Clowns Reading SHakespeare
Summer 2025
We are thrilled to bring Clowns Reading Shakespeare back for a full production with the support of Animating Toronto Parks 2025!
60 minutes, suitable for all ages!
Tickets
These shows are all free for anyone to attend! You can register for performances in advance - registration isn't required, but it allows us to communicate with you about things like cancellation due to weather or any performance updates, and is strongly recommended! You can also attend without registration.
These are outdoor events, so please bring your own outdoor seating/blankets, water/snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.
We will have a limited number of cushions available on site, and benches reserved for accessible seating.
Portable and/or park washrooms will be available at all shows. Panoply team members will direct you.
We encourage you to connect with the Panoply team to communicate any accessibility needs or questions by emailing us at admin@panoplycollective.com.
Directed by Kenzia Dalie (Red, Riot King; FullHaus Productions). Featuring Alyssa Pothier (In Your Own Backyard, 2019 Robert Beardsley Award shortlist; Falling Sickness, Space Space Revolution), Paige Madsen (Mouse on the Move, Toronto Youth Theatre; Sappho Fragmented, Shadowpath Productions), and Sienna Singh (Things I Know to Be True, David Mirvish/The Company Theatre; Portia’s Julius Caesar, Shakespeare in the Ruff), alongside Brendan Kinnon (Red, Riot King, The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals, Playhouse Collective) and Callan Forrester (The Leading Player Project, EveryBODY on Stage; Drag Heals (OUTtv), with Associate producer Bonnie Duff (Guild Festival Theatre; This Feels Like the End, NextStage Festival.
Photos by Liz Bragale @FullHausProductions
What can clowns teach us about the themes of love, power, fate, free will, and ambition? Laugh along with our clowns as they work together to explore three of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies (to the best of their ability)!
Memorial Park, 22 Little Avenue (York):
- June 19 @7pm
- June 20 @7pm
- June 21 @2pm & 7pm
- June 22 @2pm & 7pm
Kew Gardens, 2075 Queen St East (Beaches):
- June 25 @7pm
- June 26 @7pm
- June 27 @7pm
- June 28 @2pm & 7pm
- June 29 @2pm
Richmond Hill Public Library, 1 Atkinson St (Central Branch):
- August 16 @2pm
This show is produced with the support of the City of Toronto through the Animating Toronto Parks program & Arts in the Park program, with funding made possible by the Toronto Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Foundation.
This show is also supported by the Richmond Hill Public Library, Community Centre 55, Bard in the Park, and Ovation! Performing Arts Academy.
Want to clown around with us?
Check out our call for opening-act guest performers!
Park Show Weather Information
The decision to cancel or delay performances due to weather is made by the Panoply. When the decision to cancel a performance occurs, we will announce this information by email to all attendees who registered, on our website, and on our social media.
Rain/Heat/Extreme Weather Policy:
If there is light precipitation before, after, or during the show, performances will go ahead as planned. If heavy downpour occurs before the show, the decision to continue on or cancel the performance will be announced before or at the beginning of the show.
If heavy downpour occurs during the performance, the performance will be held for 10-15 minutes to see if the rain will pass and if it doesn't, the performance will be canceled.
If thunder and lightning are visible/audible from a distance and pose an immediate threat, the same protocol for heavy downpour will be followed.
In extreme heat occurs (32-35 degrees celsius), and persists at the time of performances and continues to negatively impact the safety of the cast, the performance may be canceled
In the case of extreme weather alerts, performances will be delayed on a case-by-case basis.