Ontario

The Shaw Festival: Extraordinary Theater and Nature in Niagara

Program No. 10396RJ
Enjoy three performances, engaging lectures and backstage access at the renowned Shaw Festival. Then dive deeper into the region’s culture with an icewine tasting at a local vineyard.

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At a Glance

Renowned for its stylish productions, the Shaw Festival is home to one of North America’s largest repertory companies. Immerse yourself in theater with performances, backstage experiences and lectures by Shaw company members. Round out your stay in Niagara with visits to Niagara Falls, the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory and a local winery for a tasting of Niagara’s renowned icewine.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to a few blocks; some stairs.

What You'll Learn

  • Enjoy private pre-show introductions to each play and post-show chats with cast members.
  • Complement your in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the Shaw Festival with orchestra seats to three performances.
  • Experience more than 2,000 free-flying butterflies in a lush, rainforest setting, then walk the footpaths of the Botanical Gardens and one of Canada’s finest collections of ornamental trees, shrubs and roses.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Suzanne Merriam
Suzanne comes from a background of professional acting with experience in theatre, mask, puppetry, television, film and arts education. She has performed with Carousel Players and Theatre Beyond Words and has worked on two children’s television shows. Suzanne is passionate about using theatre in her work with young people. She is an instructor for Brock University where she also earned her Masters of Education. Officially Suzanne’s title is Senior Manager, but to those who have worked with her, she is known affectionately as “The Goddess.”

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Daina Zeoli-Bray
Daina Zeoli-Bray View biography
Daina earned her degree in Fashion and Arts and worked as a Fashion Events Coordinator for five years. In 2003, she and her long-time partner both left their jobs to combine their artistic talents and start their own business, Chameleon Painting and Specialty Plaster. Partnering with leading designers, their work has been showcased in several decorating and design publications. Daina lives in Toronto and is passionate about the arts, travel and her local roots. She looks forward to sharing the Shaw Theatre Festival with you!
Profile Image of Suzanne Merriam
Suzanne Merriam View biography
Suzanne comes from a background of professional acting with experience in theatre, mask, puppetry, television, film and arts education. She has performed with Carousel Players and Theatre Beyond Words and has worked on two children’s television shows. Suzanne is passionate about using theatre in her work with young people. She is an instructor for Brock University where she also earned her Masters of Education. Officially Suzanne’s title is Senior Manager, but to those who have worked with her, she is known affectionately as “The Goddess.”
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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5 days
4 nights
10 meals
4 B 3 L 3 D
DAY
1
Arrival and Check-In, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Niagara Falls, ON
D
Holiday Inn by the Falls

Activity note: Check-in 3:00 p.m. Nightly illumination of the Falls is from 8:30 p.m. to midnight. If you are interested in buying tickets for additional Shaw plays you can check availability at the Box Office when we arrive each morning. Prior to your arrival in Niagara you can call 1-800-511-7429 or visit shawfest.com

Dinner: At a local restaurant at 6:30 p.m.

Evening: At Leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Shaw Backstage, Winery, Theatre Performance
Niagara Falls, ON
B,L,D
Holiday Inn by the Falls

Activity note: Walking a few blocks, getting on/off motorcoach. Some stairs backstage at the theatre. Assistive Listening Devices are available in the theatre lobby, they can be used with or without a hearing aid.

Breakfast: At the hotel

Morning: We transfer to Niagara-on-the-Lake for an introduction to the Shaw Festival and its history with a festival insider.

Lunch: At a local restaurant

Afternoon: This afternoon we attend a performance.

Dinner: At a restaurant in Niagara Falls

Evening: At leisure

DAY
3
Shaw Seminar, Theatre Performance
Niagara Falls, ON
B,L
Holiday Inn by the Falls

Activity note: Walking up to 1 mile; getting on/off motorcoach. Assistive Listening Devices are available in the theatre lobby, they can be used with or without a hearing aid

Breakfast: At the hotel

Morning: We will visit the Butterfly Conservatory for a self-guided excursion. This magical attraction features over 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Paths wind through the rainforest setting, past a pond and waterfall and the Emergence window, where butterflies leave their pupae and prepare to take their first flight! Then we will transfer by coach for a presentation at the Shaw Festival about the production process will be followed by a pre-show presentation about the play we will see today.

Lunch: At a local restaurant

Afternoon: This afternoon we attend a performance.

Dinner: Dinner on own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Shaw Seminar, Free Time, Theatre Performance
Niagara Falls, ON
B,L,D
Holiday Inn by the Falls

Activity note: Walking a few blocks, getting on/off motorcoach. Assistive Listening Devices are available in the theatre lobby, they can be used with or without a hearing aid.

Breakfast: At the hotel

Morning: Enjoy a Shaw seminar or a pre-show chat about this evening's performance.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Free afternoon, you may choose to attend a play at the Festival on your own.

Dinner: Farewell dinner.

Evening: This evening we attend a theatre performance.

DAY
5
Program Concludes
Niagara Falls, ON
B

Activity note: Check-out is 12:00 p.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel

Morning: Departures after breakfast as per individual travel plans. Check-out is 12:00 noon. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please be in touch via the Road Scholar Social Network, where you can share memories, pictures and comments. Best wishes for all your journeys.






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