Acting/Improv | Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy

Location: Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy (145 Northfield Dr W, Waterloo)
Term: Tuesday, January 13th – Sunday, April 12th, 2026*
Cost: $216 + HST ($18 per class)

*Please note that there will be no classes the week of March 15 – March 21, 2026.

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.}

Acting/Improv 101

“Yes, and….!” Beginner students will explore acting and improv through improvisation, scripted and 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.

*No application required

Kids (8-10)

Youth (11-13)

Acting/Improv 201

“Yes, and….!” Advanced students will explore acting and improv through improvisation, non-scripted storytelling, and drama-based games, all while learning through play, imagination, and spontaneity. Students will refine their instincts, sharpen their comedic timing, and push creative boundaries through high-level ensemble work, grounded storytelling, and challenging improv games.

This class is offered for Kids aged 8-10 and Youth aged 11-13.

*Resume Submission Required. If selected, you will be sent a link to register.

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Teen Acting/Improv

“Yes, and….!” Students will explore acting and improv through improvisation, scripted and non-scripted storytelling, and drama-based games, all while learning through play, imagination, and spontaneity. Students will refine their instincts, sharpen their comedic timing, and push creative boundaries through ensemble work, grounded storytelling, and improv games.

Click here to learn about our advanced offerings: The Drama Company and Improv Company.

Teens (14-18)

Adult Acting

Individuals of all skill levels are welcome to enroll in Scripted Acting. In this class, students will explore character development through text analysis, working with age- and level-appropriate monologues selected from a diverse range of published plays.

Adults (19+)

Adult Improv

Yes, and….!” This dynamic class invites actors of all levels to explore the art of improvisation through non-scripted storytelling, drama-based games, and spontaneity. Whether you’re new to improv or looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll grow in a supportive, collaborative environment that encourages creativity, quick thinking, and bold choices.

Adults (19+)

The Drama Company

The Drama Company welcomes advanced acting students wishing to gain practical insight into how plays are rehearsed and performed by working with a professional director to produce an in-studio presentation of excerpts of plays on Sunday, April 12.

Advanced acting teens aged 14-18 are welcome to audition by submitting a self-tape of two contrasting monologues under 2 minutes each. In this Pre-Professional Production Program, performers will hone acting, leadership, and teamwork skills.

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Improv Company

The Improv Company is an advanced-level training program designed for dedicated teens aged 14-18 performers looking to deepen their improvisation skills through weekly rehearsals, performances, and competitive opportunities. Students will train in short-form and long-form improv, character work, team collaboration, and quick thinking, preparing them to perform in showcases and potentially compete in improv festivals or tournaments.

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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.