Spare a thought, if you will, for poor, poor theatre.

In this age of long-form television, blockbuster films and digital doo-daddery, live theatre tends to get a little overlooked. It's kinda like the Cinderalla of human narrative. Hardworking, honest, and totally hot. Problem is, she's being oppressed by evil stepsisters who have way fancier clothes.

But once a year, theatre gets the fairy godmother treatment and gets to step out in style in carriage that used to be a pumpkin. I've clearly carried this Cinderella too far, and I'll abandon it now. But here's the point: today is World Theatre Day, and there's some nifty stuff going on around town that will give you a chance to celebrate all the theatrical goodness our city has to offer.

And goodness knows, Toronto theatre could use a little lovin'. There's been plenty of gloom and doom of late, so it's nice to remember Toronto has a vibrant theatre community that creates some world-class work.

So, how to make the most of WTD? Try these on for size:

-The Goethe Institut Toronto and the Playwrights Guild are hosting a World Theatre Day Social and Reception. The event features a play reading and a conversation with international theatre artist Jagoda Marinic. The festivities will get underway tonight, 6:30PM, at 54 Wolseley St.

-Theatre Museum Canada will be launching their new exhibit at the Palladian Lounge, Elgin Theatre (189 Yonge St.). It's all about Ted Korol, and his influence on both the Winnipeg and Canadian theatre scenes. A reception will be held from 5:30 to 7:00, with an educational panel to follow.

Also, several of Toronto's big theatres are marking WTD with some special Pay-What-You-Can performances:

-Tarragon Theatre: Democracy, by Michael Frayn, on Sunday, March 30 at 2:30PM.

-Theatre Passe Muraille: Last Days of Graceland, by Franca Miraglia, on Sunday, March 30 at 2:30PM.

-Factory Theatre: The Mansfield Project, by Dean Gilmour and Michelle Smith, on Sunday, March 30 at 2:30PM.

-Canadian Stage Company: Fire, by Paul Ledoux and James Young, on Monday, March 31 at 8:00PM.

So, get out there, see some plays, drink some reception booze, and take a moment to appreciate theatre and all it does for Toronto. It may not have the glitz of Hollywood, but our city would be much poorer without it.

Photo: Alice in Wonderland by blogTO pooler firststream.