Mr Mark Original music, family shows and serious silliness for young audiences.

Requirements vary with the production. At minimum, I need a suitable performance area, access to electrical power and reasonable load-in access. I can provide my own sound system for many performances. Larger theatre productions may require projection, lighting and technical support.

Please provide the approximate performance area, audience capacity and seating arrangement, available sound/lighting equipment, electrical access, load-in route and parking. For theatres, information about available technical staff and projection facilities is also helpful.

I can provide a PA system suitable for many school, library, festival and community performances. Theatre productions may use the venue's sound, lighting and projection systems, with technical requirements confirmed in advance.

It depends on the production. Singamajiggin' can work in a relatively compact performance area. The Adventures of J.S. Box requires a larger performance area appropriate to the production. Workshops require an open space with room for the participants to play together, plus approximately 15–20 chairs for a group of 30–40 children. Tell me about your venue and group size and I'll help determine the best setup.

That's a difficult one. I've performed with symphony orchestras, at major children's festivals, theatres, schools and libraries across Canada. Some of my favourite performances have been with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, where I've had the chance to combine original music, theatre, ridiculous ideas and a full orchestra. But honestly, a room full of kids completely caught up in the play can be just as memorable.

Anywhere kids and families are ready to play. I love theatres and festivals, but I've had wonderful shows in libraries, schools and community spaces too. Give me an audience willing to sing, make some noise and use their imaginations and I'm happy.

I spent 28 years as a percussionist and accompanist at Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, creating music for dancers every day. Along the way I began creating my own shows for children, combining original songs, percussion, unusual instruments, theatre and a healthy amount of silliness. More than 20 years later, those shows have taken me to festivals, theatres, schools, libraries and symphony orchestras across Canada.

I don't really perform at kids — I play with them. My shows combine original music, percussion, strange instruments, theatre and a lot of imagination, but the audience is always part of what happens. Kids sing, make noise, make choices and sometimes take over completely. I bring more than 20 years of experience performing for young audiences, but I still believe the best things happen when we're willing to play.

Setup depends on the production. Singamajiggin' usually requires about 45 minutes to set up and performances are typically 45–60 minutes. The Adventures of J.S. Box requires considerably more setup time because of the staging, props and technical requirements. Workshops are generally 60–75 minutes and can be combined with a 45-minute Mr. Mark show.

Absolutely. I regularly perform outdoors at festivals and community events. I need a flat, dry performance area, protection from rain and direct sun, and access to power. Wind can also be a consideration for some productions and props.

Energetic, original, inclusive and highly interactive. Presenters often mention my ability to connect with children, invite their participation and keep both kids and adults engaged. One of my favourite descriptions is simply: “Kids love Mr. Mark.”

Yes. I regularly adapt performances and workshops for different ages, group sizes, venues and events. A library program, school workshop, outdoor festival and theatre performance don't need exactly the same thing. Tell me who the audience is and what you're planning, and we'll figure out what fits.

I offer several different experiences for young audiences: Singamajiggin' is an interactive music show filled with original songs, percussion and unusual instruments; The Adventures of J.S. Box combines music, theatre, projection and a very large cardboard box; and Oh Those Drums! is a hands-on junk orchestra experience where the kids become the musicians.

Most of my work is created for children and families, with the exact age range depending on the production. I regularly adapt performances and workshops for different ages and settings. Tell me about your audience and I can recommend the best fit.