Family Audience in Residence 2026
February 7, February 14, March 7, March 14 at 2:00pm
Gather with us at the Hub at 2:00pm on
February 7, February 14,
March 7 and March 14
To watch live dance performances and connect to their themes through stories, games, and shared reflections in a flexible and welcoming environment.
It’s kind of like an all-ages book club, except it’s dances, instead of books!
Tea, coffee, and snacks included!
Join us for a pilot project that invites families (of all shapes and size) to experience dance performances together in a relaxed, welcoming environment!
Together we will make space for curiosity, connection, and joy throughout the winter as we discover dance through the eyes of our loved ones!
Included with every family registration are show-specific gifts with related books and dance-making props, AND access to Shared Steps - a 10-week online dance program with easy weekly prompts for watching, doing, and making dance together at home.
More Info
What do you mean by “family”?
We mean families in all shapes and sizes: parents and children, adults and their aging parents, siblings, grandparents, and chosen family.
This program is intentionally intergenerational, because we believe that dance is for everyone and our experiences are richer and more supported when we connect across generations.
Is this a children’s program?
In its content and structure, this program is friendly to young people, from babies up but it is not “children’s theatre”. The performances are created and performed to engage everyone in the room. One of the values of the program is to support caregivers’ participation in the arts, so the programming is designed to be interesting to them as well.
A good comparison is the difference between watching a family film versus watching a preschool TV show. Each performance and activity is layered and thoughtful, and different ages will find different parts meaningful.
Is it $80 for everyone in my family?
Yes! $80+HST is the total cost for families between 2-4 people. If you have a larger family participating, additional members can be added for $20 each.
Thanks to support from Balancing Act Canada’s Level UP! Initiative and MUN’s Centre for Social Enterprise, we are able to offer this entire program (which would otherwise cost $320 per family!) at this amazing subsidized rate.
If the cost is a barrier to participation, please inquire about our limited Pay What You Can pricing.
Or, if you would like to pay it forward to families who cannot cover the whole cost or support future programs like this one, there is an option to do so at the checkout.
What performances will we see?
February 7 – …of the earth propelling forward – choreographed and danced by Hilary Knee
February 14 – Alice Falling – created by Lois Brown and Candice Pike
March 7 – Never Trust a Fish – choreographed by Joël Azevedo
March 14 – We Weren’t Born Tomorrow, Again – special guest cast TBA
What is the performance space like?
Performances take place inside the our big, dance studio in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. There is space for seating on chairs and benches, as well as pillows and blankets for floor sitting. Audiences are welcome to change places and ask questions, and babies can be babies in a feeding-friendly space.
There will be some modest lighting and sound cues, but no perfect black-outs.
A host will work to care for people in the space.
There is no expectation to already know anything/everything about dance.
Do I need dance experience?
Will I have to dance?
Not at all. We’ll learn ways to watch, talk about, and enjoy dance together, as we go.
And, this is not a dance class. There may be optional opportunities to join in a dance activity or try some moves if you want, but here we are training to be professional audience members, not performers!
What do we receive when we sign up?
Four live, in-studio performances by local, nationally-recognised dancers and choreographers
A welcoming performance experience that removes the formality sometimes associated with going to the theatre
Take-home books, props or activity ideas connected to each performance
Online access to Shared Steps - a 10-week, asynchronous family dance program with weekly prompts for doing, watching, and making movement together at home
Why are you offering this program?
First, because from experience and research we know that there is real value in families participating in the arts together! We know that arts have the power to connect, educate, and inspire changes in relationships between people and the world we live in. Dance is sometimes overlooked in the arts, but because many of our teachers are professionals themselves, it’s our specialty and we want to share the joy with our community!
Plus, you’ve told us that you are looking for family-friendly activities in our area!
And, we know that people can be excited about dance, but not want to take a dance class themselves. This is an opportunity practice seeing and talking about live dance without having to do it yourself!
How are you reducing
barriers to participation?
If you are interested in the program but require support for transportation, translation, registration costs, or other access needs, reach out to us by phone or email and we will do our best to reduce or eliminate these barriers
The performances take place in our informal studio environment. Our building can be entered by wheelchairs and strollers with low barrier doorways, though there are no automatic doors.
Family Audience in Residence is supported in part by Balancing Act Canada as part of the Level UP! initiative. Balancing Act supports artist parents and caregivers in Canada, by advocating for greater equality, accessibility, and inclusion within the arts workforce.
