ABOUT US

Shrimp Magnet Theatre Company has been producing original musical comedies for the whole family since 1999. Based out of Toronto, Canada, Shrimp Magnet has performed for ten summers in the Lagoon Theatre - an intimate outdoor venue on the Toronto Islands – one of Toronto’s major tourist destinations. Shrimp Magnet has toured schools, festivals and theatres in the Greater Toronto Area and across the country. Highlights have included The Toronto Fringe Festival, The Winnipeg Fringe Festival, Today’s Parent’s Kidsummer Event at Nathan Phillips Square, Solar Stage Theatre in North York and a tour to schools and community centres from Ontario to Alberta culminating in performances at the Canmore Children’s Festival.

Shrimp Magnet was founded by Kate Keenan and Lesley Halferty with a mandate to create theatre for young audiences that was entertaining and stimulating for the whole family. Having been raised on shows like Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, Keenan and Halferty know the power and importance of children’s programming that is intelligent, fun and has something for everyone.

While the shows are all very much comedies, each Shrimp Magnet show is full of heart. Themes of open-mindedness, forgiveness, courage and believing in oneself are communicated with poignancy and a wry sense of fun. Because its roots are in outdoor theatre, Shrimp Magnet has learned how to capture attention quickly and creatively. Each show is full of audience interaction and relies upon the kids themselves to save the day.

Every show is packed to the brim with fast action, catchy songs and exuberant dance sequences. Creative and striking sets and costumes make for a visual treat as well. Shrimp Magnet is truly an experience for the whole family. The stories are geared towards the imaginations of 5-10 year olds with lots to hold the interest of younger audience members and plenty of jokes for the adults as well.

Shrimp Magnet shows are extremely flexible. They have basic technical requirements and can be adapted to suit any venue from outdoor areas to gymnasiums to large auditoriums. Each show is 50 minutes in length.

Over the past ten years, Shrimp Magnet has grown steadily and has developed a devoted fan-base, garnered conistent critical praise and has brought original Canadian family theatre to over 200,000 people from all over the world.

The Shows
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