Surrey Civic Theatres Presents Surrey SPARK Stages - A Weekend of Performing Arts for Kids

Surrey, B.C.— The SPARK celebration of performing arts for kids is back May 24–26 at the Surrey Arts Centre.This outstanding line up of performances will showcase some of the best work for young audiences created by theatre makers who specialize in the genre. This year SPARK is presenting a techno light and dance performance, a show about parenting a child on the autism spectrum, and a charming multi-sensory performance for babies.

“We search for those gems, the shows you wouldn’t normally come across,” said Marnie Perrin, Artistic Director for Surrey SPARK Stages, “when choosing shows, I also think about parents and the adults who are bringing the kids, I want the performance to be just as enjoyable for them.”

Friday, May 24 performances are reserved for Surrey schools to attend as part of SPARK’s Make a Memory program. Working with the school district to identify schools in need, SPARK then partners with local businesses to subsidize classroom tickets to performances. “Since 2022, this educational ticket access program has provided students from the Surrey School District with an opportunity to experience live performing arts,” said Kent Gallie, Manager of Performing Arts at the City of Surrey, “each year, Surrey businesses step up and generously provide 1,000 students with a memorable day at the event.”

Performances and activities for the whole family kick off on Saturday, May 25. Main Stage performances Dino-Light by Lightwire Theater from the USA and Robot Song by Australia’s Arena Theatre are generously supported by TD Bank Group through the Ready Commitment program. “TD is proud to be a sponsor of Surrey SPARK Stages celebration weekend for families,” said Chris Sirovyak, Surrey District Vice President, TD Bank Group. “TD supports arts and culture events and organizations as part of our goal to help people feel a sense of belonging to their communities.”

In the Studio Theatre catch The Libravian by Ireland’s Brú Theatre and Falling in Africa, a musical dance show by Edmonton based Juno award winning musician Garth Prince. Rounding out the lineup is Tree, a gentle multi-sensory show for babies and toddlers by Théâtre Motus of Quebec.

All weekend, there will be additional activities and pop-up performances for ticketholders to enjoy such as drop-in Bollywood dance lessons with Karima Essa and up-close, jaw-dropping magic by Travis Bernhardt.

Surrey SPARK Stages is focused on accessibility. A sensory friendly space is open all weekend to support individuals who need to recharge in a calm and comfortable space. Sensory kits and noise cancelling headphones are available for loan. People who are hard of hearing can enjoy the performances by borrowing a wireless hearing device. Accessible seating is available in the theatres and the Surrey Arts Centre has accessible free parking, universal single occupant washrooms, an elevator and ramps that connect to all levels of the building. A visual story for the Surrey Arts Centre is available on the Surrey Civic Theatres guest services page.

Details of all the performances are listed at surrey.ca/spark.

Ticket Information:

May 24–26 | Various times
Surrey Arts Centre
Tickets for all shows: Child $16 and Adults $21
Online at tickets.surrey.ca
Includes activities and pop-up performances.
Special four-pack pricing is available by calling the box office, 604-501-5566.