County Stage Company Announces 2026 Season: Heart, Hope & Humanity
A summer of musical theatre, award-winning Canadian drama, and imaginative outdoor performance in Prince Edward County
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, ON — County Stage Company has announced its 2026 season, inviting audiences to experience a summer of theatre across some of Prince Edward County’s most distinctive venues.
The season, titled Heart, Hope & Humanity, brings together contemporary musical theatre, award-winning Canadian drama, and inventive ensemble storytelling, performed in rotating repertory by one professional company of artists living and working in the County throughout the summer.
Running June 19 – August 14, 2026, the season activates venues across the region — from historic theatres to outdoor stages — reinforcing the company’s vision of Prince Edward County as a growing destination for professional theatre.
“County Stage is about gathering — bringing artists and audiences together to laugh, reflect, and experience great stories in beautiful places,” says Artistic Director Heather Braaten. “The 2026 Season builds on our successful repertory model that was piloted in 2025. It moves from joyful musical comedy to bold Canadian storytelling to imaginative outdoor theatre. It’s a celebration of connection and the thrill of live performance.”
2026 MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS:
FIRST DATE: THE MUSICAL
Book by Austin Winsberg | Music & Lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner
The Regent Theatre – Picton
A blind date becomes a hilarious theatrical rollercoaster in this fast-paced musical comedy about modern love. As inner thoughts burst into song and awkward moments spiral into fantasy, a simple dinner date turns into a wildly relatable evening of laughter and unexpected connection.
With a vibrant score and rapid-fire character transformations, First Date delivers the perfect summer night at the theatre.
MOUTHPIECE
By Amy Nostbakken and Norah Sadava
Mount Tabor Playhouse – Milford
Winner of multiple awards and acclaimed across Canada, Mouthpiece follows a young writer on a pivotal day as she grapples with her mother’s illness and the relentless pull of ambition.
Performed by two actors sharing a single role, the play blends layered vocals, physicality, humour, and emotional honesty to explore the fierce inner dialogue of a modern woman.
PINOCCHIO
Adapted by Greg Banks
The Eddie Pavilion – Wellington
This joyful, physical adaptation of the beloved classic transforms the outdoor stage into a world of imagination. Built through ensemble storytelling and inventive movement, Pinocchio celebrates wonder, transformation, and the journey toward becoming fully human.
Perfect for audiences of all ages, the production will also feature post-show workshops designed for young audiences and families.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
MONKS
By Annie Lujan and Veronica Hortiguela
The Red Barn at The Eddie
Back by popular demand, this wildly irreverent interactive clown show invites audiences into a medieval monastery where chaos reigns. Expect absurd humour, live music, and a truly unpredictable night of theatre. (18+ recommended).
SCRIPTS & SIPS
Prince Edward County wineries
A signature County Stage experience pairing staged readings of new Canadian plays with local wines and stunning vineyard settings, offering audiences a relaxed and social way to experience theatre in development.
FALL SHOULDER SEASON:
WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT
By Nassim Soleimanpour
A global theatrical phenomenon arrives in Prince Edward County for three special performances. Each night, a different actor walks onstage with no rehearsal and no prior knowledge of the script, opening a sealed envelope and discovering the play in real time alongside the audience. The result is a theatrical event built entirely on risk, presence, and the magic of live performance.
A COUNTY-WIDE THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE
From historic theatres to barns, vineyards, and outdoor stages, County Stage Company’s 2026 season invites audiences to explore Prince Edward County through live performance.
The repertory model — with one ensemble performing multiple productions throughout the summer — allows artists and audiences to build a shared experience across the season while strengthening the County’s reputation as a cultural destination.
ABOUT COUNTY STAGE COMPANY
County Stage Company is a professional theatre company based in Prince Edward County dedicated to producing high-calibre live performances that engages residents and cultural visitors alike. Through innovative repertory productions, partnerships with local venues, and a commitment to Canadian artists, the company contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of the region. “World Class…County Made”
Tickets and full season details: www.countystage.ca
