Youtheatre

Youtheatre is a Montreal-based theatre company dedicated to creating and producing theatre for young audiences (TYA). Founded in November 1968 by Wayne and Doreen Fines, it is described as Quebec's oldest theatre for young audiences and the only bilingual TYA company in Canada. Over its first four decades, its productions were seen by more than two million young people in Quebec and across Canada, and it continues to reach up to 30,000 young spectators annually. The company works with leading Canadian artists to develop new creations for young people that engage, inspire, challenge and entertain. Its programming is rooted in the 21st century, exploring new theatrical forms, asking difficult questions, telling important stories, and investigating the increasingly contentious role of technology in young people's lives. Youtheatre has also developed YouDigital, an innovative online platform that brings live performance to the screen through hybrid digital adaptations filmed with a mobile camera in a single take, preserving the liveness of the theatrical experience. Originally focused on Montreal's English-speaking community, Youtheatre has claimed bilingual status since the 1999–2000 season and has steadily built a presence within the French-speaking community. Since 1992, Michel Lefebvre has served as the company's general and artistic director, with a mission centred on creating and producing works by Canadian playwrights. The company has also begun to reach international audiences, notably with a UK tour of its flagship work Bang Boy, Bang! during the 2006–2007 season. Its shows have been adapted into award-winning films available on Télé-Québec's streaming platform.

Youtheatre was founded in Montreal in November 1968 by Wayne and Doreen Fines. It is recognized as the oldest English-language theatre company in Montreal and the oldest theatre for young audiences in Quebec. During its first 40 years, Youtheatre productions were performed for more than two million young people in Quebec and Canada. Initially invested in the English-speaking community, Youtheatre has claimed bilingual status since the 1999–2000 season and has continued year after year to carve out a place within the French-speaking community. Up to 30,000 young people attend its productions annually. In the 2006–2007 season, Youtheatre took its first steps internationally with a tour in the United Kingdom of its flagship work Bang Boy, Bang!. Since 1992, Michel Lefebvre has served as the company's general and artistic director, with a mission to create and produce works by Canadian playwrights. In recent years, Youtheatre has continued to innovate, developing YouDigital, an online platform that brings live performance to the screen through hybrid digital adaptations filmed with a mobile camera in a single take. The company has also partnered with Télé-Québec to make three award-winning film adaptations of its shows available on the streaming platform. Its 2026/27 season continues its tradition of bold and innovative theatre for young audiences.

• 2026

  2026/27 season announced.

• 2025

  Télé-Québec partnership brings three award-winning film adaptations to streaming.

• 2024

  YouDigital online platform launched.

• 2006

  UK tour of flagship work Bang Boy, Bang! marks first international step.

• 1999

  Youtheatre claims bilingual status starting with the 1999–2000 season.

• 1992

  Michel Lefebvre becomes General and Artistic Director.

• 1968

  Youtheatre founded in Montreal by Wayne and Doreen Fines.

Quebec's oldest theatre for young audiences and Canada's only bilingual TYA company, known for bold, innovative and technology-focused theatre that engages, inspires, challenges and entertains young people.

• Bang Boy, Bang!

  Flagship work that toured the United Kingdom in 2006–2007.

• J'ai jamais…

  A production adapted into an award-winning film available on Télé-Québec.

• Pandore

  A production adapted into an award-winning film available on Télé-Québec.

• Ce monde là

  A production adapted into an award-winning film available on Télé-Québec.

• YouDigital

  An innovative online platform bringing live performance to the screen through hybrid digital adaptations.

1. 1Youtheatre official websiteyoutheatre.ca
2. 2Wikidata: Youtheatrewikidata.org
3. 3Wikipédia: Youtheatrefr.wikipedia.org