Technical Theatre

Location: Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy (145 Northfield Dr W, Waterloo)
Term: Saturday, September 27th – Saturday, December 20, 2025

*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.}

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.

Unit 1: Props Making

Explore the creative process of prop building during this intensive, hands-on twelve-week course. Discover how to start from a drawing or image and progress to a completed object using different materials, techniques and methodology.

Students will practice and expand on behind-the-scenes skills including how to build a prop suited to the needs of a production using different materials and techniques; create a small-scale sculpture with plasticine; build a foam prop weapon using a variety of materials and techniques; create a sampler of fake prop food and other props that are yours to keep at the end of the course.

Saturdays: September 27, October 4, October 18, October 25

Bundle Price: $172.80 for all 12 weeks
Purchase 3 Unit Bundle: Kids/Youth (8 – 13) and Teens/Adults (14+)
Single Unit Price: $80.00 for 4 weeks
Purchase Unit 1: Kids/Youth (8 – 13) and Teens/Adults (14+)

Unit 2: Scenic Paint

This introductory scenic painting course explores the essential techniques and tools used in theatrical set design. Students will learn about the role of scenic painting in production, practice faux finishes like wood, stone, and brick, and explore visual illusions through perspective techniques. Hands-on activities include brush control exercises, texture painting, and a trompe-l’œil project. The course culminates in a final scenic panel and group critique, with guidance on next steps for continued learning in the field.

Saturdays: November 1, November 8, November 15, November 22

Bundle Price: $172.80 for all 12 weeks
Purchase 3 Unit Bundle: Kids/Youth (8 – 13) and Teens/Adults (14+)
Single Unit Price: $80.00 for 4 weeks
Purchase Unit 2: Kids/Youth (8 – 13) and Teens/Adults (14+)

Unit 3: Wardrobe and Costume

Step behind the scenes and discover the magic of costumes in this fun and interactive wardrobe course. From sketch to stage, students will learn how costumes are planned, organized, and brought to life. Try your hand at labeling costumes, sewing quick fixes, setting up quick-change stations, and even running a backstage wardrobe track just like the pros do. Whether you dream of designing, dressing performers, or just love theatre, this course gives you a hands-on look at the exciting world of costume and wardrobe backstage.

Saturdays: November 29, December 6, December 13, December 20

Bundle Price: $172.80 for all 12 weeks
Purchase 3 Unit Bundle: Kids/Youth (8 – 13) and Teens/Adults (14+)
Single Unit Price: $80.00 for 4 weeks
Purchase Unit 3: Kids/Youth (8 – 13) and Teens/Adults (14+)

Instructors Coming Soon!

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.