Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy announces fall classes

WATERLOO – The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy announced its fall class registration is now open, with early bird pricing available until July 31. 

The 12-week long sessions begin Sept. 10 with “more classes than ever,” officials stated.

The Fall Session will feature classes for preschool, kids, teens, adults and families focusing on musical theatre, improv, scripted, on camera acting, magic and prop making. 

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 great time and meeting new friends, officials state.

Since opening, the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy has continuously expanded its programs to engage people at every age and stage of life.

This fall the academy is expanding its offerings to children as young as 18 months. 

The Caterpillar Preschool program is a music theatre-skills based program for children ages 18 months to seven years.

This approach to learning offers an active, theatre-based curriculum which allows children the opportunity to develop a love of music, dance and character-based interaction while enhancing social skills and exploring talents at a young age.

“This fall, we are thrilled to offer even more opportunities for creative exploration and skills development,” states director of education and associate artistic director David Connolly. 

“As a registered charitable arts organization, our doors are open to anyone and everyone interested in exploring and honing their creativity while having tons of fun.” 

Connolly directed Drayton Entertainment productions, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Prom, Mamma Mia!, and Disney’s Newsies.

Show Tunes Wellness

The Show Tunes Wellness Classes: Show Tunes Stretch and Show Tunes Sweat will return this fall.

Show Tunes Wellness is for all ages, stages of life and fitness levels. 

These classes allow adults to discover the “transformative power” of mindfulness and activeness – all while moving to their favourite Broadway show tunes, officials state. 

Advanced training

The academy is introducing advanced training opportunities for students ages eight to 18.

Level two classes are available for acting, improv, and musical theatre and provide experienced students an opportunity to enhance their skills at an advanced level.

Auditioned company classes, The Drama Company and The Musical Theatre Company, are designed for advanced teens and will give students an opportunity to gain practical insight into what is required to produce and perform a play and/or musical.

Open house

The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy is hosting an open house on Aug. 18 from 10am to 3pm. 

Free improv, magic, musical theatre, and show tunes wellness classes will be offered to the public, registration is required. 

Families are also invited to register for a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the Northfield Production Centre.

To learn more and register visit draytonentertainmentyouthacademy.com/openhouse2024.