ACT! SING! MOVE! LAUGH! LEARN!
We’re thrilled to announce our Winter Session weekly classes! Our 12-week long Winter Session is for anyone who wants to express themselves through the performing arts.
“We believe that participation in arts education is a fantastic way to develop creativity, imagination, confidence, focus, accountability, and the ability to apply constructive feedback… all while having a ton of fun and meeting new friends!”
Read more about our Academy Mission & Core Values.
Location: Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy (145 Northfield Dr W, Waterloo)
Term: Tuesday, January 7th – Sunday, April 6th, 2025 (No classes March 11th – March 16th)
Early Bird Pricing Available Until December 1st: $172.80 + HST (that’s just $14.40 per class!)
Cost: $216 + HST ($18 per class)
Interested in more than one? Class schedules are specially designed to allow students to participate in multiple types of classes if desired. 10% off family and multi-class discounts are offered at registration.
Indigenous youth under 18 will receive free tuition for Youth Academy training programs. Read More
We strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of financial circumstance, is able to participate in Academy classes. Inquire about our flexible payment plans and financial assistance programs.
Don’t miss out on 12 weeks of theatre fun and friends! We can’t wait to spend the Winter Session with you at the Youth Academy–where you belong!
To inquire about payment plans, bursaries, and tuition support please contact youthacademy@draytonentertainment.com.
To learn more click on the specific age below
Winter Session Classes
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre Class students will be invited to participate in a public performance on Monday, April 7. This showcase will also include the Drama Company and Musical Theatre Company participants.
Parents and/or guardians will be informed once tickets are on sale.
Musical Theatre 101
Musical Theatre 101 is for anyone who loves to sing, dance and act! This is our introductory triple threat class. Students will work as an ensemble to learn music and choreography to a wide range of age-appropriate musical production numbers from Broadway shows.
This class is offered for Kids, Youth, Teens, and Adults.
*No Application Required
Musical Theatre 201
Musical Theatre 201 is for students who have previously studied musical theatre and love to sing, dance and act! This is our advanced triple threat class. Students will work as an ensemble to learn music and choreography to a wide range of age-appropriate musical production numbers from Broadway shows. Building on the beginner fundamentals of singing, dancing, and acting, students will develop an understanding of choreography, reading sheet music, vocal production, and creating dynamic characters within the ensemble.
*Resume Submission Required. If selected, you will be sent a link to register.
Click here to apply for Musical Theatre 201.
Family Music Theatre
Our FAMILY MUSIC THEATRE class is designed for the WHOLE FAMILY to sing, dance and have fun! This brand new, intergenerational, community-minded class is for budding musical theatre performers of any age and experience level. Participants will work as an ensemble to learn music and choreography to a wide range of musical production numbers from Broadway shows. Building on the fundamentals of singing, dancing, and acting, students will develop an understanding of choreography, reading sheet music, vocal production, and creating dynamic characters within the ensemble, all within a safe and judgement-free environment.
Family Music Theatre is offered at 50% of the listed Session price to encourage multi family member enrollment.
Scripted Acting
Scripted Acting 101
Beginner acting students are welcome to enroll in Scripted Acting 101. Students will explore character development through text analysis techniques using age and level appropriate monologues from a wide range of published plays.
This class is offered for Kids, Youth, Teens, and Adults.
*No Application Required
Scripted Acting 201
Advanced acting students are welcome to enroll in Scripted Acting 201. Students will explore character development through text analysis techniques using age and level appropriate monologues and scenes from a wide range of published plays. Instructors will help students learn to break down clues within the script, and how those clues influence the way their character walks, talks, feels, and interacts with other actors in the play.
*Resume Submission Required. If selected, you will be sent a link to register.
Click here to apply for Scripted Acting 201.
Improv
Improv 101
“Yes, and….!” Beginner students will explore acting through improvisation, non-scripted storytelling, and drama-based games, all while learning through play, imagination, and spontaneity. A great, low-stress introduction to the basics of improv in a safe, collaborative space.
This class is offered for Kids, Youth, Teens, and Adults.
*No Application Required
Improv 201
“Yes, and….!” This advanced level class is for students who have taken improv classes before and wish to further explore acting through improvisation, non-scripted storytelling, and drama-based games, all while learning through play, imagination, and spontaneity. Students will practice being present in the moment, listening, taking risks, creating trust, and finding agreement in a safe, collaborative space
*Resume Submission Required. If selected, you will be sent a link to register.
Click here to apply for Improv 201.
On Camera Acting
On Camera Acting is designed to help young performers bring their own life and imagination to actual, age-appropriate TV, voice over and commercial scenes. All students will have time on camera and will work in an encouraging and respectful atmosphere with an experienced film/television/commercial/voice over actor instructor to learn specific and practical skills for auditioning for roles. Learning to use their instincts, adapt to different styles, and take direction are key components of this class.
Magic and Juggling
Students aged 8 – 10 are invited to join master illusionist DJ Carroll and special guests for this fast-paced, action-packed class that puts the fun in variety show FUNdamentals. Magic, juggling, clowning and a many other surprises await students of all levels. Through step-by-step guidance and hands-on practice, students will unlock the skills to create moments of wonder and astonishment.
This class if offered for Kids.
Puppet Power
This dynamic and engaging course introduces students to the magical world of puppetry through hands-on activities, creative exploration, and performance. Starting with an overview of “Puppets in Theatre,” students will engage with interactive presentations, trivia, and puppet exploration to spark curiosity. The course will focus on various styles of puppetry, including shadow puppets, sock puppets, and marionettes, allowing students to build and bring their creations to life. Through movement-based exercises, voice training, and improvisation, participants will develop storytelling and performance skills.
As the program progresses, students collaborate to design unique puppets, write, and storyboard original puppet plays. The course culminates in a Puppet Showcase, where students present their imaginative creations and stories. This immersive experience nurtures creativity, teamwork, and confidence while celebrating the art of puppetry. Learn all this and more from puppeteer Will Parry, who brought Toto to life in Drayton Entertainment’s 2022/23 production of Wizard of Oz: The Panto.
Don’t let your strings hold you down—SIGN UP TODAY!
Technical Theatre
Students of any experience level are welcome to enroll in our Technical Theatre Production course. Led by industry professionals, this course will focus on three units of study: Stage Management, Lighting & Sound, and Set Design. Technical theatre students will have the opportunity to learn and gain practical insight into what happens behind the scenes of a successful production.
Audition Preparation for the Singing Actor
This course is designed to help singing actors, connect to their audition songs in meaningful ways and receive new, custom chosen audition material. Topics will include song selection, script and score analysis, gesture and body awareness and managing performance anxiety. Students will work to balance healthy vocal production with bringing truth and specificity to the circumstance of the character. Each class will include a professionally led vocal warm-up followed by one-on-one coaching in a group setting with a live accompanist and director.
Company Classes
We’re thrilled for the return of our auditioned Drama and Musical Theatre Company Classes which will present a public performance on Monday, April 7.
The Drama Company and Musical Theatre Company will each present a 30-minute program as part of a public performance following the conclusion of the Winter Session. This showcase will also include all Musical Theatre Classes.
*Attendance at the technical rehearsals and performances are mandatory for the Drama Company and Musical Theatre Company participants.
Parents and/or guardians will be informed as soon as tickets are on sale.
The Drama Company
We welcome advanced acting students wishing to gain practical insight into how plays are rehearsed and performed by working with a professional Director to produce an in-studio presentation of excerpts of plays.
Advanced acting teens are welcome to audition by submitting a self-tape of two contrasting monologues under 2 minutes each. In this Pre-Professional Production Program, performers will hone acting, leadership, and teamwork skills while making friends and having fun.
The Musical Theatre Company
We welcome advanced musical theatre students wishing to work with a professional creative team to produce an in-studio concert of favourite, challenging musical numbers and scenes.
Advanced musical theatre teens are welcome to audition by submitting a self-tape of one song and one movement piece under 2 minutes each. In this Pre-Professional Production Program, performers will hone acting, leadership, and teamwork skills while making friends and having fun.
The Caterpillar Program
Our Caterpillar Preschool Program is a diverse, music theatre-skills based program for children ages 18 months to 7 years. We believe that children learn through experience – and with us, children will be able to experience learning through their bodies so they can remember it in their minds. Our integrated approach to learning offers an active, theatre-based curriculum which allows children to develop a love of music, dance, and character-based interaction while developing social skills and talents at a young age.
During each lesson, children will participate in creative dance, movement, and storytelling while enjoying music and drama games filled with imagination and creativity. The goal of the four-level program is to enhance each child’s overall development by advancing gross and fine motor skills and improving social, cognitive, and emotional awareness in an environment of affection, support, encouragement, and understanding.
Classes offered through this program include SKIPPERS (18 months to 3 years), SWALLOWTAILS (3 to 4 years), ANGELWINGS (4 to 5 years), and MONARCHS (6 to 7 years)
Show Tunes Wellness
Personal transformation and FUN for all ages and stages of life! If you love Broadway Show Tunes and Movie Musical Hits, whether you want to stretch or sweat, our Show Tunes Wellness classes are here to help.
Show Tunes Stretch
Adults of all levels of experience are welcome to join us for Show Tunes Stretch! This one hour class will guide you through a variety of yoga-inspired stretches – all set to a relaxing repertoire of Broadway show tunes. This class seeks to bring harmony to the body by linking movement and breath resulting in greater peace of mind.
Show Tunes Sweat
Adults of all levels of experience are welcome to join us for Show Tunes Sweat! This one hour class will include a warm-up, an easy to follow cardio dance combination, and a cool down and stretch – all set to your favourite Broadway show tunes. Get sweaty with us as we sing, laugh and dance – it is the most fun you will ever have while working out!
For more information, visit Show Tunes Wellness
Session Testimonials
“Learning from these incredible, professional actors and hearing their journeys and advice was really inspiring. All of a sudden, things seem possible for her in new and exciting ways. I can’t thank you enough.”
– Parent
“Because of the acceptance and inclusivity he experienced at the Academy, we really felt that we had gotten our son back after a long season of very difficult times. The Pandemic was particularly hard on him and we believe he finally found his place and his people. Thank you for your leadership and passion.”
– Parent
“The building is such a welcoming space and really feels like a second home to my child! Everyone was so friendly and kind throughout the weeks and super welcoming to the parents too. We’ll be back!”
– Parent
Conduct Policies
Please refer to our DEYA Code of Conduct to familiarize yourself with our conduct policies prior to the start of classes.
