Adults 19+ | Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy

For Adults and Seniors, the opportunities and benefits of enrolling in performing and technical arts classes with like-minded, highly imaginative peers are immeasurable. All of our programs are sure to develop transferable life skills like building confidence, improving listening and negotiating skills, encouraging creative problem solving and most importantly, making new friends in a positive, dynamic and fun environment.

Winter Session Classes

Acting

Adults

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.

Improv

Adults

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.

Musical Theatre

Adults

Musical Theatre (All Levels) is for anyone who loves to sing, dance and act! This class is perfect for all experience levels. Whether you’re brand new to musical theatre or a seasoned pro, this class is a perfect fit. Students will work as an ensemble to learn music and choreography to a wide range of age-appropriate musical production numbers from Broadway shows.

Family Musical Theatre

Ages 8+

Our Family Musical Theatre class is designed for the WHOLE FAMILY to sing, dance and have fun! This intergenerational, community-minded class is for budding musical theatre performers of any age and experience level. Participants will work as an ensemble to learn music and choreography to a wide range of musical production numbers from Broadway shows. Building on the fundamentals of singing, dancing, and acting, students will develop an understanding of choreography, reading sheet music, vocal production, and creating dynamic characters within the ensemble, all within a safe and judgement-free environment.

Technical Theatre

Ages 14+

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 Mood Board Creation, 3D Modeling, and Graphics and Props —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.

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On Camera Acting

Adults

On Camera Acting is designed to help young performers bring their own life and imagination to actual, age-appropriate TV, voice over and commercial scenes. All students will have time on camera and will work in an encouraging and respectful atmosphere with an experienced film/television/commercial/voice over actor instructor to learn specific and practical skills for auditioning for roles. Learning to use their instincts, adapt to different styles, and take direction are key components of this class.

Stage Combat

Adults

“En Garde!” This dynamic class introduces students to the art of stage combat, exploring the exciting world of safely choreographed fights for theatre. Through hands-on practice, students will learn techniques for punches, slaps, falls, and swordplay while emphasizing precision, safety, and storytelling. Participants will discover how physical action can heighten emotion, build character, and bring dramatic scenes to life in a controlled and creative environment.

Show Tunes Wellness

Show Tunes Sweat

Adults

Adults of all levels of experience are welcome to join us for Show Tunes Sweat! This one hour class will include a warm-up, an easy to follow cardio dance combination, and a cool down and stretch – all set to your favourite Broadway show tunes. Get sweaty with us as we sing, laugh and dance – it is the most fun you will ever have while working out!

Show Tunes Sweat drop-in classes are now available!

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Classes Booking as Single Appointments

Wedding Dances

Adults

Couples looking to incorporate personalized, easy to learn, beautiful to watch choreography into their big day can enrol in private wedding dance classes. Instructors will collaborate with the participants to select music and establish goals; from building rhythm and confidence to creating elaborate production numbers with the wedding party. Whether it be first dances, mother-son or father-daughter dances with long or short lead times, we’ll create meaningful moments with style and flair.

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.