CISDF: Drama Festival

The CIS Ontario Drama Festival (CISDF) is a one-of-a-kind theatre field trip experience for students passionate about drama and theatre.

Hosted by none other than the world-renowned Stratford Festival each spring, this one-of-a-kind inter-school theatrical experience makes a lasting impact on aspiring actors, producers and technicians. As North America's largest classical repertory theatre company, the Stratford Festival offers a unique opportunity for our students to engage with professional actors and technicians and to see high-quality productions. 

The offerings include seats for a current theatrical production, workshops by Stratford Festival teaching artists and students' participation in performances. Working with Stratford's performing artists sets a high bar and raises the calibre of conversation about theatre, whether offering supportive feedback or educating students about how to adjudicate a show. It's also an exciting way to expose young artists to social opportunities with passionate and dedicated peers from member CIS Ontario schools.


CISDF Middle School Program: October 2026

CISDF 2026 for students in Grades 6-8 will take place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Stratford Festival, featuring The Hobbit.

The Middle School Program is a one-day experience, running independently from the Senior School program in April 2027. Following the established format, students will participate in artist-led workshops, enjoy lunch on-site, and attend a Stratford Festival performance, followed by a Q&A with cast members.

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EARLY BIRD PRICING (Save 10% when you register before Sept 15, 2026)

  • Middle School Student Fee: $225 per student before Sept 15, 2026
  • Advisor Fee: $210 per advisor before Sept 15, 2026

Registration fees include:

  • Lunch and snacks
  • 2 student workshops and large group sessions with Stratford professionals
  • One matinee performance and Q & A session with Stratford professionals
  • Inter-school programming and opportunities to connect and collaborate with other CIS Ontario drama students

This year we will continue with a two-part registration process. Part 1 will secure your school's interest, intent to participate and projected student participant numbers. Part 2 will gather participant details.

Secure your Middle School Participation by Thursday, October 1, 2026


CISDF Senior School Program: April 2027

Teachers, save the date. CISDF 2027 – Senior School Drama Festival will take place from Wednesday, April 28 to Friday, April 30, 2027, at the Stratford Festival.

To receive updates, please ensure we have you in our membership, you have a login to CISO Connect and your email is up-to-date.

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Drama Festival Stories


Watch the 2023 Highlights Video

Review the CIS Ontario Event Terms and Conditions. For additional information, please contact Jeremy Barr, Event Manager at jbarr@cisontario.ca.

CIS Ontario CISDF Drama Festival

PROGRAM LEADS

Middle School CISDF Leads

Matthew Burns
Head of Drama
The Sterling Hall School

Sherri McFarlane
Middle Years Counsellor
The Bishop Strachan School

Senior School CISDF Leads

David Newman
Chair of the Arts
St. John's-Kilmarnock School

Christina McCourt
Dramatic Arts Teacher
St. Clement's School

Festival Leads
Lois Adamson

Director of Education
Stratford Festival

Katherine Laing
Associate Director of Education
Stratford Festival

Drama Educators' Network Lead
Brendon Allen

Drama Instructor & Curriculum Coordinator
Theatre Co-Curricular Coordinator
Upper Canada College

For additional information, please contact:

Jeremy Barr
Event Manager
jbarr@cisontario.ca
613-449-0226

By breaking down geographic boundaries and school walls, this province-wide theatre experience invites a powerful journey of self-expression and discovery.