The Rotary Club of North Bay Education Series is dedicated to inspiring youth with the performing arts through performances that have been specifically curated for young audiences. Programming will offer ways to complement the curriculum, with the intention of being more than a traditional field trip. Instead, they are unique and thrilling cultural experiences that support the development of creative students who, in turn, build creative communities.
The 2025-26 series offers five shows, each with its own education package to help educators link the shows’ content to the curriculum. These performances are being offered exclusively as part of the education series and will not be available to the public. There are no ticketing costs for the attendees.
Where Have All The Buffalo Gone?
Thursday Oct. 16, 2025, 10:00 am (English)
Show Description: Where Have All The Buffalo Gone? Follows two souls through seven different periods of Métis history. Filled with stories about the Sun Traveller and the Callihoo family, incorporating a life-like buffalo puppet. Inspired by historical events of the Métis people of Canada, this original play for young audiences explores the loves, the losses and the fight of Treaty 6’s Métis people and their love and kinship to the buffalo.
The play takes the audience through the emergence of the Métis Nation across the plains, then leads into the robust colonization that arises from the fur trade, the disappearance of the buffalo, as well as the political uprising of the Métis Association of Alberta in the 1930s. The story starts in creation among the stars and ends in 2025.
Recommended for Grades 4-12
Pinkalicious! The Musical
Thursday Nov. 6, 2025, 1:00 pm (English)
Show Description: Based on the popular children’s book, this is the tale of Pinkalicious who can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe - a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament.
Recommended for Grades JK - 5
Ventastic
Monday Jan. 19, 2026, 10:30 am (English)
Show Description: Ventastic is a program that blends the artistry of ventriloquism, captivating storytelling, and enchanting puppetry to spark the imaginations of children. Through this unique experience, students are introduced to one of the oldest disciplines in the performing arts, discovering the magic that lies within the world of performance. This initiative not only entertains but also educates, illustrating to children how creativity, coupled with a honed skill set, can transport an audience on an exhilarating journey.
Each performance is a testament to the limitless power of imagination, demonstrating to young minds that the only boundaries to a story are those set by one's own creativity. Ventastic serves as a gateway for children to explore the realms of storytelling and performance, fostering a deep appreciation for the art form while igniting a passion for creativity that will accompany them on their own journeys of self-expression.
During the live performance students will learn the technique that allows the ventriloquist to speak without any noticeable lip movement. They will grasp the nuances of controlling the voice while mastering the art of ventriloquism. Beyond the basics, students will delve into the intricacies of difficult letters, overcoming challenges with finesse. Moreover, they will discover the secrets behind creating diverse character voices, enhancing the performance with depth and authenticity. They will witness character development, ensuring each puppet comes to life with its own distinct personality. Students will explore the nuances of the distant voice and puppet manipulation, rounding out the skills of a well practiced ventriloquist which results in a captivating performance.
Recommended for Grades 1-8
Shaun Boothe: Live Your Legacy
A celebration of the lives of Terry Fox, Malala Yousafzai and Bob Marley.
Wednesday Feb. 18, 2026, 10:00am & 1:00 pm ( Both in English)
Show Description: Shaun Boothe pours his talent into a presentation designed to motivate young audiences using rap songs that chronicle the extraordinary lives of cultural icons. His engaging take on the trails blazed by cultural giants like Malala Yousafzai,Terry Fox and Bob Marley, imbues students with the courage to find their own paths. By "learning from the greats," students can examine their own strengths and goals, and take
away actionable lessons with which to energize their lives.
Shaun's unique presentation, interspersed with musical performances from his acclaimed Unauthorized Biography Series, infuses the greatest stories of our time with the contagious energy of hip hop delivery. Rather than sugar coating the lives of people like Muhammad Ali, Oprah Winfrey and Bob Marley, Shaun encourages identification with their stories by highlighting the struggles that gave their achievements meaning. The multimedia program includes video projection and is pan-curricular.
Recommended for Grades 2-10
Will’s Jams / Chanter avec Will
Thursday Apr. 23, 2026, 10:00am (English) & 1:00 pm (French)
Show Description: Over the past 20 years performing 3,000+ shows for young audiences across Canada and China, JUNO-nominated musician and educator Will Stroet of Will's Jams has developed top-notch school shows. Will and his band perform a rockin’ concert with lots of audience participation, witty wordplay, sign language and catchy sing-along choruses. This interactive performance features music from his 12 nationally acclaimed albums, and explores the themes of literacy, science, math, multilingualism, imagination and creativity, and living a healthy and active lifestyle – all of which ties into the arts-integrated school curriculum. Will is also a former elementary teacher recognized by his alma mater, UBC, as one of their top 100 Education Alumni. He is also the star of "Will's Jams," a TV series that aired on CBC Kids for six years, that is now available on his YouTube channel, Kidoodle TV and Sensical TV. This show is highly interactive and will leave your students and teachers wanting more!
Recommended for Grades JK - 7
Educators interested in bringing their group or class can contact education@capitolcentre.org to reserve their spot before the summer break.