smiles.