Now
Ongoing Work
Our journey continues with "Many Happy Returns", "Whomst've?!", and several more immersive shows, currently in development.
Thanks for joining us!
Many
Happy
Returns
At Toronto Fringe Festival 2026
Come check out our award-winning, immersive time-travel show:
Rewrite history at this smash hit, immersive time travel adventure, Winner of No Proscenium’s 2025 Audience Award for Outstanding Immersive Work!
Time Travellers, your mission: infiltrate and manipulate a 1926 New Year’s Eve speakeasy, retrieving ten historical artifacts - or stay trapped in a time loop. Dress to impress, secure a cocktail, make new friends, and team up for this thrilling escapade!
Every choice reveals novel timelines; no two missions are alike - return to uncover more secrets!
30-minute cocktail reception to meet co-operatives, 60-minute caper! 19+
Check out our trailer:
"I had such an amazing time at this production... These performers are masterful... If you're feeling like a fun and glamourous night out, Many Happy Returns is the show for you!... You definitely don't want to miss out on Many Happy Returns."
-Janine Marley, A View from the Box
"The brilliance of Many Happy Returns lies in the many branches of the story... A genuine sense of camaraderie as we unlocked pieces of the puzzle... a time loop I'd happily experience over and over and over again."
-Katrina Lat, Toronto Curator, No Proscenium
"Better than an escape room!"
-Audience Testimonial
What We Do
At BEARS! In The City!, we strive to create a unique world of joy through play, comedy, and abandon for ourselves and our audience. Aiming to become a giant tree on the entertainment landscape.
Our mission: To enlighten, entertain, and inspire.
Our Story
BEARS! In The City! is a Toronto-based multimedia production company.
We are proud of having Queer leadership, sharing compelling stories with integrity, and we're passionate about anti-oppression.
2025
No Proscenium "Immie" Award
For "Many Happy Returns", we were honoured to receive the 2025 No Proscenium "Immie" Audience Award for Outstanding Immersive Work, nominated alongside such giants as Disney, Meow Wolf, and Netflix.
2021
Immersive Collaborations
Since 2021, BEARS! In The City! has collaborated with immersive behemoth IntrigueX, adapting a series of immersive shows for Toronto audiences, including our current show, "Many Happy Returns". We are thrilled to have founding member, Anjali Rai, back on the team as a starring cast member in "Many Happy Returns", among other fantastic performers (Programme).
2020
Whomst've?!
In 2020, Julie teamed up with longtime friend and artist, Sky Wyatt (in Vancouver), to begin development of the detective comedy TV series, "Whomst've?!", which is currently seeking co-producers and networks for development.
2014
Multi-media expansion
From 2014 onward, Julie has continued to develop our portfolio, inclduing the creation of short films, PSAs, and cabaret-style shows, featuring our ever-popular lead character, little bear.
2013
First Tour
In 2013, we toured our first devised show, "Sorry 'Bout That.", to acclaim, at Fringe festivals across Canada.
2012
Foundation
Founded in 2012 by good friends and theatre co-conspirators, Julie Cohn and Anjali Rai, BEARS! In The City! began with a passion for conservation and bear antics.
Our bear-related works have a mandate to donate proceeds to bear conservation efforts.
Many
Happy
Returns
At Toronto Fringe Festival 2026
Come check out our award-winning, immersive time-travel show:
Rewrite history at this smash hit, immersive time travel adventure, Winner of No Proscenium’s 2025 Audience Award for Outstanding Immersive Work!
Time Travellers, your mission: infiltrate and manipulate a 1926 New Year’s Eve speakeasy, retrieving ten historical artifacts - or stay trapped in a time loop. Dress to impress, secure a cocktail, make new friends, and team up for this thrilling escapade!
Every choice reveals novel timelines; no two missions are alike - return to uncover more secrets!
30-minute cocktail reception to meet co-operatives, 60-minute caper! 19+
Check out our trailer:
"I had such an amazing time at this production... These performers are masterful... If you're feeling like a fun and glamourous night out, Many Happy Returns is the show for you!... You definitely don't want to miss out on Many Happy Returns."
-Janine Marley, A View from the Box
"The brilliance of Many Happy Returns lies in the many branches of the story... A genuine sense of camaraderie as we unlocked pieces of the puzzle... a time loop I'd happily experience over and over and over again."
-Katrina Lat, Toronto Curator, No Proscenium
"Better than an escape room!"
-Audience Testimonial
Upcoming
Whomst've?!
Detective comedy TV series in development!
Past Works
Stepping into the (Un)known
Immersive experience guiding self-exploration. Lineups around the block!
Goldi-un-lock-ed
little bear gets even.
Sorry 'Bout That.
The ice caps are melting. Bears must come to the city. Get into it.
