Kids 8-10 | Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy

March Break

Disney on Broadway Boot Camp

Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20

Learn FOUR major production numbers from classic Disney musicals. Performers will receive practical insight into how big musical numbers are rehearsed and performed while they work with professional artists to produce a showcase of classic Disney showstoppers. Building on the fundamentals of singing, acting, and movement, students will develop an understanding of reading sheet music, vocal production, choreography and creating dynamic characters within the ensemble. The Final Showcase will be presented on Friday, March 20. In addition, students will attend Master Classes with industry professionals in workshops such as Stage Combat, Audition Technique and On Camera Acting.

Available in Waterloo (Ages 8-11)

Fall Session Classes

Musical Theatre

Ages 8-10

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.

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.

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Acting/Improv

Ages 8-10

Acting/Improv 101
“Yes, and….!” Beginner students will explore acting and improv 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.

Acting/Improv 201
“Yes, and….!” This advanced level class is for students who have taken acting and 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.

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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 8-13

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 Props Making, Scenic Paint, and Wardrobe and Costumes —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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Other Events

K-Pop PD Day

Ages 8 - 11

On Monday, November 17, the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy is thrilled to welcome special guest instructors Nina and Nancy from 3Dz Studio for a high-energy K-Pop PD Day designed for students ages 8 – 11 and 12 – 16! From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, this full-day experience is packed with K-Pop-inspired fun, including singing, dancing, and a variety of creative activities.

Participants will learn music, choreography, and performance techniques from their favourite K-Pop movies, plus enjoy some lunchtime fun with karaoke! The day will wrap up with an end-of-day performance where students can show off their new skills to family and friends.

No previous experience is required – just come ready to move, sing, and shine! Spaces are limited, so register soon to secure your spot in this one-of-a-kind PD Day event.

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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.