The Travelling Stage
The Travelling Stage, where arts education takes centre stage! With a proud legacy spanning 25 years, we were founded by Toni Grates and have since become a leading organization in the field. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to nurturing young minds and fostering self-confidence through the power of arts education.
THE TRAVELLING STAGE
TONI GRATES, DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER
Toni Grates is the Founding Director of The Travelling Stage, a company she launched 25 years ago with a big dream, a hand-made poster, and a laundry basket full of props. Since then, she has dedicated her career to creating and advocating for accessible arts opportunities for young people, blending her passion for creativity with a deep commitment to community connection.
Toni is a multidisciplinary artist whose career includes work for YTV and CityTV, along with numerous credits as an actor, director, and writer on stages throughout North America. In addition to her work with The Travelling Stage, she is a sessional instructor at Brock University in drama and dance with the Faculty of Education.
Toni also leads The Travelling Stage’s Far North Community Engagement Initiative in remote communities of the Northwest Territories. Developed in close collaboration with local consultants, elders, and school superintendents, the initiative focuses on amplifying Northern voices and supporting arts education that reflects and celebrates the stories, traditions, and creativity of the region.
In recognition of her leadership and dedication to the arts, Toni has received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Durham Catholic District School Board and the 2024 Business Achievement Award from the Whitby Chamber of Commerce. She is also a finalist for the Chamber’s 2025 Business Person of the Year Award.
She credits her high school drama teacher, Mr. Jim Finan, with inspiring her to pursue the path she’s on today.
She holds a BA in Theatre from York University, a diploma in Musical Theatre from the Randolph Academy, a postgraduate certificate in Creative Writing from the Humber School of Writers, and a Master of Education with a focus on Arts Education from the University of Toronto.
At the heart of her work is a steadfast belief in the transformative power of arts education and its ability to build connection and belonging. Toni strives to lead with compassion and creativity, supported by an extraordinary office and teaching team equally committed to making a meaningful impact. Above all, she takes immense pride in her role as a mother to her two sons, ages 11 and 16.
“Great artists are people who find the way to be themselves in their art.” — Margot Fonteyn
THE TRAVELLING STAGE
OFFICE AND SUPPORT TEAM
Meet the dedicated individuals who keep The Travelling Stage running smoothly behind the scenes. Our office and support team are the backbone of our operations—coordinating logistics, managing communications, and ensuring that every program is delivered with excellence. Their attention to detail and commitment to our mission help us reach over 5 million students across Canada, making arts education accessible, engaging, and impactful for all.
Amy
Fatima
Tanya
Benjamin
Jacquie
“The Travelling Stage program helps me feel confident, like my voice and ideas really matter.” — Grade 6 Student
THE TRAVELLING STAGE
Teaching Artists
At The Travelling Stage, our team of teaching artists is passionate about helping students shine. Each educator brings years of training, real-world experience, and a genuine love for teaching. Together, they create supportive and inspiring spaces where creativity grows and every student feels seen, valued, and encouraged to thrive.
Abhiroop Mookerjee
Alana Greig
Alyssa Curto
Angelika Manuela
Anne Cass Gerlings
Ashley Comeau
Benjamin Thomas
Breanna Maloney
Brenna Barton
Bryce Fletch
Carol Salamone
Carolyn Goff
Chloe Castrucci
Christian Tribuzio
Christina Breault
Christina Dixon
Clara Chemtov
Claire Rice
Cora Matheson
Crystal Starr
Dani Bone Corbishley
Daniel Krolik
Deborah Castrilli
Durreyl Parke-Hinds
Elizabeth DeGrazia
Ella Berger
Elle Reimer
Ethan Carty
Eva Kozlova
Eva MacCharles
Geneviéve Cholette
Gloria Mampuya
Hannah Forest Briand
Isabelle Rousseau
Jessica Balyk
Jordan Bache
Josh Murray
Kahleah Brown
Karen Scora
Kimberly D'Souza
Laura Kolisnyk
Leila Ammar
Lesley Scott Wyles
Leyondra Lobert
Loganne Peynado-Auguste
Lori Sherrit
Lydia Wilson
Madison Heathfield
Madison Mapes
Malcolm Messado
Maggie Koreen
Manon Bourgeois
Marcie Nestman
Margaret Legere
Matthew Dumalagan
Maura LaRue
Mary-Elizabeth Willcott
Michelle Lewis
Mikayla Boucher
Mya Leworthy
Nicole Decsey
Nicole Savage
Noah Webster
Prerna Vadhiparthi
Reanna Joseph
Roy Mulder
Sarah Obst
Shelley MacDonald
Sinead Allen
Sophie Brender
Sue Proctor
Talia Vadenbrink
Tamya Christogu
Theresa Tree Walsh
Tina Trieu
Trevor-Martin
Valeria Aceves
