We are so excited at CODE to know that secondary school students in Ontario, British Columbia and Atlantic Canada will again get the opportunity to take part in a Canadian theatre tradition.  For 71 years, the Sears Ontario Drama Festival was intrumental in lighting, encouraging and developing a fire in countless young performers, writers and directors in high schools across the country.  In 2018, the IATSE, the union that represents theatre technicians, and the National Theatre School (NTS) will join to secure the presentation of the festival.  The opportunities that the festival presents to high school students are immense, and we are thrilled that this important, incredible fetival will continue!  To read the official press release form the NTS, read on.

As Islamic Heritage Month begins, CODE is pleased to announce that our partnership with the Aga Khan Museum and the Ministry of Education has produced four wonderful resources now available on the CODE web site. Simply search  key word Aga Khan Museum and two elementary and two secondary drama and dance resources will appear. These Ontario Ministry of Education resources were prepared by teachers, for teachers in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum. Curriculum resources were inspired by the Museum’s Permanent Collection. Object information and images courtesy of the Aga Khan Museum. www.agakhanmuseum.org   

We are updating our resources! Please be patient if your often used link is currently unpublished as we update our work. 

Under the auspice of CODE, the Pulse Ontario Dance Conference was formed in 2006 as a three-day gathering with a mandate of bringing together stakeholders to bolster and advocate for dance education in the province of Ontario through enduring relationships between artists, youth, and educators. Pulse is returning to York University, in Toronto, May 10 - 13, 2018.

From October 13-15, 2017, The Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario will become home to drama and dance educators, artists and supporters.  This year's conference theme is 'Claiming Our Voices', and will provide delegates with a number of inspirational, informative and engaging workshops that will leave educators with a number of tools to bring back to their classrooms.  Whether you're new to Arts Education or a vet, read on to see how to register for 'Claiming Our Voices'.

Teachers get in free if they bring students to the matinee October 19th. Get your tickets for this production now.

 Join our conference Keynote, Artistic Director Trevor Copp  at his show: The Merchant of Venice for an end of summer treat!

CODE is thrilled to announce that the 2017 Conference page is live and accepting registrations for the 47th Annual Conference, Claiming Our Voices.  From October 13-15, Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario will become the place to be for drama and dance educators and artists! To learn more about the conference, read on!

As an artistic community who are heavily invested in the health of drama and dance education in Ontario, it is important to celebrate some of the great work being done with Pre-Service educators at the university level.  The importance of effective pedagogy in drama and dance education in Ontario Faculties of Ed. is vital to the future of these art forms in schools. Under the guidance of Professor Christine Jackson, pre-service student Jessamyn Polson has written a paper that explores the role that drama and dance can play in assisting with the exploration of potentially difficult themes and topics in an elementary setting.  Both Christine and Jessamyn have been kind enough to share their work with CODE. Read on for context and insight from Christine Jackson and to read the paper submitted by Jessamyn.A big thank-you to both for the exciting work you do on behalf of students and the arts.  Bravo!  

From March 3rd to 5th the CODE Management Board held our annual retreat in order to plan for the activities of the coming year, including the CODE Conference. One important priority this year is decolonizing our practice, updating, reflecting on and redefining our Equity lens. This year’s retreat was instrumental in furthering the new relationship between CODE and the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education Association of Ontario (FNMIEAO). The retreat was held on the territory of the Mississaugas of the New Credit, all hosted by Nancy Rowe at Akinomaagaye Gaamik: House of Learning.  Read on to learn about this incredible experience!