The Citadel Theatre is proud to share our productions and our passion for theatre with school audiences from Edmonton and the surrounding communities. We offer special matinee performances for school groups for many of the productions in our season and consider these to be an essential part of our programming. We believe that all individuals should have the opportunity to experience, appreciate, and participate in live theatre. Sharing live theatre with new audiences, be they youths or adults, requires education and cooperation as it is a communal and participatory art form. The Citadel Theatre works to ensure that all patrons have a positive experience when visiting the theatre.
For school matinees, we rely heavily on the support of participating schools and teachers to ensure that students come to the theatre prepared to enjoy the production and be good audience members. The following information is provided to help you plan for your school’s visit to the Citadel Theatre. Please read through this information in detail.
Please be aware that the age recommendations and content advisories provided are subjective and have been thoughtfully prepared by Citadel Theatre staff. However, we understand that individuals may engage with content in different ways. We encourage patrons to consider their own comfort levels, as well as the suitability for any accompanying youth, before attending. We will do our best to provide age recommendations and any applicable warnings in advance; however, things are subject to change at the Director’s discretion during the rehearsal process.
Some productions in the Citadel’s 2026/27 season may have a limited number of/no school matinees scheduled. If schools express enough interest, additional matinee performances may be added. Alternatively, group tickets to an evening performance can also be arranged. Any questions that you have about School Matinees can be directed to groupbookings@citadeltheatre.com.
2026/27 SHOW DESCRIPTIONS
The following productions have scheduled school matinees. Please note that all run times are approximate. The most up-to-date run times will be communicated in your booking confirmation and reminder emails prior to your performance. Dates are listed below.
September 29, 2026 11:30AM
Shoctor Theatre
Recommended Ages: 14+
Approximate run time: 2 hours and 10 mins (including 20-minute intermission)
Act I: 60 mins, Intermission: 20 mins, Act II: 50 mins
Warning: This production is not recommended for younger children as it contains course language, mature content (including murder, kidnapping, depiction of suicide, sexual innuendo, alcohol comsumption), violence (including stabbing, shooting, fighting, depictions of weapons, ane blood shown), Ethnic stereotypes of the 1930s time persiod, and theatrical effects (including theatrical haze, flashing and bright lights, strobe effects, and loud sounds including gunshots.) Parental guidance is advised.
Murder on the Orient Express
By Agatha Christie
Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig
Directed by Kelly Thornton
In Partnership with Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre
Agatha Christie’s greatest literary whodunnit comes to the stage. Detective Hercule Poirot has boarded the luxurious Orient Express along with a cabin full of mysterious characters from the beautiful Countess and boastful Mrs. Hubbard to the brash Colonel Arbuthnot and aristocratic Princess Dragomiroff. After a shocking murder in the night, the legendary detective must use his keen eye and attention for detail to gather the evidence and solve the case to catch the murderer in their midst. Along the way he uncovers secrets, clues, motives and hidden identities in this story of revenge and justice.
November 17 and 18, 2026 11:30AM
Shoctor Theatre
Recommended Ages: 14+
Approximate run time: 2 hours and 20 mins (including 20-minute intermission)
Note: Timing is approximate as this is a new work
Act I: 60 mins, Intermission: 20 mins, Act II: 60 mins
Warning: This production is not recommended for younger children as it contains course language, mature content (including adultery, infidelity, alcohol consumption), violence (fighting, shooting, hit-and-run car accident), and theatrical effects (including theatrical haze, flashing and bright lights, strobe effects, loud sounds including gunshot). Parental guidance is advised
The Great Gatsby
By F. Scott Fitzgerald
Adapted for the stage by Erin Shields
Directed by Daryl Cloran
Step into the glittering excess of the Jazz Age, where champagne flows, flapper dresses shimmer, and music drifts through the night until dawn. At the center of it all stands the opulent mansion of mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby, whose legendary parties draw eccentric New Yorkers from every corner of the city. Yet for all the spectacle, Gatsby himself remains an enigma. Driven to reunite with his long-lost love Daisy, Gatsby risks everything to reclaim a dream that may no longer exist. Illusion and reality collide in this tragic stage adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, re-envisioned by Canadian playwright Erin Shields and brought to life with a live jazz band.
November 24, 25, December 1, 2, 4, 9, and 16, 2026 11:30AM
Maclab Theatre
Recommended Ages: 6+
Approximate Run time: 2 hours and 10 minutes (including 20 minute intermission)
Act I: 55 minutes, Intermission: 20 minutes, Act II: 55 minutes
Warning: A Christmas Carol is a ghost story and contains frightening scenes (including jump scares) that may not be suitable for younger children, and contains theatrical effects (including theatrical haze, dry ice fog, flashing lights, bright lights, loud sounds, use of pyrotechnics). Parental guidance is advised
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
By David van Belle.
Based on the novella by Charles Dickens
Directed by Lianna Makuch
Originally Directed by Daryl Cloran
Hard-hearted and miserly Ebenezer Scrooge will have a Christmas Eve like no other when he’s visited by three Ghosts on a mission to melt his cold heart and help Scrooge find the joy and love in family, friends and Christmas. Charles Dickens’ classic tale reimagined with all the glamour and flair of the mid-1900s by David van Belle captures the spirit of the season this Christmas. Join The Citadel tradition that celebrates all that is merry and bright this season.
February 10, 17, 23, 24, and March 2, 2027 11:30AM
Maclab Theatre
Recommended Ages: 6+
Approximate Run Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including 20-minute intermission)
Act I: 1 hour, 10 minutes, Intermission: 20 minutes, Act II: 60 minutes
Warning: This production contains comedic portrayal of drunkenness, depiction of the mistreatment of children, depiction of poverty, mild violence (slapping, shaking, punch to the face), theatrical effects (including theatrical haze, flashing and bright lights, loud noises) as well as a live dog on stage. Parental guidance is advised.
Annie
Book by Thomas Meehan
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Martin Charnin
Original Broadway Production Directed by Martin Charnin
Based on “Little Orphan Annie” ®
By Permission of Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Directed and Choreographed by Julie Tomaino
Set in 1930s New York City, this beloved musical follows an endlessly optimistic orphan determined to find her family and her place in the world. Escaping a grim orphanage run by the formidable Miss Hannigan, Annie finds unexpected adventure, loyal friends, and a new home with the larger-than-life billionaire Mr. Warbucks, his warm-hearted secretary, and a scrappy dog named Sandy. Brimming with heart, humour, and iconic songs including “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” this timeless story celebrates hope, resilience, and the power of chosen family.
March 3, 2027 11:30AM
Shoctor Theatre
Recommended Ages: 12+
Approximate run time: 2 hours and 20 minutes (including 20 minute intermission) Note: Timing is approximate as this is a new work
Act I: 60 minutes, Intermission: 20 minutes, Act II: 60 minutes
Warning: This production is contains mature content (themes of sexuality), and theatrical effects (including theatrical haze, flashing and bright lights, loud noises). Parental guidance is advised.
Sense and Sensibility
By Jessica B. Hill & Daryl Cloran
Based on the Novel by Jane Austen
Directed by Daryl Cloran
Produced in Partnership with Theatre Calgary
A fun and fresh adaptation of the Jane Austen classic comes to the Citadel. After the loss of their father, the Dashwood sisters—sensible, subdued Elinor and the passionately emotional Marianne—must navigate gossip, society and the trials and tribulations of love and family. When suitors, both suitable and otherwise, start courting the Dashwood girls, the sisters must blend sense with sensibility to protect their hearts and their reputations. Full of heart and bristling with wit, this is a boldly unique reimagining of this much loved romantic comedy.
April 14, 2027 11:30AM
Shoctor Theatre
Recommended Ages: 16+
Approximate run time: 2 hours and 10 minutes (including a 20-minute intermission)
Act I: 60 minutes, Intermission: 20 minutes, Act II: 50 minutes
Warning: This production is not recommended for younger children as it contains coarse language, mature content (depictions of sex offstage, unplanned pregnancy, alcohol consumption and depictions of drunkenness), intergenerational trauma from the Day School system and legacy of colonialism, racism, and 60s scoop, and theatrical effects (including theatrical haze, loud noises including a gunshot). Parental guidance is advised
The Comeback
By Trish Cooper and Sam Vint
Directed by Eric Coates
Produced in Association with the National Arts Centre Indigenous Theatre (Ottawa)
When Jesse and Adam fall in love, life speeds up fast. An unexpected pregnancy brings two families together, Métis and settler, creating big laughs, surfacing buried history, and revealing plenty of heart. Adam’s family is loud, loving, and shaped by generations of historical injustice, while Adam searches for his own voice. When he turns to playwriting, everything comes to the surface. Inspired by stories from the playwrights’ own lives, this smart, funny, and deeply human comedy celebrates love, identity, and the beautiful chaos of family.
May 18, 19, and 26, 2027 11:30AM
Shoctor Theatre
Recommended Ages: 12+
Approximate run time: 1 hours and 40 minutes (no intermission)
Warning: This production contains coarse language, mature content (alcohol consumption, depictions of drunkenness), deals with the event of 9/11, depicts incidents of Islamophobia and racism, and theatrical effects (including theatrical haze). Parental guidance is advised
Come From Away
Book, Music and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
Directed by Ashlie Corcoran
Produced in Association with Arts Club Theatre Company (Vancouver)
When a worldwide travel disruption leaves 7,000 passengers stranded, the small town of Gander, Newfoundland welcomes them with open hearts. Fear and uncertainty give way to friendship, generosity, and unexpected connections. Inspired by true events, this Tony-nominated musical celebrates the power of community and the kindness that emerges in difficult times. Filled with memorable songs and moving stories, it is a heartfelt reminder of the strength of ordinary people and the extraordinary ways we can care for one another.
PLEASE NOTE: The following productions do NOT have a school matinee performance scheduled at this time. Instead the run dates of the production are listed below. If you would like to discuss school matinee options, to join a waitlist, or if you are interested in bringing your students to an evening performance, please contact our Group Sales Coordinator at groupbookings@citadeltheatre.com.
October 18 – November 9, 2025
Maclab Theatre
Recommended Ages: 12+
Approximate run time: 90 minutes (no intermission)
Warning: This production contains loss & bereavement, fertility struggles, family secrets, and theatrical haze. Parental guidance is advised
Our Little Secret: A True, New Musical
Written by and Starring Noam Tomaschoff
Music by Ryan Peters
Created with Russell Citron
Directed by Adam Pascal
A Russell Citron Production
Our Little Secret is the hilarious, moving, and completely true story of Noam Tomaschoff’s discovery that he wasn’t an only child, and he actually had more than 35 siblings around the world. Blending comedy, drama, and addictive music, Our Little Secret will leave you laughing, crying — and seeing your family in a whole new light.
January 15 – February 6, 2027
Rice Theatre
Recommended Ages: 10+
Approximate run time: 1 hour and 20 minutes (no intermission)
Warning: Food is cooked and served to the audience during the show (Ingredients include lentils, tomato, garlic, and spices. View full recipe here. This production contains disco party lights and mild audience participation for those in seats/sections T & I. . Parental guidance is advised
Mrs. Krishnan’s Party
By Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis
Directed by Justin Lewis
Indian Ink Theatre Company, New Zealand
Step into the colourful back room of Mrs. Krishnan’s store, where food simmers, music flows and Mrs. Krishnan is throwing a party like no other. She eagerly awaits her son’s return from school to complete the Onam celebration but plans quickly take an unexpected turn, and suddenly, we’re all part of the festivities! Experience this immersive theatre adventure as the Rice Theatre transforms into the back room of a neighbourhood corner store, alive with cooking, spontaneous dancing, and tender moments that capture the joys and challenges of the immigrant experience. It’s a lively celebration of family, food, and community where no two nights are the same. The New Zealand Herald hails it as “a joyful, highly theatrical celebration.”
MAKE A DAY OF IT! ADD AN INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP FOR YOUR STUDENTS
The Citadel Theatre is home to many professional artists who would love to share their expertise with your students. We offer a wide variety of workshops – choose from the following topics, or ask about something different!
- Acting
- Musical Theatre
- Improvisation
- Stage Combat
- Movement
WORKSHOP LENGTH: Workshops typically run for 60 minutes, but this can be adjusted based on the needs of your group.
COST: Workshops start at $250.00 +GST for up to 30 students (60 minutes). Additional fees may be added for additional students or a longer runtime.
LOCATION: We can host you here at the Citadel or come straight to your school.
BOOK NOW: Complete the Workshop Booking Request Form! Due to the customized nature of these specialized sessions, please submit your request at least 6 weeks in advance of your proposed workshop date(s).
QUESTIONS? Any questions can be directed to Luc Tellier, Director of Education and Outreach, at theatreschool@citadeltheatre.com.
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
- A completed online School Matinee Booking Form is required before processing; tickets won’t be held without it.
- Orders are processed in the order that completed forms are received.
- Orders are not confirmed until an invoice is issued.
- A non-refundable 20% deposit is required to secure your order. If not received within 2 weeks, the order may be cancelled and tickets released.
- Ticket pricing is listed below. A $10.50 administrative fee applies per order. One complimentary supervisor ticket is provided per 25 students; additional supervisors pay the student rate.
- This program is intended to make theatre accessible for youth and is not intended for the public. All groups must have at most a 2:1 student-to-supervisor ratio and a minimum of 10 students to qualify for school matinee bookings.
- To be eligible for a school matinee, bookings must be made by an accredited school or home school organization.
- Final payment is due on the Friday two weeks before your performance (unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation). A 5% monthly late fee applies to unpaid balances 30 days after the performance.
- If a performance is sold out, we’ll contact you to offer alternative dates or add you to a waitlist. We’ll follow up if spots open or if demand allows for another performance.
- For bookings made close to the performance date, your deposit, confirmation, and payment deadlines will be provided by the Group Sales Coordinator. Please follow these specific timelines.
- For interest in shows without a matinee scheduled, we’ll add you to a waitlist and contact you if one is arranged. Please email groupbookings@citadeltheatre.com with your school’s name, contact email, and estimated student count.
- All requests for changes must be submitted in writing to the Group Sales Coordinator at groupbookings@citadeltheatre.com.
- Adjustments must stay within 15% of the original booking. Reductions beyond that are still subject to the non-refundable 20% deposit.
- Final numbers must be confirmed by Friday three weeks before your performance (unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation). After this date, no refunds will be issued.
- No refunds are provided for student “no shows.”
- Cancellations are not permitted within of the performance unless another school group can purchase your tickets. For extenuating circumstances, contact the Group Sales Coordinator to discuss options.
- Cancelled orders remain subject to the non-refundable 20% deposit. Paying in full upfront does not exempt you from the non-refundable 20% deposit if changes or cancellations occur.
- To keep costs low, physical tickets are not issued. Front of House ushers will have a guest list with your school’s name and ticket count. Supervisors must check in with ushers at the theatre doors and provide accurate attendance numbers for safety purposes.
- Seating is not reserved (except for accessibility needs) and is assigned on a first-come basis. Ushers will begin seating from the front to the back. In the Maclab Theatre, seating starts in the middle section, then alternates between left and right.
- All seats will be filled in order. If you would like to be seated together, but your group arrives in separate vehicles, please wait until everyone has arrived before lining up to ensure you’re seated together. Groups may be split if a row or section fills.
- Supervisors must be seated throughout the group to help manage student behaviour. It’s difficult for ushers to reach students seated in the middle of a row.
- Please wait to be seated by our ushers. Self-seating causes aisle congestion, delays the performance, and is unfair to schools that arrive early. Groups who seat themselves will be asked to move and will be seated last. If you need to rearrange seating within your group, please wait until everyone is seated.
- After the performance has started, any individuals arriving late or who have stepped out to use the washroom may not be able to enter the theatre right away. To minimize disruptions for the audience and the actors on stage, our ushers will only be able to admit entry at appropriate times (scene changes, loud musical numbers, etc.), as per the Stage Manager and Front of House’s discretion.
- If there is no appropriate time for an individual to re-enter, they may be asked to stay out in the lobby until intermission or until the end of the performance. For this reason, younger students leaving the theatre must be accompanied by a supervisor as they are the school’s responsibility.
Disclaimer: Age recommendations and content advisories have been thoughtfully prepared by Citadel Theatre staff. However, we understand that individuals may engage with content in different ways. We encourage patrons to consider their own comfort levels, as well as the suitability for any accompanying youth, before attending.
- No children under the age of 5 will be admitted into the theatre. If a young child under the age of 5 is turned away at the theatre doors, no refunds will be provided.
- Age recommendations are subjective and are not strict restrictions; however, please be aware that some productions may contain mature language and/or subject matter.
- The Group Sales Coordinator will provide any applicable warnings in advance, but they are subject to change at the Director’s discretion during the rehearsal process. Please feel free to inquire further about the content of the shows in advance by emailing groupbookings@citadeltheatre.com.
General visitor FAQs and up-to-date information can always be found on the VISITOR FAQs page on our website.
Accessibility information, including photos and a virtual map of the Citadel Theatre can be found on the Accessibility page on our website.
There is a loading zone where your bus can drop you off on the west side of our building. Please take time to look at our Bus Parking Information Page to plan your parking prior to your visit. For smaller vehicle parking please note that our building is attached to the Library Parkade. You can follow signs to the Citadel, and for accessible access you can take the elevator from P2 up into our building.
- Please review this section with all attending supervisors and students. Supervisors should spread themselves out among students to assist with supervision and minimize disruptions. It’s difficult for ushers to reach students seated in the middle of a row. The Citadel relies on the assistance of the schools’ supervisors to supervise their students during performances.
- Please be respectful of the venue, including lobby furniture and décor. Dispose of all lunch/snack waste in the provided bins.
- Photography, video, and audio recording during the performance are strictly prohibited.
- All phones and other electronic devices must be turned off and put away. Light or sound-emitting devices (e.g. laser pointers) are not allowed.
- Actors can see and hear the audience – it is important for audience members not to talk, or move around, during the performance to avoid distracting performers and other patrons.
- Keep bags under seats, not in aisles or walkways, for safety. Some shows may involve actors using the aisles.
- Do not climb on seats or railings, or rest feet on them.
- Do not interfere with the performance in any way (e.g. tripping, throwing items near the stage, etc.).
- While there is no formal dress code, we kindly ask that hats be removed inside the theatre.
- Outside food and drink are not permitted. Only beverages in Citadel sippy cups or bottles purchased at the bar are allowed.
- Students may eat snacks or lunch in the lobby, but outside food and drink are not allowed in the theatre. Students may be asked to throw away or leave items outside.
- Anyone behaving disruptively may be removed without a refund.
PLEASE NOTE: The Citadel recognizes that all individuals should have the opportunity to experience art and culture. We will do what we can to ensure special needs patrons are able to attend Citadel productions and some exceptions may be made.
ALLERGY ALLERT
The Citadel Theatre is a scent-free building. For the safety of those with allergies, please refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products.
2026/27 SCHOOL MATINEE BOOKING FORM LINK
Want to book a school matinee? You can do so by filling out our School Matinee Booking Form. School Matinees go on sale on August 10, 2026 and this booking form will not open until that time.
SHOW DATES AND PRICE BREAKDOWN
Murder on the Orient Express — $21.00 per ticket (including GST)
- Tuesday, September 29, 2026 @ 11:30AM
The Great Gatsby — $21.00 per ticket (including GST)
- Tuesday, November 17, 2026 @ 11:30AM
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026 @ 11:30AM
A Christmas Carol — $31.50 per ticket (including GST)
- Tuesday, November 24, 2026 @ 11:30AM
- Wednesday, November 25, 2026 @ 11:30AM
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026 @ 11:30AM
- Wednesday, December 2, 2026 @ 11:30AM
- Friday, December 4, 2026 @ 11:30AM
- Wednesday, December 9, 2026 @ 11:30AM
- Wednesday, December 16, 2026 @ 11:30AM
Annie — $31.50 per ticket (including GST)
- Wednesday, February 10, 2027 @ 11:30AM
- Wednesday, February 17, 2027 @ 11:30AM
- Tuesday, February 23, 2027 @ 11:30AM
- Wednesday, February 24, 2027 @ 11:30AM
- Tuesday, March 2, 2027 @ 11:30AM
Sense and Sensibility — $21.00 per ticket (including GST)
- Wednesday, March 3, 2027 @ 11:30AM
The Comeback — $21.00 per ticket (including GST)
- Wednesday, April 7, 2027 @ 11:300AM
Come From Away — $31.50 per ticket (including GST)
- Tuesday, May 18, 2027 @ 11:30AM
- Wednesday, May 19, 2027 @ 11:30AM
- Wednesday, May 26, 2027 @ 11:30AM
All prices include GST. A $10.50 handling fee is applied to all orders. Your order has not been confirmed until you have received an invoice. If you are interested in a School Matinee for a production not listed here, please contact the Group Sales Coordinator at groupbookings@citadeltheatre.com.