The Department of Theatre, Dance and Performance at York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design returns for an exciting season of theatre and dance performances for the 2025-26 season.
This year’s programming spans plays, festivals, dance productions and exhibits, all showcasing the creativity, collaboration and artistic excellence that define AMPD.
“We’re thrilled to invite the York community to join us this year in celebrating the transformative power of the arts,” says Marlis Schweitzer, Chair of the Department. “From site-specific dance to student-run festivals to bold interpretations of classical plays, we have something for everyone.”
The season opens with the Climate Action Plays, running October 30 to November 1, 2025. Performed by third-year Acting & Performance students, under the direction of faculty member Jamie Robinson, this collection of short works creates a platform for exploring urgent contemporary issues through bold theatrical storytelling.
Running from November 15 to 22, William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing , is directed by AMPD theatre alumna Allyson McMackon (MFA '92) offering a fresh perspective to one of Shakespeare’s most celebrated comedies.
Dance Innovations returns from November 20 to 22, 2025, featuring new choreographic works by fourth-year students. Performed by students across all levels of the Dance program, under the artistic direction of Terrill Maguire, the series highlights the imagination and versatility of emerging choreographers, with alternating programs presented each evening.
The York Dance Ensemble Showcase follows from February 4 to 6, 2026. Performed by York’s resident dance company under the artistic direction of faculty member Syreeta Hector, the annual program features choreography by faculty and guest artists.
“The Dance BFA students are excited for the coming season, which will showcase ground-breaking choreography by emerging artists for the concert stage as well as for site-specific venues on campus,” says Bridget Cauthery, Area Coordinator for the Dance Program. “These performances provide not only artistic challenge for our students but are also opportunities to draw new audiences to contemporary dance.”
One of the department’s most anticipated annual events playGround Festival returns from February 7 to 13, 2026. Led by co-artistic directors Jessie Fowler and Jay Graham, this student-created and produced festival showcases new works by emerging playwrights, directors, designers and performers. As a hub for experimentation and risk-taking, playGround has become a launchpad for projects that often continue to national and international stages.
In March 2026, the Devised Theatre Festival will highlight original work by fourth-year students, developed collaboratively from concept to production. Also that month, students in the third year acting and performance course will present two versions of the classic Molière play, Tartuffe, directed by faculty member Keira Loughran.
Lillian Hellman’s The Children’s Hour will be staged from March 21 to 28, 2026, directed by Rob Kempson, followed by the Scenes by Design exhibition which runs from March 23 to 28, 2026, an annual exhibition of production and design student work under the curatorial eye of Natasha Ross.
The season concludes with York Dances on March 26 and 27, 2026, showcasing original choreographic works by third-year Dance students, under the artistic direction of new faculty member Candice Spykers.
For a full list of performances and ticket information, visit AMPD’s events calendar.