Steinbach Arts Council Brings Free Professional Theatre to Local Families

STEINBACH, MB — The Steinbach Arts Council invites the community to experience the magic of professional theatre with Tad and Birdy, a Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP) production, coming to the Pat Porter Active Living Centre on April 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM. This family show is free to attend, with advance registration required. 

Tad and Birdy is a heartwarming adventure about friendship and discovering the world beyond your window. The play follows Tad, a curious tree frog tadpole with a voice like a bird, and Birdy, a lovebird who knows everything—except how to be happy. When these two unlikely friends meet in a messy bedroom, their differences couldn’t be greater. Tad dreams of exploring the big blue world beyond, while Birdy prefers the safety of staying exactly where he is. As their friendship grows, both begin to see the world—and themselves—in a whole new way. 

The heart of the play was inspired by a poignant interaction playwright Anika Dowsett had while teaching at MTYP. Dowsett recalls a young student asking: “Do you think you can still try if your heart’s broke?” “That grammatically incorrect, earnest, lovely, between-sobs question was so big from a six-year-old and really touched a nerve for me,” says Dowsett (Winnipeg Free Press, Jan 2026). This brave and vulnerable question became the catalyst for a story that explores how we support one another, even when things are hard.  

Recommended for ages 5 to 12 (Kindergarten to Grade 6), the production is designed to resonate with kids and adults alike. Drawing whimsical inspiration from BNL’s pop song Pollywog in a Bog, Dowsett transforms a messy bedroom into a place where magic happens through puppetry, movement, and play. Families will be entertained from start to finish by this tale of courage and friendship. 

“Live theatre gives kids a chance to see things from a different perspective and connect with others,” says Tara Schellenberg, Performing Arts Coordinator at the Steinbach Arts Council. “We’re thrilled to bring MTYP to Steinbach and make a professional theatre experience accessible for local families—and thanks to SCU’s support, we’re able to offer it free of charge.” 

This free performance is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Steinbach Credit Union. Free tickets are available in advance only (not at the door). To get yours, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204.346.1077. 

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For interviews, contact:  
Angelica San Juan, Communications and Outreach Coordinator 
marketing@steinbacharts.ca 
204.346.1077