2024 Season Sponsor
ACT! SING! MOVE! LAUGH! LEARN!
After a nearly sold-out Fall Session, we’re thrilled to announce weekly classes for the Winter! Our 6-week long Winter Session are 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: Monday, January 8th – Saturday, February 17th, 2024
Cost: $96 + tax (that’s just $16 per class!)
Don’t miss out on 6 weeks of theatre fun and friends! We can’t wait to spend the winter with you at the Youth Academy–where you belong!
Click on the specific age below to register
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.
Family Discount
A 10% per class discount will be offered for each additional member of the immediate family from the same household, enrolled in any full term class for the same term. Discount applies to the person enrolled in the lower number of hours per week. This includes parents and grandparents.
Multi-Class Discount
Class fees decrease per additional class added per week by 10%, and continue to do so with each additional class.
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.
Musical Theatre Ensemble
Musical Theatre Ensemble is for anyone who loves to sing, move and act! This is our 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 Ensemble students will:
- Learn three musical theatre production numbers to develop their understanding of how to contribute to a performance
- Practice the basics of building unique characters through physical gestures, movement, and vocal techniques
- Become familiar with reading sheet music
- Enhance their sense of focus and remaining present while on stage
- Have fun, build trust, and meet new friends while working in a safe and collaborative space
Scripted Acting
Acting students are welcome to enroll in Scripted Acting. 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.
Scripted Acting students will:
- Work with various age-appropriate scenes to develop their understanding of building character through physical gestures, movement, and voice
- Enhance their sense of focus and remaining present while on stage
- Experiment with acting alongside a variety of other actors
- Have fun, build trust, and meet new friends while working in a safe and collaborative space
Improv
“Yes, and….!” Students will explore acting through improvisation, non-scripted storytelling, and drama-based games, all while learning through play, imagination, and spontaneity.
Students taking part in Improv will:
- Participate in various improvisation-based games to help develop their imagination and practice their creative skills in a safe and fun environment
- Enhance their sense of focus and remaining present in the moment
- Become more confident with taking risks and finding agreement with a variety of other actors
- Have fun, build trust, and meet new friends while working in a safe and collaborative space
Technical Theatre
Students of any experience level are welcome to enroll in our Technical Theatre Production class to gain insider knowledge and appreciation of what happens behind-the-scenes. This overview training will instill practical knowledge from a different department each week: lighting design, costume design and construction, props design and construction, set design with carpentry and paint, sound design, stage management, and more!
Students taking part in technical theatre will:
- Gain introductory practical experience in a variety of areas of technical theatre from working industry professionals
- Learn the basics of carpentry, scenic paint, props, wardrobe, stage management, lighting, and sound
- Examine the process of creating a live production from behind-the-scenes
This class is offered for ages 13+.
The Social Hour
Adults at all levels of experience are welcome to enroll in The Social Hour. It’s your chance to have fun, socialize and learn some moves that you can take onto the dance floor next time you’re out. Each week, the class votes on what style to do next… disco, line dancing, 80’s, musical theatre… the options are endless and all up to you! No dance training is required, just the desire to have fun in a pressure-free environment with like-minded people who like to move.
This class is offered for Adults.
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.
