Technical Theatre

Location: Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy (145 Northfield Dr W, Waterloo)
Term: Tuesday, April 8th – Sunday, June 29th, 2025
Early Bird Pricing Available Until March 9th

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.

Technical Theatre

Discover the artistry and craftsmanship that bring theatre productions to life in this hands-on technical theatre class! Through three immersive units, participants will gain practical skills in scenic carpentry, special effects makeup, and wardrobe and wigs —essential elements of stage production. This course is designed with flexibility in mind, offering participants the option to purchase individual units or commit to the full 12-week session, which includes all three units.

Unit 1: Scenic Carpentry

Design, construct, and paint your own set piece using real scenic tools and techniques. With a focus on safety and creativity, students will gain essential carpentry skills while crafting a unique project to take home—a piece of the stage magic they helped create!

Saturdays: April 12, April 19, April 26, May 3

Early Bird Bundle Price: $172.80 for all 12 weeks
Purchase 3 Unit Bundle: Kids/Youth and Teens/Adults
Early Bird Single Unit Price: $64 for 4 weeks
Purchase Unit 1: Kids/Youth and Teens/Adults

Unit 2: Special Effects Makeup

Dive into the art of stage makeup with a focus on special effects techniques. From aging and injuries to fantastical creatures, students will practice creating stunning visual effects that enhance storytelling on stage.

Saturdays: May 10, May 17, May 24, May 31

Early Bird Bundle Price: $172.80 for all 12 weeks
Purchase 3 Unit Bundle: Kids/Youth and Teens/Adults
Early Bird Single Unit Price: $64 for 4 weeks
Purchase Unit 2: Kids/Youth and Teens/Adults

Unit 3: Wardrobe and Wigs

Explore the world of theatrical costuming, including fabric selection, alterations, and garment construction. Students will learn how to manage quick changes, maintain costumes, and bring characters to life through wardrobe design and styling. Students will also learn basic wig creation, styling, and maintenance demonstrating replicable steps that participants can practice and use.

Saturdays: June 7, June 14, June 21, June 28

Early Bird Bundle Price: $172.80 for all 12 weeks
Purchase 3 Unit Bundle: Kids/Youth and Teens/Adults
Early Bird Single Unit Price: $64 for 4 weeks
Purchase Unit 3: Kids/Youth and Teens/Adults

Meet Your Instructors

Unit 1: Scenic Carpentry – Kevin Lucas

Kevin Lucas began his journey with Drayton Entertainment in 2008 as a props builder. In 2011, he rose to the position of Props Master, a role he held until his retirement in 2023. Over his 15-year tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping the visual world of the theater’s productions. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative craftsmanship, Kevin ensured that every prop added depth to the performances on stage. His contributions were integral to the success of countless productions, making him a respected and valued member of the Drayton team.

Unit 2: Special Effects Makeup – DJ Carroll

DJ Carroll is a director, performer, and magician with over 30 years’ experience in stage combat, improvisation, magic, juggling, special effects makeup and interactive comedy. For 24 of those years, DJ was a high school drama teacher and special education specialist with degrees in both Theatre and Education. He owns and operates the magic and entertainment company, Theatricks, and has led The Battle of Ontario Magicians, The Robin in the Hood Medieval Festival, as well as the Blythe and St Jacobs Harry Potter Festivals. He was the Shakespearean Teacher of the Year at the National Shakespeare Festival for 2010 and 2011, and is the proud recipient of a Waterloo Region Arts Award for Performing Arts.

Unit 3: Wardrobe and Wigs – Julia Holbert

Drayton Entertainment: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, You’ll Get Over It … The War Show (2019), The Rain Maker (2018), Out of Order (2018), Office Hours (2017). Other Theatre: Costume Designer: The Haunting of Hungerford (Tweed & Co., 2019); Stalkyard Hurts (Tweed and Co., 2015). Associate Designer: Wendy and Peter Pan (Stratford Festival, 2024); Assistant Designer: Henry VIII, Mother’s Daughter, Nathan the Wise (Stratford Festival, 2019); Macbeth (Stratford Festival, 2016); She Stoops to Conquer (Stratford Festival, 2015). Film/TV: Reacher Season 1 and 2 (Amazon Prime; Costume Assistant).

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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