Songs and smiles on the Cathedral lawn

The Calithumpians theatre troupe has been entertaining audiences in Fredericton for over forty years, and in 2020, its headquarters moved to Cathedral Memorial Hall.

For the last three summers, the Cathedral lawn has been filled with the sights and sounds of children participating in drama day camps. Kids and teens spend each weeklong camp singing, dancing, acting and playing outdoor games.

According to the Calithumpians' website, "The troupe is named after an ancient tradition wherein young people, dressed in costume and disguise, paraded through the streets celebrating and making joyous noise."

Drama camps are offered between Canada Day and Labour Day for kids between 6 and 14 years old, and scholarships are available. With the support of local business sponsors, children from families with limited financial means are given the opportunity to attend camp with the fee waived. The camps foster creativity and confidence, and since 2011, over 500 children have benefited from the scholarship program. Spaces are still available for August 2022, so reach out for more information.

In addition to camps, each day at 12:15 p.m., the public is invited to watch a free, family-friendly musical theatre performance outside the Cathedral. Four shows are rotated throughout the summer, each showcasing local issues and historic figures in a a humorous way. On Fridays, the campers also perform a short play before the performing troupe launches into its show.

The Calithumpians also perform in other downtown Fredericton locations. The repertoire includes guided walking and motorcoach tours, historical interpretation, training and consultation, school visits and workshops, dinner theatre, and Haunted Hikes.

View the performance and tour schedule.