Youth Academy Capital Campaign | Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy

Help us transform an industrial building into a 10,000 sq. ft. theatrical arts incubator and community hub for youth! Your support will help with:

DEMOLITION, as the current interior will be stripped back to reimagine its purpose in meeting the needs of youth today, and the generation to follow.
INSTALLATION, as new internal walls will define space and maximize the floorplan, while new windows and wiring will meet safety standards.
ACCESSIBILITY, as the installation of an elevator, exterior ramp, accessible washroom, and hallway reconfigurations will ensure barrier-free access for everyone.
ENHANCEMENTS, such as sprung dance floors, mirrors, lighting, and performance instruments will create a professional arts environment in which to learn, experiment, and perform.

Lead Gifts

We applaud those Lead Gift donors for their incredible support towards our $3 million fundraising goal. Please click here for a list of all Campaign Donors.

Willy Heffner & John Heffner Families

$500,000+

Brad Carr & Susan Wagler and Family

$250,000

Mike & Hennie Stork

$250,000

Graham & Silke Flint

$150,000

Adam & Kendra Green and Family

$150,000

Ontario Trillium Foundation

$100,000

Enabling Accessibility Fund

$50,000

Duncan & Susan MacGregor

$50,000

John & Lynda Moseley-Williams

$50,000

Ab & Bonnie Hesselink

$25,000

Alex & Jackie Mustakas

$25,000

KW Community Foundation Lyle Hallman Fund

$20,000

City of Waterloo

$15,000

Families of The Youth Academy Advisory Committee

$15,000

Shawky & Kathie Fahel

$15,000

Braden Kurczak and Family

$12,500

Brent & Jennifer Thiessen

$10,000

Elizabeth Hampson

$10,000

Jean Elliott

$10,000

Marcia Haworth

$10,000

Strassburger Windows & Doors

$10,000

Judith Tiivel

$10,000

Cheryl Yuill

$10,000

How To Give

Online: To donate online please choose a giving level below, and you will be linked to the Drayton Entertainment website to complete your donation. Alternatively, you may call our friendly Box Office at 1-855-372-9866.

Mail: Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy, 145 Northfield Dr. W., Unit C, Waterloo, ON N2L 5J3 Drayton Entertainment Charitable Business Number 12591 1313 RR0001

Tax Receipts: Tax receipts are issued for the full value of all donations. Payment plans are available at select giving levels.

Giving Levels

Youth Academy Grassroots Gift

$50 - $249

Support our new Youth Academy

Donate

Youth Academy Founders Gift

$250 - $2,500

Support our new Youth Academy

Donate

For donations over $2,500, please contact:

Lindsay Bellaire
Development Manager
Phone: (519) 621-5511 ext. 239
Email: lindsay@draytonentertainment.com

Testimonials

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.