DARE TO…ACT! SING! MOVE! LAUGH! LEARN!
We’re thrilled to announce our Fall Session weekly classes! Our 12-week long Fall Session is for anyone who wants to express themselves through the performing and technical arts.
“We believe that participation in arts education is a fantastic way to develop creativity, imagination, confidence, focus, accountability, and the ability to apply constructive feedback… all while having a ton of fun and meeting new friends!”
Read more about our Academy Mission & Core Values.
Location: Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy (145 Northfield Dr W, Waterloo)
Term: Tuesday, September 23rd – Saturday, December 13th, 2025*
Early Bird Pricing Available Until July 1st: $172.80 + HST (that’s just $14.40 per class!)
*Please note that there will be no classes on October 11 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.
To learn more click on the specific age below
Fall Session Classes
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre 101
Musical Theatre 101 is for anyone who loves to sing, dance and act! This is our introductory triple threat class. Students will work as an ensemble to learn music and choreography to a wide range of age-appropriate musical production numbers from Broadway shows.
This class is offered for Kids and Youth.
No Application Required
Musical Theatre 201
Musical Theatre 201 is for students who have previously studied musical theatre and love to sing, dance and act! This is our advanced triple threat class. Students will work as an ensemble to learn music and choreography to a wide range of age-appropriate musical production numbers from Broadway shows. Building on the beginner 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.
This class is offered for Kids and Youth.
Resume Submission Required. If selected, you will be sent a link to register.
Click here to apply for Musical Theatre 201.
Musical Theatre (All Levels)
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.
This class is offered for Teens and Adults.
No Application Required
Family Musical Theatre
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.
Family Musical Theatre is offered at 50% of the listed Session price to encourage multi family member enrollment.
Please note: All Fall Session Musical Theatre classes will culminate in an in-studio sharing for family and friends during their final class. (Not in a Hamilton Family Theatre Showcase as we did for the last two sessions.) Details will be communicated to parents in advance.
Acting
Acting 101
Beginner acting students are welcome to enroll in Scripted Acting 101. Students will explore character development through text analysis techniques using age and level appropriate monologues from a wide range of published plays.
This class is offered for Kids* and Youth.
No Application Required
Acting 201
Advanced acting students are welcome to enroll in Scripted Acting 201. Students will explore character development through text analysis techniques using age and level appropriate monologues and scenes from a wide range of published plays. Instructors will help students learn to break down clues within the script, and how those clues influence the way their character walks, talks, feels, and interacts with other actors in the play.
This class is offered for Kids* and Youth.
Resume Submission Required. If selected, you will be sent a link to register.
Click here to apply for Scripted Acting 201.
Acting (All Levels)
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.
This class is offered for Teens and Adults*.
No Application Required
*Please note: Kids and Adults Improv combines elements of Acting and Improv.
Please note: all Fall Session Acting classes will culminate in an in-studio sharing for family and friends during their final class. Details will be communicated to parents in advance.
Improv
Improv 101
“Yes, and….!” Beginner students will explore acting through improvisation, 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.
This class is offered for Kids* and Youth.
No Application Required
Improv 201
“Yes, and….!” This advanced level class is for students who have taken improv classes before and wish to further explore acting through improvisation, non-scripted storytelling, and drama-based games, all while learning through play, imagination, and spontaneity. Students will practice being present in the moment, listening, taking risks, creating trust, and finding agreement in a safe, collaborative space
This class is offered for Kids* and Youth.
Resume Submission Required. If selected, you will be sent a link to register.
Click here to apply for Improv 201.
Improv (All Levels)
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.
This class is offered for Teens and Adults*.
No Application Required
*Please note: Kids and Adults Improv combines elements of Acting and Improv.
Please note: all Fall Session Improv classes will culminate in an in-studio sharing for family and friends during their final class. Details will be communicated to parents in advance.
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: Props Making
Saturdays: September 27, October 4, October 18, October 25
Unit 2: Scenic Paint
Saturdays: November 1, November 8, November 15, November 22
Unit 3: Wardrobe & Costumes
Saturdays: November 29, December 6, December 13, December 20
Broadway Beat With Chad
Broadway Beat With Chad is your weekly dose of sweat, style, and serious Broadway vibes! Each class dives into a different musical or choreographic style—from old-school showbiz classics to today’s biggest stage hits. One week it’s sharp Fosse jazz, the next it’s can-can kicks or full-out theatre jazz—no two weeks are the same! You’ll build technique, boost musicality, and bring your performance game to the next level, all while dancing hard and having a blast. Come ready to move, sweat, and have some serious fun living your best Broadway life!
This class is also available for drop-ins. It is perfect for those craving flexibility and fun, single-drop-in classes let you jump into the Broadway action—no long-term commitment required.
This class is offered for Teens.
The Caterpillar Program
Our Caterpillar Program is a diverse, music theatre-skills based program for children ages 18 months to 7 years. We believe that children learn through experience – and with us, children will be able to experience learning through their bodies so they can remember it in their minds. Our integrated approach to learning offers an active, theatre-based curriculum which allows children to develop a love of music, dance, and character-based interaction while developing social skills and talents at a young age.
Classes offered through this program include SKIPPERS (18 months to 3 years), SWALLOWTAILS (3 to 4 years), ANGELWINGS (4 to 5 years), and MONARCHS (6 to 7 years)
Show Tunes Wellness
Personal transformation and FUN for all ages and stages of life! If you love Broadway Show Tunes and Movie Musical Hits, whether you want to stretch or sweat, our Show Tunes Wellness classes are here to help.
Show Tunes Stretch
Adults of all levels of experience are welcome to join us for Show Tunes Stretch! This one hour class will guide you through a variety of yoga-inspired stretches – all set to a relaxing repertoire of Broadway show tunes. This class seeks to bring harmony to the body by linking movement and breath resulting in greater peace of mind.
Show Tunes Sweat
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!
Drop-In Classes
In addition to our regular 12-week Show Tunes Wellness classes, we are excited to offer single drop-in classes! These are the perfect option for those seeking flexibility and fun. With no long-term commitment required, you can sign up for individual Stretch and/or Sweat classes at your convenience.
This class is offered for Adults.
For more information, visit Show Tunes Wellness
Advanced Training Opportunities
Junior & Senior Musical Theatre Company
Our Advanced Musical Theatre Company is expanding! Following the overwhelming success of our Advanced Teen 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. This 60-minute, high-energy production follows a group of eager new recruits on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. As they embark on a journey of discovery, they learn how dreams—both big and small—can unite, inspire, and make the impossible possible.
Featuring a thrilling blend of timeless classics, contemporary hits, and fresh medleys, this heartfelt revue will delight Disney fans of every generation and aligns perfectly with the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy’s mission to empower youth through bravery and belonging.
The Drama Company
The Drama Company welcomes advanced acting teens 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.
This class is offered for ages 14-18.
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.
This class is offered for ages 14-18.
Session Testimonials
“Learning from these incredible, professional actors and hearing their journeys and advice was really inspiring. All of a sudden, things seem possible for her in new and exciting ways. I can’t thank you enough.”
– Parent
“Because of the acceptance and inclusivity he experienced at the Academy, we really felt that we had gotten our son back after a long season of very difficult times. The Pandemic was particularly hard on him and we believe he finally found his place and his people. Thank you for your leadership and passion.”
– Parent
“The building is such a welcoming space and really feels like a second home to my child! Everyone was so friendly and kind throughout the weeks and super welcoming to the parents too. We’ll be back!”
– Parent
Conduct Policies
Please refer to our DEYA Code of Conduct to familiarize yourself with our conduct policies prior to the start of classes.
