youth 11-13 performing

Youth

11 - 13

Winter Session Classes

Scripted Acting

Ages 11-13

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.

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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.

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Improv

Ages 11-13

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.

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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.

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Musical Theatre

Ages 11-13

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.

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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.

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Family Music Theatre

Ages 8+

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.

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On Camera Acting

Ages 11-13

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.

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PUPPET POWER

Ages 8-13

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.

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March Break Broadway Boot Camps

Disney on Broadway Boot Camp

Monday, March 10 to Friday, March 14

Learn FOUR major production numbers from classic Disney musicals. Performers will receive practical insight into how big musical numbers are rehearsed and performed while they work with professional artists to produce a showcase of classic Disney showstoppers. Building on the fundamentals of singing, acting, and movement, students will develop an understanding of reading sheet music, vocal production, choreography and creating dynamic characters within the ensemble. The Final Showcase will be presented on Friday, March 14. In addition, students will attend Master Classes with industry professionals in workshops such as Stage Combat, Audition Technique and On Camera Acting.

Available in Cambridge (Ages 6-13), Drayton (Ages 6-13), and Waterloo (8-11)

Broadway Blockbusters Boot Camp

Monday, March 10 to Friday, March 14

Learn FOUR production numbers from mega-hit Broadway shows. Performers will receive practical insight into how big musical numbers are rehearsed and performed while they work with professional artists to produce a showcase of hit Broadway songs and scenes. Building on the fundamentals of singing, acting, and movement, students will develop an understanding of reading sheet music, vocal production, choreography and creating dynamic characters within the ensemble. The Final Showcase will be presented on Friday, March 14. In addition, students will attend Master Classes with industry professionals in workshops such as Stage Combat, Audition Technique and On Camera Acting.

Available in Grand Bend (Ages 8-16), Penetanguishene (Ages 8-16), and Waterloo (Ages 12-18)

Testimonials

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This environment is free of judgment and full of love. Thank you for always pushing us and reminding us how important, valued and powerful we all are.

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I can’t thank you enough for the courage, independence and kindness you help to instil in my kids.

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Although my Dad never spoke of it to Evan or me, he was a little hesitant with the dance stuff and then theatre stuff… but then he came out of the Panto that Evan was in crying, so happy that Evan had found a place where he felt like he belonged.

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As parents we got to ride this high with our son. We got to see him, for the first time, totally come into himself, for the first time, pure happiness. Something changed, he has changed….thank you.

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This was the most amazing theatre experience I’ve had to date, and I’ve had a LOT! It’s the first time I’ve felt like I really belonged because you made such an inclusive environment.

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Thank you! She walked away with more confidence about body image, an even deeper love of everything “theatre” and huge love and respect for her community!

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The patience David shows to the children is perfect! As a teacher I recognize that this man was made to work with kids!! The way he speaks to kids makes them believe they can do anything!!!

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This is where I want to be. I get to learn from Broadway performers who are performing at a theatre right next door but more importantly, I’ve made lifelong friends. Even the audition process is awesome. Drayton has helped me grow not only as a performer, but as a person.

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My son has done lots of programs and I think he felt the most at home here. The children and staff were the most inclusive of any I’ve encountered.

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Each and every day he arrived at Huron Country Playhouse, he knew he was stepping into a place where his passions and dreams were going to be honoured, respected and encouraged.

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Kids (and even adults!) really have fun and learn skills, responsibility, and teamwork here. David Connolly (Director of Education) is a fantastic leader.

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The two musical theatre classes I attended were a lot of fun and I enjoyed them tremendously.

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I have thoroughly enjoyed the adult classes at DEYA. It is a great opportunity to get creative with like-minded peers in a judgment-free environment: singing, dancing, acting and even improv! I love that Drayton is giving us adults a chance to live the theatre dream and learn new skills from talented instructors.

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The staff involved had an incredible ability to push the kids outside of their comfort zones to try new things and take risks. Most of all, they were able to teach kids to embrace differences and that it’s okay to be different.

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