Great Big Children's Theatre
Great Big Children's Theatre (GBTC), operating as Great Big Theatre Company, is a Canadian registered charity (Business No. 880373501RR0001) focused on drama and arts education for youth. Founded in 1994 and based in Hamilton, Ontario, the organization provides theatrical training, workshops, and performances tailored to children and adolescents across southwestern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area and Peel Region[3][5].

Programs

GBTC offers year-round programming, including:

• Theatre Camps: Weeklong summer and March Break camps for ages 6–14, emphasizing acting, playwriting, improvisation, and musical theatre[2][5].
• In-School Workshops: Curriculum-aligned drama workshops for elementary students, incorporating theatre games, role-playing, and scene-building[2][5].
• Drama Classes: Age-structured courses for preschoolers (ages 3–5) focusing on imaginative play and social skills, and intermediate classes (ages 9–14) covering scripted work, character development, and stagecraft[2][5].
• Community Outreach: Initiatives targeting underserved populations, including inner-city and low-income youth, to promote literacy and cultural engagement[3].

Mission

The organization emphasizes accessibility, aiming to empower youth through drama education while fostering creativity and confidence[3][5]. Its programs integrate Ontario’s Arts curriculum and include hybrid in-person and online coaching[5]. GBTC has operated for over 30 years, with a charitable mandate centered on youth development through the performing arts[1][3].

Governance

As a registered charity, GBTC adheres to Canada Revenue Agency guidelines and partners with schools, community centers, and donors to deliver subsidized programming[3][5]. Its operations are funded through program fees, donations, and grants, with early-bird discounts available for camps and classes[5].