Children have the opportunity to develop their flair for the dramatic at Toronto's DramaWay. This drama school offers an assortment of programs for kids ages three and up. Participants can specialize in a specific area of interest by selecting from an array of programs dealing with movement, dialogue, characterization and other dramatic elements. Students at the school regularly put on productions to showcase their developing skills to friends, family and others from the community. The staff is comprised primarily of working performers, allowing students to benefit from their teachers' industry experience. Participants can pay for an entire year of drama classes, or pay by the class. Classes are offered throughout the day, with most occurring in the evening so that students in school can easily participate.
DramaWay
11 Emmett Ave.
Toronto, ON M6M 2E3
(416) 614-1078
dramaway.com
The Bad Dog Theatre Company is a working theatrical troupe that specializes in comedy and improvisation. Along with an array of adult classes, the company offers a set of four youth classes, starting with the "Little Kids" Foundation Series, which is aimed at children between the ages of five and seven, and moving to the Teen Foundation series, which offers classes to high school students ages 14 to 18. A youth improv series is also available to help children age 8 through 17 in honing their off-the-cuff acting skills. All Big Dog classes occur on Saturdays and Sundays so that students can fit their drama practice in with their school schedule.
Bad Dog Theater Company
138 Danforth Ave.
Toronto, ON M4K 1N1
(416) 491-3115
baddogtheatre.com
The Youngest Shakespeare Company, which operates out of Toronto's New Allegro theater, offers professional style training to young actors. Children between ages seven and 18 can participate in voice, movement and speech training as they prepare to put on a Shakespeare production. Classes take place each Saturday and vary in emphasis. Students also have the opportunity to show their dramatic skills through participation in an annual holiday recital held at the theater. The Youngest Shakespeare company is administered by a non-profit organization, and all courses are taught by college trained drama professionals.
The Youngest Shakespeare Company
603 Shaw St
Toronto, ON M6G 3L5
(416) 588-8077
newallegro.com