
Location: Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy (145 Northfield Dr W, Waterloo)
Term: Tuesday, September 23rd – Sunday, December 21st, 2025
*Please note that there will be no classes on October 11 and October 12 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. As a result, the final Saturday class will be held on December 20.
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 Fall Session with you at the Youth Academy–where you belong!
To inquire about payment plans, bursaries, and tuition support please contact youthacademy@draytonentertainment.com.
The Drama Company
The Advanced Teen Drama Company is a 12-week intensive for teens aged 14 – 18 who are serious about their craft and up for a challenge. Participants will dig into scene work, character development, movement, and ensemble work—all alongside professional artists and a group of peers who share your passion.
Throughout the program, students will push their limits, take creative risks, and grow as a performer in a supportive, high-energy environment. The session wraps up with an in-studio performance showcase—a chance to share hard work, process, and progress with friends and family.
Audition required. Bring your talent, your curiosity, and your drive. Let’s make something unforgettable together
Ages: 14-18
Application Deadline: July 30th
Early Bird pricing for submission received prior to July 1st: $345.60 + HST
Rehearsals will take place for three hours each Sunday, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Video Audition Requirements
In one UNLISTED YouTube video please include two contrasting monologues, under 2 minutes each.
Click here for steps on how to upload your UNLISTED audition video to YouTube.
Application Deadline: July 30th
Drama Company Application
Drama Company Schedule
Meet The Director
The Drama Company Director – Stacy Smith
Stacy Smith(she/her) is a Genie nominated performer, educator and coach. She has been a professional actor for over 25 years, working in theatres throughout the country and has worked extensively in television and film, with recurring roles on TV in “Rookie Blue” as Zoe Shaw and Sex & Violence starring Olympia Dukakis. Other select film/tv credits include: Law & Order Criminal Intent(Toronto), Monica’s News, Accused, Frankie Drake Mysteries, The Handmaids Tale, Designated Survivor, Murdoch Mysteries, The Detail, Sebastian, Flight of The Butterflies, Blackbird, Jessie Stone, Robson Arms, Relative Chaos, Blessed Stranger, Single Mom, Marion Bridge, Secrets Of Autumn, Wake, Running Into Edna, October 1970, Call Me Fitz, A Town Without Christmas, Heart of A Stranger and The Daily Blade. Theatre experience includes shows with Drayton Entertainment, Theatre Aquarius, Neptune Theatre, Here For Now, Ships Company, Theatre New Brunswick, Atlantic Theatre Festival, Luna Sea, Off The Leash and Mermaid Theatre. Presently faculty includes Fanshaw College, Acting For Screen and Stage and Theatre Aquarius Theatre School. Other teaching experience includes St. Claire College, The Stratford Festival, Neptune Theatre School, Mohawk College, The Ivey Business School, Dalhousie University, The Foundation for Education, Huron Waves Festival as well as Stacy Smith Coaching which offers online on camera classes and personalized coaching. Stacy is a member of the association of acting coaches and educators.

The Improv Company
The Improv Company is an advanced-level training program designed for dedicated teen performers looking to deepen their improvisation skills through weekly rehearsals and performances. 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.
Ages: 14-18
Complete the intent to audition form below by July 30th.
Early Bird pricing for submission received prior to July 1st: $230.40 + HST
Rehearsals will take place for two hours each Saturday, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Audition Requirements
Admission to our Advanced Improv class is by audition only. If you’re interested in joining, please reach out to us with a brief email expressing your intent to audition. Be sure to include your performance resume or a summary of your improv and theater experience. We’re especially interested in your training background, past teams or shows you’ve been a part of, and any specialized skills you bring to the ensemble.
Once we receive your materials, we’ll follow up with details about the upcoming audition date, what to expect in the audition room, and any preparation you may need to do in advance.
Improv Company Schedule
The Advanced Musical Theatre Company
We are thrilled to introduce the Junior Musical Theatre Company (aged 8 – 13) and Senior Musical Theatre Company (aged 14 – 18), designed to offer young performers a dynamic, challenging, and professional training experience. Our mission is to nurture talent, ignite creativity, and build confidence—both on and off the stage.
The 2025 Fall Musical Theatre Companies will present Disney’s Dare to Dream JR. on stage at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge on January 18th, 2026.
Junior Advanced Musical Theatre Company (ages 8–13)
Senior Advanced Musical Theatre Company (ages 14–18)