The Travelling Stage
The Travelling Stage, where arts education takes centre stage! With a proud legacy spanning 22 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 visionary Founding Director of The Travelling Stage, a company she launched 23 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 commitment to community engagement.
As a seasoned performer and writer, Toni’s professional credits include work for YTV and CityTV, along with acting, directing, and writing for stages across North America. Beyond her leadership at The Travelling Stage, Toni is a faculty member at Brock University, teaching Drama and Dance Education. She also leads a Far North Community Engagement Initiative in remote communities of the Northwest Territories, collaborating with consultants, elders, and school superintendents to foster arts engagement as far as the Arctic Ocean.
Toni’s dedication to the arts has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Durham Catholic District School Board, inspired by her high school drama teacher, Mr. Jim Finan. Most recently, she accepted a 2024 Business Achievement Award from the Whitby Chamber of Commerce. Her educational background includes 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’s in 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. 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 10 and 15.
“Great artists are people who find the way to be themselves in their art.” — Margot Fonteyn
THE TRAVELLING STAGE
OFFICE AND SUPPORT TEAM
Introducing the dynamic individuals who form our office and support team at The Travelling Stage! They are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth execution of our programs. With their unwavering dedication, our team ensures that each initiative seamlessly complements school curricula, delivering enriching experiences that leave a lasting impact on over 5 million students across the country. Together, we strive to make arts education an accessible and transformative journey for all.
Amy
Fatima
Tanya
Rheanne
Coordinator
“One who expresses one’s self through dance is a dancer. One who expresses one’s self through a dancer is a dance teacher.” — Unknown
THE TRAVELLING STAGE
Teaching Artists
Meet our exceptional team of teaching artists who are passionate about sharing their love for the arts and nurturing young talent at The Travelling Stage. With years of training and experience, they bring creativity, dedication and expertise to every class, inspiring our students to thrive in their dance journey.

Alana Greig

Andrea Dragosits

Angelina Gander

Ashley Comeau

Benjamin Thomas

Breanna Maloney

Camila Pereyra

Carolyn Goff

Charlize Greaves

Christian Tribuzio

Christina Breault

Christina Dixon

Christopher MacCullum

Claire Rice

Colleen Furlan

Concetta Roche

Cora Matheson

Dani Bone Corbishley

Daniel Krolik

Deidrea Halley

Elizabeth DeGrazia

Emma Barker

Geneviéve Cholette

Isabella DeMedeiros

Jenny Cairney

Jessica Balyk

Jessica Rosales

Jordan Bache

Josh Murray

Julia Okoth

Katie Kerekes

Kennedy Dale Johnson

Lesley Scott Wyles

Leyondra Lobert

Loganne Peynado-Auguste

Lori Sherrit

Madie Brown

Madison Mapes

Malcolm Messado

Maura LaRue

Mary-Elizabeth Willcott

Melissa Lombardi

Michael Kosowan

Mya Leworthy

Natalia Middleton

Nicole Decsey

Noah Webster

Rachel Giammarresi

Reanna Joseph

Reese Cowley

Riddhi Upadhyay

Roy Mulder

Shelley MacDonald

Sierra Cooper

Sinead Allen

Sophie Brender

Taylor Tofflemire

Trevor-Martin


