The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy is now accepting applications to a Pre-Professional Triple Threat Advanced Training Intensive.
*Audition deadline is April 20!*
Ages: Pre-college and college students
Location: Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy (145 Northfield Dr. Waterloo)
Date: Monday, July 21 to Friday, July 25
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $395 plus tax
Family Discount: 10% discount for each additional member of the immediate family from the same household.
Multi Class Discount: 10% discount for each additional summer camp attended by the youth/teen.
Indigenous youth under 18 will receive free tuition for Youth Academy training programs. Read More
We strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, is able to participate. Inquire about our flexible payment plans and financial assistance programs.
About the Triple Threat Intensive
This auditioned course will select only 25 pre-college and college students who are serious about pursuing a career in the performing arts. Students will work with highly skilled, working industry professionals to learn four unique, song and dance production numbers in addition to participating in Virtual Broadway Mentor Q&A’s and special in-person workshops in acting through song, monologue performance, audition technique, agent relations, improv, theatrical intimacy, and more.
On the final night of the program, Friday, July 25, students will celebrate graduation by attending Drayton Entertainment’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge as part of their tuition.
Dormitory-style residence accommodations are available at The University of Waterloo in the Ron Eydt Village, a 10 minute drive from the Academy or 30 minutes on the LRT with rates starting at $64 per night. More information can be found here: https://uwaterloo.ca/catering-event-services/summer-accommodations
Classes will run from 9:00am – 4:00pm daily.
A typical day:
9:00am-10:15am First Class
10:15am-10:30am Break
10:30am-12:00pm Second Class
12:00pm-12:45pm Lunch
12:45pm-2:15pm Third Class
2:15pm-2:30pm Break
2:30pm-4:00pm Fourth Class
This intensive will be held at the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy, a state-of-the-art training facility at 145 Northfield Dr. Waterloo.
Announced Workshop Leaders and Teachers are subject to change.
Video Audition Requirements
In one YouTube video please include the following:
- One, under one minute personal statement explaining why you want to attend our Pre-Professional Triple Threat Training Intensive.
- One, under two-minute, solo musical theatre song that demonstrate vocal range, musicianship, and performance skills. The use of music tracks is acceptable.
- One, under two-minute monologue that demonstrates acting range, characterization, and performance skill. Please choose something that is age appropriate.
- One, under one-minute minute video of solo movement that demonstrates technique, flexibility, characterization, style and musicality. We are looking for willing performers who have a strong sense of storytelling through movement.
Click here for steps on how to upload your UNLISTED audition video to YouTube.
*Deadline is April 20!*
Audition Form
If you have any issues or concerns submitting this form, please email your materials to directly to youthacademy@draytonentertainment.com.
Virtual Workshop Leader
Jenna Bainbridge
Jenna Bainbridge is a New York city-based actor, singer, and disability rights advocate who was the first wheelchair user to originate a role in a new musical on Broadway, Suffs. She then went on to be the first authentically disabled person to play Nessarose in Wicked on Broadway.
When Jenna was 16 months old, she suddenly became paralyzed, and the cause of the paralysis has never been determined. Over time she regained mobility and strength, she now utilizes a wheelchair, cane, and crutches frequently, as well as walking unaided with a pronounced limp. Jenna hopes to normalize the experiences and existence of ambulatory wheelchair users through her acting. She says, “We can only accept and embrace our differences if we can publicly see and talk about them, and what is more public than the performing arts?”
In-Person Workshop Leaders
Heather Kosik
Heather is so jazzed to be joining the Pre-Professional Musical Theatre Intensive and is so looking forward to working with all of you! Heather’s last show with Drayton Entertainment was Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto in 2019 and she is so thrilled to be back for Jesus Christ Superstar this season. Most recently, Heather played Anne in La Cage aux Folles at the Stratford Festival. Other theatre credits include: Something Rotten, Richard II, Love’s Labour’s Lost, June/Roxie Hart u/s in Chicago, No One Is Alone: A Sondheim Celebration, Zaneeta Shinn in The Music Man, The Rocky Horror Show, Guys and Dolls, HMS Pinafore (Stratford Festival); Chris, Mrs. (Winter Garden); Mary Poppins (Grand Theatre); Rumspringa Break! (Grow) (CMTP/Theatre Sheridan); The Voices of Canada, We Are Canadian (Charlottetown Festival). Film/TV: Richard II (Stratford Festival, 2023). Recordings: Mickey in Favourite Daughter by Morgan Dick (audiobook). Heather is a graduate of the Music Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College. Along with performing, she also moonlights as a photographer (www.kosikphotos.com, @kosikphotos). Instagram: @heatherkosik.
Robert Markus
Robert is a Stratford based Actor and Singer. He is most recently known to audiences for performing the titular role in Dear Evan Hansen presented by Mirvish Productions with Stacey Mindich. Robert received a Toronto Theatre Critics Award and a Dora Award nomination for his portrayal of Evan.
Recently Robert played the role of Mark Cohen in The Stratford Festival’s production of RENT. Also at The Stratford Festival, he appeared as Calvin O’Keefe in A Wrinkle in Time.
Robert will be playing Jesus of Nazareth in Jesus Christ Superstar and played Mary Sunshine in Chicago (Drayton Entertainment). Selected other credits include Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat (Theatre Aquarius), Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar (Mayfield Theatre), Gabe in Next to Normal (Theatre Calgary and Citadel Theatre), Pinnochio in Shrek, and Denny in Dream a Little Dream (Grand Theatre), and appeared in productions at The Shaw Festival, Young People’s Theatre, Ross Petty Productions, and The Musical Stage Company.
Jade McLeod
Most known for their critically acclaimed run as Jo on the Broadway National Tour of Jagged Little Pill, Jade McLeod is a Toronto-raised, New York-based performer, writer, teacher and activist. Recently, their focus has been developing new work that centers queer stories, with shows such as A Trip To The Moon (Parkside Lounge, NYC), Wakeman (Village Theatre, Seattle), WINNER (New York Theatre Barn), and Half World (East Village Basement). As a teacher, they love helping students find their authentic voice, both in a technical sense and through a storytelling lens.
Chad McNamara
As a proud member of Canadians Actors Equity and ACTRA, Chad McNamara is best known for creating and originating the role of Rooney Doodle on the Juno and Gemini nominated series, The Doodlebops. As a Doodlebop, Chad has recorded 3 albums with Universal music and toured across North America playing sold out shows at Madison Square Garden and LA’s Staple Centre. Selected TV: Doodlbops (3 seasons (Disney/CBC), How to solve a Problem Like Maria (CBC), Bomb Girls (Bravo),Walt Disney Christmas Parade (ABC), The Ron James Show (CBC), The Today show (featured performer/NBC), Queer as Folk (Showcase). Director/Choreographer: Recent: The World premiere(s) of Let’s Dance and Let’s Bop (Terra Bruce Productions) Anne &Gilbert (Island Theatre festival, PEI), Rock of Ages, 9 to 5, the Musical, Disenchanted, Bitter Girl The Musical, American Idiot (Stephenville Festival) Regional: In Common, a new musical, The 25th… Spelling Bee, 9 to 5… the Musical, Legally Blonde, Rent, Crazy for you/ Fight choreography, The Canadian premiere of Be More Chill.
Adam Sergison
Adam is thrilled to join the Pre-Professional Musical Theatre Intensive! Recent credits include: Choreographer for Cabaret, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Al Green Theatre; Assistant Choreographer for Sheridan’s Mary Poppins, and Associate Choreographer for Musical Stage’s production of Kelly V. Kelly. Adam also choreographed Aqsarniit, the Charlottetown Festival’s historic Young Company performance, and was also the Assistant Choreographer to Linda Garneau for their production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Other choreographic works include Newsies, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, Little Mermaid, Anne of Green Gables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Spring Awakening (Randolph Theatre/LOT). Some selected performing credits include: Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, 9 to 5: The Musical, Music Man (Drayton); Swing in Rock of Ages (More Entertainment); Swing in Damn Yankees, Chitra, White Christmas, Holiday Inn (Shaw Festival); Otello, Tadzio in Death in Venice (Canadian Opera Company); Wizard of Oz, We Will Rock You (Mirvish), Elf (Theatre Aquarius); Jesus Christ Superstar, Charlie and Swing in Anne of Green Gables, Eddie in Mamma Mia! (Charlottetown Festival); Mr. Mistoffelees in Cats (Rainbow Stage); West Side Story (Neptune, Vancouver Opera) and An American Hymnal (Terra Bruce).
Additional Summer Guest Artists & Faculty
To Be Announced Soon!
A look back at our 2024 Pre-Professional Triple Threat Advanced Training Intensive
Virtual Workshop Leaders
Kerry Butler, who has appeared in twelve Broadway shows, is best known for originating the roles of Barbara Maitland in Beetlejuice, Penny Pingleton in Hairspray, and Clio/Kira in Xanadu, the latter of which earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical.
Butler also originated the role of Belle in the Toronto production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, which she later performed on Broadway. Other Broadway credits include Eponine in Les Misérables, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Penny Pingleton in Hairspray, Sherrie in Rock of Ages, Marianne in Disaster! and Brenda in Catch Me If You Can. She is a mother of two, accomplished teacher, plant enthusiast, musical theatre geek, Disney nerd, and believer in the power of laughter and the magic of music to bring people together. Her solo album is entitled Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust. Insta @KerryBulterCoach
Disney Casting Director, Dave Bennett
Dave Bennett became the Casting Director the Shanghai Disney Resort after a successful two-decade career as a talent agent. He represented actors for film, television and theatre, and directors, choreographers, music directors, writers, and composers for theatre.
In 1999, he opened a Manhattan talent office for a Canadian agency where he represented not only American talent but was also known for bringing the best of Canada to Broadway. He placed clients in supporting roles in TV and Film, and in leading/supporting roles in over three dozen Broadway and National Touring Companies including Book of Mormon, Chicago, Jersey Boys, Les Miz, Lion King, Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, Once, Phantom of the Opera, Rent, and Wicked.
Dave has a degree from Queen’s University and is a proud graduate of the Broadway Commercial Theatre Institute’s “Producing for the Commercial Theatre Intensive Program” (NYC).
In-Person Workshop Leaders
George Absi
George has been a professional dancer and choreographer for over 15 years. He was born and raised in Ottawa, ON where he trained in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap and Contemporary including A.D.A.P.T and R.A.D. He has danced for PSY, Deborah Cox, Kreesha Turner, Fefe Dobson, Aleesia and Classified, to name a few. George has appeared on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas, Once Upon A Time, Handmaid’s Tale, Shitt’s Creek, Breakfast Television, Threads, and most recently appeared on PBS Kids, “Let’s Go Luna” as “Hakim” a principal role. Theatre credits include: Beauty and the Beast, Neptune; Mamma Mia! (Dance Captain/ Asst Choreographer) Aquarius/ WCT; Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert (Canadian Premiere – Jimmy ), Sleeping Beauty, The Panto, Newsies (Buttons), Kinky Boots (Canadian Premiere – Angel/ Dance Captain) Drayton Entertainment. George landed the role of assistant choreographer in the upcoming motion picture “Slumberland” starring Jason Mamoa and was assistant choreographer for the brand-new show “Ukulele U” on CBC focussing on children’s learning and diversity.
Rachel Fairbanks
Rachel Fairbanks was most recently seen on Broadway in Lincoln Center Theatre’s Revival of Camelot (Dance Captain/Female Swing). Other Favorites include: Hoagy Carmichael’s Stardust Road (Off-Broadway: York Theatre Company & World Premiere: Temple Theatre), Cinderella (U/S Ella/ Gabrielle – 1st National Tour), First Wives Club (Young Elise/Patton – Chicago Premiere) as well as many shows regionally with NSMT and PCLO. BFA Musical Theatre: Penn State University. Originally from Boston, Rachel lives in NYC with her husband where they run their small business: @sparkandedge. You can follow along for updates and upcoming projects @rachelgeorgea
Kae Kae Lee
Malyssa Kae Lee (better known as “Kae Kae” Lee) discovered her passion for dance at just 7 years old, eventually joining Performing Dance Arts in Vaughan, training extensively in Jazz, Musical Theatre, Ballet, Acrobatics, Contemporary, Tap and Hip Hop.
Kae Kae’s talents began to take her across the world, taking on unique roles in various shows, such as Royal Caribbean’s Aqua production “The Fine Line”, Emmy award-winning Debra Brown’s “Brace Yourself” and Family channel’s “Big Ticket Summer Tour”. She has worked alongside artists such as Emeli Sande, Aloe Blacc, Natalie Imbruglia, Dave Stewart, and James Blunt, whilst touring with “Art on Ice” Switzerland, a show choreographed by Sean Cheesman.
Some of Kae Kae’s TV and film roles include Disney’s “Zombies 3” and “Spin”. Fox’s “What We Do In The Shadows”, Lifetime’s “A Christmas Dance”, CBC’s “Frankie Drake Mysteries”, and Family Channel’s “The Next Step”, as well as the music videos for artists including Rupaul’s Drag Race star, Priyanka, Liz Lokre, and Jade Eagleson. Kae Kae branched out into musical theatre appearing in Rock of ages as Dance Captain at Toronto’s Elgin Theatre, and various roles for Drayton Entertainment
Hailey Lewis
Hailey Lewis (she/her) is an Afro-Canadian triple-threat artist and graduate of the Music Theatre degree program at Sheridan College. Select Theatre credits include: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Mirvish); Alice in Winterland Virtual Panto (Ross Petty Productions); Hairspray (Drayton Entertainment & Theatre Aquarius); Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival); Mary Poppins (YPT); Shrek: The Musical (Globe Theatre); Grease (Irregular Entertainment); Prom Queen (Segal Centre). Select TV/Film credits include: The Boys (Amazon); Zombies (Disney); American Gods (Freemantel). Hailey is currently a “Standby Slayer” and dance captain for Mirvish’s production of Six: The Musical, while also teaching the first- and second-year Music Theatre Styles dance course at Sheridan. When not performing, you can find Hailey cuddling her dog Rigley, getting lost in a good book, facetiming her friends, spending time with her family (especially her mama) and eating lots of chips! As always: many thanks to her agency, her friends and most importantly her family for their on-going support and love. @haileyalexislewis
Nestor Lozano Jr
Nestor Lozano Jr is appearing as Tink in Wendy and Peter Pan and appears in Salesman in China during his second season at the Stratford Festival. Last year, he appeared there as Angel Dumott Schunard in Rent and Mrs. Whatsit in A Wrinkle in Time. Elsewhere: The Wizard in The Wizard of Oz: The Panto (Drayton Entertainment); Miss Understanding in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Stage West Calgary); Derrick in Peter Pan: The Panto (Neptune Theatre); Papa Ogre/Bear in Shrek The Musical (Globe Theatre). Training: Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance, Sheridan College; Wexford Performing Arts. Online: @nestorlozanojr.
Julia McLellan
Julia McLellan is a Canadian theatre performer currently in SIX the musical at Mirvish productions, alternating the roles of Jane Seymour, Katherine Howard, and Anne Boleyn. She has performed on stages across North America, including three companies of the Tony award winning hit Kinky Boots- at Mirvish, on the 1st national tour, and on Broadway. She has lead companies on some of Canada’s most prestigious stages, starring as Val Clark in The Stratford Festival’s A Chorus Line, originating the role of Persephone in the North American premiere of Mythic, and alternating the role of Dorothy Gale in the North American premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz.
Her stage career intertwines with her climate activism, as she is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Canadian Green Alliance, the national not-for-profit dedicated to bridging the gap between theatre and sustainability.
Vanessa Sears
Raised in Deep River, Ontario, Vanessa Sears is a Dora Award, Toronto Theatre Critics Award, BroadwayWorld Award and Critic’s Pick Award winning artist. She has starred on stages across Canada and recently made her Broadway debut as an original cast member of the new musical ‘New York, New York’ – working alongside legendary artists John Kander, Susan Stroman, and Lin-Manuel Miranda to name a few. During her time in NYC Vanessa performed on The Tony Awards, at 54 Below, The Green Room 42 and Classic Stage Company in addition to singing at many concerts and benefits. Currently, she is starring in the Stratford Festival’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ as Juliet, as well as playing Olivia in ‘Twelfth Night’. Vanessa’s previous acting credits include Mirvish, several seasons at the Shaw Festival, The Musical Stage Company, Soulpepper, Obsidian Theatre, Young People’s Theatre and more. Vanessa has also appeared in film and television on Suits, Sex/Life, Y The Last Man, and has starred in several movies like 14 Love Letters, Sappy Holiday and others. Next up, she will be making her Panto debut with Canadian Stage’s ‘Wizard of Oz’, causing chaos and mayhem as the Wicked Witch. Vanessa is also an emerging director, an educator, and serves on the board of the Canadian Green Alliance. Instagram @vanessa_sears
Anisa Tejpar
Anisa Tejpar (she/her), a Dora Mavor Moore Award winner, hails from Toronto and is a graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School. She has showcased her talent in performances of various choreographers including Guillaume Côté, Matjash Mrozewski, John Neumeier, Ginette Laurin, Mauro Astolfi, Peggy Baker, Robert Derosiers, Robert Glumbek, Roberto Campanella, D.A. Hoskins, James Kudelka, Christopher House, Hanna Kiel, and William Yong. Anisa has performed with esteemed dance companies such as Toronto Dance Theatre, Zata Omm, ProArteDanza, Against the Grain Theatre, and Human Body Expression.
Anisa is recognized as an Intimacy Coordinator and Director, with a particular focus on dance and dancers. She has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as The National Ballet of Canada, Ballet BC, and various film and television productions. Furthermore, Anisa serves on the Board of Directors for Canada’s National Ballet School as well as their Foundation Board. She has also made significant contributions to Dancing with Parkinson’s, where she has served as a choreographer and director for their Intergenerational Dance Project, which aims to connect youth and seniors through dance.
A look back at our 2023 Pre-Professional Triple Threat Advanced Training Intensive
In-Person Workshop Leaders
Paul Alexander Nolan
Originally from Rouleau, Saskatchewan, is currently playing Hugh Dorsey in the Broadway revival of Parade. Prior to that, he played Jim in the most nominated play in Broadway history, Slave Play. For his Broadway performances, he’s been recognized by the Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards. His Broadway debut was as Jesus in the revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, followed by Guy in the Tony Award-winning musical Once. Subsequent New York roles include Pasha/Strelnikov in Doctor Zhivago, Jervis in Daddy Long Legs, Jimmy Ray in Bright Star, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Tully in Escape to Margaritaville, Jim in Slave Play and Hugh Dorsey in Parade. Paul is a graduate of the Randolph College for Performing Arts who is an avid outdoorsman and huge hockey fan. @paulalexandernolan
Andrea Macasaet
Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, is currently playing Mimi in the Stratford Festival Production of Rent. Previously, she originated the role of Anne Boleyn in SIX on Broadway after appearing in the same role at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, American Repertory Theatre, The Citadel Theatre and The Ordway Center of Performing Arts. Andrea is a graduate from The Canadian College of Performing Arts whose other credits include Canadian productions of Heathers: The Musical, Avenue Q, Miss Saigon and Prairie Nurse. On TV and Film, you may recognize her from Propose We Never See Each Other… (Bed Bugs film); Ratatouille: The Musical (BCEFA); and Guest Performer appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The View, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Good Morning America, and the Today Show @andrea.cesyl.
Nestor Lozano Jr
Currently playing Angel Dumott Shunard in Rent and Mrs. Whatsit in A Wrinkle in Time at the Stratford Festival. Previously, he’s been seen as the Wizard/Wicked Witch U/S in Wizard of Oz: The Panto (Drayton Entertainment); Miss Understanding in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Stage West Calgary); Derrick in Peter Pan: The Panto (Neptune Theatre); Papa Ogre/Bear in Shrek The Musical (Globe Theatre); and Daddy Brubeck in Sweet Charity (Theatre Sheridan). Film/TV: Disasters at Sea (Discovery). Radio/Recordings: Guitar in Blues Clues & You! (Brown Bag Productions). Training: Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance, Sheridan College; Wexford Performing Arts. @nestorlozanojr
Jos N. Banks
a multi-award winning Visual/ Performing Arts Artist, Costume Designer, Stylist & Teaching Artist hailing from Chicago, IL. Tours: International (US, Canada, China & Singapore ) – KINKY BOOTS (Lola), North American/ Canadian – HAIR (Hud), THE COLOR PURPLE (Harpo). Regional: MS. BLAKK FOR PRESIDENT – Joan Jett Blakk & CHOIR BOY – Pharus (Steppenwolf), THE COLOR PURPLE (The Muny), SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD (Farmers Alley Theatre), Yale Dramatic Association, Drury Lane- Oak Brook, Paramount Theatre, The Second City, About Face Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, Congo Square, Windy City Playhouse, Farmers Alley, Raven Theatre, Apollo Theatre, Boho Theatre, Black Ensemble Theatre, Pride Films & Plays, Theo Ubique, Royal George, Open Door Rep, Strawdog Theatre & Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. Film: “Ocean” in Showtime’s “THE CHI”, “Dr. Greg Martinson” in Showtime’s “WORK IN PROGRESS” & Rise Against’ music video “Make It Stop” (Lead). @JosNBanks