Behind the Scenes at SMASH: A New Season Takes Shape
Walk past our studios on any weekday afternoon this fall and you'll hear it: warm-ups echoing down the hall, a chorus number being run one more time, and a room full of performers counting "five, six, seven, eight." A new SMASH season is taking shape.
Back in the studio
The first weeks of a season are some of our favourites. Returning performers reconnect with friends they haven't seen all summer, and new students find their place in a cast. It doesn't take long for shy hellos to turn into inside jokes.
Learning the work
Right now, our performers are:
- learning music and building harmonies as an ensemble
- picking up choreography, one count at a time
- getting to know their scripts, pencils in hand for every note
- playing improv and character games that make each story feel real
It isn't always glamorous. Some steps take ten tries and some lines just won't stick. That's the point. Learning to keep going when something is hard is one of the biggest things theatre teaches, and it's something our performers carry into the classroom, friendships and everyday life.
The first show of the season is close
Our Elf The Musical JR. performers are deep in rehearsals ahead of their run at the Genesis Theatre from November 27 to 29, 2026. Expect a little holiday chaos, the very best kind.
We'll be sharing more behind-the-scenes moments as the season unfolds. Follow along on Instagram at @smashperformingartsstudio, and SMASH families can find more photos in the Parent Portal.