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.


Save the Date 2025-2026!

CISDF: Drama Festival – Middle Program
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Stratford Festival
 
CISDF: Drama Festival – Senior Program
Wednesday, April 29 – Friday, May 1, 2026
Stratford Festival

Drama Festival Stories


Watch the 2023 Highlights Video

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 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

Executive Chair & Outreach 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.