Rooted in belonging, Drayton Entertainment delivers a profoundly new and positive approach to performing and technical arts education.
Learn MoreClasses by Age
Everybody Belongs Here
Our aim is to help dismantle systemic constructs which serve as cultural, financial, and physical barriers to representation and participation in arts education.
Learn MoreOur Facility
Upstairs at our 10,000 square foot training facility, you’ll find four rehearsal halls with natural light, wall-to-wall mirrors, wood sprung floors, state-of-the-art sound and screen systems, and a water bottle hydration station. The main floor features tutorial classrooms, a choral music room …. and a green room with kitchen homework bars with laptop connections!
Every training space of the Academy is equipped with real-time digital video surveillance, broadcast to monitors in our waiting area. The Academy’s technical arts training programs will be made available through Drayton Entertainment’s adjacent Production Centre. An elevator and exterior ramp, with two inclusive washrooms and accessible hallway configurations, ensure barrier-free access for everyone.
Transformation
The symbolism of the butterfly found in our logo is universally related to its journey that starts crawling and ends flying. Our curriculum of classes is designed to align with the idea of a butterfly’s powerful transformation, metamorphosis, growth, learning and endless potential.
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.
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.
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.
News
Apr 07, 2025

Winter Session Showcase
Congratulations to ALL of our incredible students, staff, faculty, volunteers, and parents whose dedication and support made this sold-out performance a night to remember.
Learn MoreMar 15, 2025

March Break Broadway Boot Camps
This year, we expanded to FIVE locations, bringing our theatre magic to even more aspiring triple threats!
Learn MoreFeb 14, 2025

The Caterpillar Program!
The kids in our Caterpillar program kept warm through February singing, dancing, hopping, and storytelling with lots of friends and lots of hand stamps.
Learn MoreJan 13, 2025

A Christmas Carol: The Panto Children’s Chorus
We are so proud to see our Youth Academy students shining on stage as part of the children’s chorus in A Christmas Carol: The Panto.
Learn MoreDec 10, 2024

Fall Session Showcase
Thank you to EVERYONE who made our Fall Session Showcase such a warm and wonderful success.
Learn MoreNov 18, 2024

The 2024 KW Santa Claus Parade
This year over 40 students joined us in the KW Santa Claus Parade!
Learn MoreOct 31, 2024

An Ozian PD Day Event
This October, we hosted a one-day Ozian PD Day event and workshop, welcoming more than 60 kids through our Youth Academy doors
Learn MoreSep 30, 2024

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy announces that starting September 30th, 2024, all Indigenous youth under 18 will receive free tuition for training programs.
Learn MoreAug 26, 2024

Pre-Professional Triple Threat Intensive
Our Triple Threat Intensive welcomed 25 auditioned performers who participated in a week-long of training led by the Youth Academy’s Director of Education, David Connolly.
Learn MoreJul 26, 2024

EPIC Summer Camps
We offered Summer Camps full of theatre kid fun and friendship at FIVE locations across Ontario!
Learn MoreJun 17, 2024

FUTURE LEADERS
In June, we were thrilled to launch our enrichment leadership program training for 23 participants, selected by application.
Learn MoreMay 20, 2024

WHAT’S NEW?
The Youth Academy is always looking to expand and improve our class offerings and learning opportunities!
Learn MoreApr 07, 2025

Winter Session Showcase
Congratulations to ALL of our incredible students, staff, faculty, volunteers, and parents whose dedication and support made this sold-out performance a night to remember.
Learn MoreMar 15, 2025

March Break Broadway Boot Camps
This year, we expanded to FIVE locations, bringing our theatre magic to even more aspiring triple threats!
Learn MoreFeb 14, 2025

The Caterpillar Program!
The kids in our Caterpillar program kept warm through February singing, dancing, hopping, and storytelling with lots of friends and lots of hand stamps.
Learn MoreJan 13, 2025

A Christmas Carol: The Panto Children’s Chorus
We are so proud to see our Youth Academy students shining on stage as part of the children’s chorus in A Christmas Carol: The Panto.
Learn MoreDec 10, 2024

Fall Session Showcase
Thank you to EVERYONE who made our Fall Session Showcase such a warm and wonderful success.
Learn MoreNov 18, 2024

The 2024 KW Santa Claus Parade
This year over 40 students joined us in the KW Santa Claus Parade!
Learn MoreOct 31, 2024

An Ozian PD Day Event
This October, we hosted a one-day Ozian PD Day event and workshop, welcoming more than 60 kids through our Youth Academy doors
Learn MoreSep 30, 2024

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy announces that starting September 30th, 2024, all Indigenous youth under 18 will receive free tuition for training programs.
Learn MoreAug 26, 2024

Pre-Professional Triple Threat Intensive
Our Triple Threat Intensive welcomed 25 auditioned performers who participated in a week-long of training led by the Youth Academy’s Director of Education, David Connolly.
Learn MoreJul 26, 2024

EPIC Summer Camps
We offered Summer Camps full of theatre kid fun and friendship at FIVE locations across Ontario!
Learn MoreJun 17, 2024

FUTURE LEADERS
In June, we were thrilled to launch our enrichment leadership program training for 23 participants, selected by application.
Learn MoreMay 20, 2024

WHAT’S NEW?
The Youth Academy is always looking to expand and improve our class offerings and learning opportunities!
Learn MoreApr 07, 2025

Winter Session Showcase
Congratulations to ALL of our incredible students, staff, faculty, volunteers, and parents whose dedication and support made this sold-out performance a night to remember.
Learn MoreMar 15, 2025

March Break Broadway Boot Camps
This year, we expanded to FIVE locations, bringing our theatre magic to even more aspiring triple threats!
Learn MoreFeb 14, 2025

The Caterpillar Program!
The kids in our Caterpillar program kept warm through February singing, dancing, hopping, and storytelling with lots of friends and lots of hand stamps.
Learn MoreJan 13, 2025

A Christmas Carol: The Panto Children’s Chorus
We are so proud to see our Youth Academy students shining on stage as part of the children’s chorus in A Christmas Carol: The Panto.
Learn MoreDec 10, 2024

Fall Session Showcase
Thank you to EVERYONE who made our Fall Session Showcase such a warm and wonderful success.
Learn MoreNov 18, 2024

The 2024 KW Santa Claus Parade
This year over 40 students joined us in the KW Santa Claus Parade!
Learn MoreOct 31, 2024

An Ozian PD Day Event
This October, we hosted a one-day Ozian PD Day event and workshop, welcoming more than 60 kids through our Youth Academy doors
Learn MoreSep 30, 2024

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy announces that starting September 30th, 2024, all Indigenous youth under 18 will receive free tuition for training programs.
Learn MoreAug 26, 2024

Pre-Professional Triple Threat Intensive
Our Triple Threat Intensive welcomed 25 auditioned performers who participated in a week-long of training led by the Youth Academy’s Director of Education, David Connolly.
Learn MoreJul 26, 2024

EPIC Summer Camps
We offered Summer Camps full of theatre kid fun and friendship at FIVE locations across Ontario!
Learn MoreJun 17, 2024

FUTURE LEADERS
In June, we were thrilled to launch our enrichment leadership program training for 23 participants, selected by application.
Learn MoreMay 20, 2024

WHAT’S NEW?
The Youth Academy is always looking to expand and improve our class offerings and learning opportunities!
Learn More