Performance Program: Grade 1-8
Choose the class that works for you…
Tuesday 5:30-8pm in West Markham at the Gibson Centre, 105 Gibson Dr.
Thursday 5:30-8pm in Scarborough at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto
Find out why both parents and kids RAVE about this unique, specialized program! For anyone who begins Grade 1-8 in September, no previous experience necessary! Students learn & rehearse a musical, and perform a fully staged show at the end of each session. Costumes, sets, lights, microphones, and a 626 seat audience at our beautiful venue… it’s a true theatre experience! Each student receives individual coaching and direction, as well as scripts, written activities, tracks, video tutorials, and everything they need in order to put in additional time rehearsing at home. The learning continues outside of class!
We’re known for meeting each individual where they are, and helping them to feel comfortable stepping outside of their comfort zone. We coach students to embrace new challenges, which not only amounts to personal growth, but quickly builds community across the group. Each 2.5 hour weekly class is jam-packed with fun and learning. But more importantly, the values and soft skills acquired with each new session are immeasurable.
Students in grade 8 can choose which program they prefer; this 3 session Performance Program, or the September-May Teen Program. Get in touch for details and to discuss what might be best for your child.
Click here for all class, rehearsal and show dates for the year.
Please note that there is one Saturday date for each session where a mandatory rehearsal takes place.
For the final two classes of each session, class days will vary for the final dress rehearsal and show.
These two final rehearsals, and the show, will be at the Chinese Cultural Centre for ALL students.
For the June show, Tuesday students will need to miss an afternoon of school for stage rehearsal on Monday June 14th 2027.
Three Unique Show Experiences!
Trolls The Musical JR.
Fall Session 2026- Performance Friday December 11th 2026
(The TU and TH groups come together for this performance)
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Our students will be among the first in Canada to perform this super fun brand new musical!
Trolls JR. is based on the irreverent DreamWorks Animation movie franchise and features a colorful, wondrous world populated by hilariously unforgettable characters. The show follows the overly optimistic Trolls, constantly with a song on their lips, and the comically pessimistic Bergens, who are only happy when they have Trolls in their stomach.
The Troll thespians in Poppy’s company live by their motto: the show must go on. But when a tyrannical foreign emissary arrives in Bergenland, expectations are raised, forcing the Trolls to totally rework their show or risk being served up in the name of diplomacy by a Chef rehired and out for revenge.
Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture
In association with Universal Theatrical Group
Book & Lyrics by Krista Knight
Original Music & Lyrics by Joriah Kwamé
TROLLS THE MUSICAL JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). www.MTIShows.com
Winter Gala- “Let Us Entertain You”
Winter Session 2027- Performance Tuesday March 2nd 2027
(The TU and TH groups come together for this performance)
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In order to provide the most well-rounded experience for our students across the school year, our Winter Session is focused on building theatre and performance skills, and includes a workshop with a special guest artist! Students get to explore music from shows that we wouldn’t normally touch on when we’re busy learning a full musical. They’ll build their knowledge and repertoire exploring various scenes, monologues, music, and choreography! The final performance is a showcase of all that they have learned, with an entertaining theme and music that will have the audience singing along from their seats!
This year in “Let Us Entertain You” students will explore songs, scenes, and stories of KIDS on Broadway. Learn more about famous roles played by kids such as Matilda, Billy Elliot, Oliver, Little Red (Into The Woods), Jojo (Seussical), Gavroche and Young Cosette (Les Mis), Von Trapp Kids (Sound Of Music).
The Claw
Spring Session 2027- Performances Tuesday June 15th (Tuesday Cast) and Wednesday June 16th (Thursday Cast)
(The TU and TH groups each do their own show. This may change depending on the number of students enrolled)
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Every year we do an original Beat By Beat Musical, and without fail, these shows are favourites among both the performers, and the audience! We can’t take to dive into the world of “The Claw”!
When an out-of-order claw game suddenly turns back on, all of the toys are ecstatic! Well… all of the toys except for Dot, a terrified stuffed cow. Dot’s desperate to hold onto her home and her best friend, Aiden. Can Dot conquer her fear of the unknown with some help from the Flair Bears, Mighty Mutant Power Turtles, Beanie Elders, and the all-knowing Mystical 8-ball?
By Denver Casado, Jessica Penzias, Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm, Christyn Budzyna & Jack Mitchell
Presented through special arrangement with Beat by Beat Press (www.bbbpress.com)
FEES
Fall Session (13 Weeks)
$1115.00 +hst
Winter Session (9 Weeks)
$850.00 +hst
Spring Session (13 Weeks)
$1115.00 +hst
TRIPLE THREAT PAYMENT PLAN: Get the biggest discount (and the most growth for your child!) when you commit to all three sessions! Pay $268.00 +hst per month September-June (plus sibling discounts where applicable). Save $452.00 for the school year! If you enroll in all three sessions, we'll be in touch to set this up.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Save $30.00 on any session that you register for between June 10th-19th 2026. No advance payment needed. Can't be used with the Triple Threat payment plan.
SIBLING DISCOUNT:
$50.00 per session (2nd child and beyond)
Click here for full Terms + Conditions
What’s Included?
Costumes, sets, and props (as needed for each story we tell)
Scripts, music tracks, rehearsal videos, and other resources - A weekly email will guide students for home rehearsals
Extra 1:1 coaching time as needed for those who take roles with featured singing parts
Pizza lunch during our Saturday full day rehearsals
Tickets to the final shows will be available through Eventbrite, and are only $25 each
Optional community performances are also included when possible (Santa Claus Parade, Music Festivals, etc)
Our shows are generally about 1 hour in length, and you’ll see your child acting in their own role, singing, and dancing throughout!
Fall, Winter, and Spring Sessions each culminate in a different musical production - the learning never stops!
Additional Learning Opportunities
Mark your calendars!
Each school year, students aged 8 and up have three exciting opportunities to learn from inspiring guest artists! These workshops are designed to build confidence, enhance skills, and foster meaningful connections with like-minded peers from across the province. Open to a range of experience levels, they’re a fantastic way to grow. We strongly encourage all Performance Program students to take full advantage of these dynamic and enriching experiences!
November 6th & 8th 2026- Find Your Light: Youth Theatre Experience
February 15th 2027- Family Day Community Workshop with a special guest
March 29th 2027- Easter Monday Community Workshop with a special guest
Performance Program: Teens
Wednesdays 5:30-8pm at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto
Designed for students in Grade 8 and up, this advanced performance program offers a more professional musical theatre experience and serves as a natural next step from our Grade 1-8 Performance Program. Anyone interested in this program should first read the “Commitment Contract” that we ask all families to sign, and be sure that you mark the important dates in your calendar. Unlike our younger productions, which are typically multi-cast, these productions follow a more traditional casting model, giving students the opportunity to fully develop and perform a role in a complete licensed musical.
Over the past three years, our Teen performers have brought productions such as Into The Woods JR, Mean Girls JR, and Shrek The Musical JR to life with incredible passion, professionalism, teamwork, and talent. Along the way, students work alongside inspiring guest artists while developing strong musical theatre technique, performance skills, confidence, collaboration, and creativity. CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE 2027 SHOW, “Something Rotten JR!”
More than just a show, this program builds a supportive and inspiring community where students form lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. Participants also have optional opportunities to explore their teaching skills, leadership, learn about backstage management, and other aspects of theatre production.
Students in grade 8 can choose which program they prefer; the 3 session Performance Program, or this September-May model. Get in touch for details and to discuss what might be best for your child.
Click here for all class, rehearsal and show dates for the year.
Classes run on Wednesdays 5:30-8pm from September through to May (NOT our traditional 3 session model). The schedule is created with busy high school students in mind; The program is only once a week with the exception of show week in May!
There will be a mandatory full day rehearsal on Saturday May 15th 2027, to prepare the cast to move to the stage.
Students will need to miss some school for final stage/tech rehearsals and show days between May 17th-20th 2027.
There will be optional additional performance opportunities throughout the school year.
There will be additional learning opportunities outside of class time- like set painting and helping back stage. These are optional and will be coordinated throughout the year (volunteer hours can be given).
New This Year: Optional 12 Week Add-On Tap Class!
Our show will feature a tap number, so if your teen is interested in learning tap technique to be in this exciting part of the show, they can join us for a fun Musical Theatre Tap class that caters to multiple levels.
8:00-9:00pm for the first 12 weeks of the Performance Program (Wednesday September 16th through to Wednesday, December 2nd). Please note that we need a minimum number of students for this class to run, so we’ll hold off on processing tuition until we can confirm.
Students must bring their own tap shoes. If you don’t already own shoes, we recommend the Capezio Downtown Tap Shoe 473, which are very affordable at around $70 (most tap shoes run well over $100). Visit Dance Essentials in Vaughan, and mention ARTSies, for an additional 10% discount!
Meet Some Of Our 26-27 Guest Teachers:
Jennifer Thiessen
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Jennifer Thiessen is an Australian-born, New York-based creative and performer.
Credits include, Broadway: Beaches; A New Musical (Assist. Director). Tours: Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (1st National, Movement Captain/Swing), Saturday Night Fever (North American Tour). Other: Pre-Broadway try-out Beaches; A New Musical (Theatre Calgary, Assist. Choreo), Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (Mirvish/Canadian Production).
Canada/USA regional: The Drowsy Chaperone , Rock of Ages, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast, Elf (Drayton Entertainment), Guys and Dolls (The Rev), West Side Story (Rainbow Stage & Drayton Entertainment), Singin in the Rain, Mamma Mia, Crazy For You (Capitol Theatre).
Creative credits include: Disney’s Newsies (Assist. Dir/Choreo), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Choreographer, LOT), Aladdin (Choreographer, Mandat Theatre, Dubai), The Marilyn Denis Show (Guest Choreographer), Man of La Mancha (Assist. Director, Drayton Entertainment), Cirque du Soleil's Pan Am Games Opening Ceremonies (Assist. Choreographer) and choreography for numerous corporate industrials for clients including Honda, Scotiabank, WestJet, Reebok and the Alberta’s Children Foundation.
Jennifer is an active member of the performing arts community in North America. She is the choreographer for several entertainment companies (Cirque Revolution / Tropicana Queens) and is a founding board member for the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers. IG: @jenniferclarethiessen
Dr. Shane Bransdon
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Joining us all the way from Australia!
Shane Bransdon is an artistic director, actor and educational specialist based in Australia. He teaches acting workshops internationally and is the co-founder of the Junior Theatre Festival Australia. Shane holds a PhD in theatre studies from the University of Newcastle, where he also lectured in drama education. His recent performance credits include CHICAGO, Les Misérables, Wicked, and Mary Poppins. He currently serves as the artistic director of the Combined Schools ANZAC production for the City of Newcastle.
Shane is the managing director of Travel Gang, an international performing arts tour company that connects students with leading theatre practitioners and training institutions around the world. Through partnerships with renowned organizations such as Frantic Assembly in London, iTheatrics in New York and the Jacques Lecoq theatre school in France, Shane facilitates immersive learning experiences that broaden students’ global understanding of performance.
Past guests have included:
David Connolly- Artistic Director, Drayton Entertainment
Julie Tomaino- Renowned Theatre Director/Choreographer
Nicole Norsworthy- Educator, Choreographer, Talent Agent
Ari Weinberg- Casting Director, Stratford Festival
Michele Shuster- Company Member, Stratford Festival
Siobhan Richardson- Renowned Fight Director
FEES
$268.00 +hst per month September 1st to May 1st
Tuition is paid monthly for the 9 months of the program, minus any applicable discounts. Please note that the full year commitment is mandatory and there can be no withdrawals after the first 2 classes.
OPTIONAL 12 Week Add-On Tap Class: $180.00 +hst
OPTIONAL Group Trip To The Stratford Festival:
Students = $80.00 +hst (Costume/Prop Tour, Workshop, Matinee)
Family Members = $70.00 +hst (Costume/Prop Tour, Matinee)
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Save $50 by registering between June 10th-19th 2026. No advanced payment needed.
SIBLING DISCOUNT: $50.00 (2nd child and beyond)
Click here for full Terms + Conditions
$268.00 +hst per month September 1st to May 1st
Tuition is paid monthly for the 9 months of the program, minus any applicable discounts. Please note that the full year commitment is mandatory and there can be no withdrawals after the first 2 classes.
OPTIONAL 12 Week Add-On Tap Class: $180.00 +hst
OPTIONAL Group Trip To The Stratford Festival:
Students = $80.00 +hst (Costume/Prop Tour, Workshop, Matinee)
Family Members = $70.00 +hst (Costume/Prop Tour, Matinee)
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Save $50 by registering between June 10th-19th 2026. No advanced payment needed.
SIBLING DISCOUNT: $50.00 (2nd child and beyond)
Click here for full Terms + Conditions
What’s Included?
Costumes, sets, and props for the final shows
Scripts, music tracks, rehearsal videos, and other resources - A weekly email will guide students for home rehearsals
Extra 1:1 coaching time as needed for those who take roles with featured singing parts
Several workshops with amazing special guest artists throughout the year
Raw digital images from a headshot photo shoot
Pizza lunch during our Saturday rehearsal
The year will conclude with two school matinees, and two evening show performances
Tickets will be available through Eventbrite, and are only $25 each
Optional community performances are also included when possible (Santa Claus Parade, Music Festivals, etc)
Optional Trip To The Stratford Festival!
Join us on Saturday October 17th for an awesome day of team building, inspiration, growth, and further learning!
Students and their family members will begin the day at 9am with an exclusive costume/props tour. Students will then get a workshop with a Stratford cast member at 11am, while families get to explore the town. At 2pm we’ll all meet back at the Festival Theatre for the matinee performance of “Something Rotten!”
Students can enroll through the Parent Portal/Online Registration- simply select this additional class.
Family members need to coordinate their tickets with us by filling in this Google Form.
SPOTS ARE LIMITED!
Additional Learning Opportunities
Mark your calendars!
Each school year, students aged 8 and up have three exciting opportunities to learn from inspiring guest artists! These workshops are designed to build confidence, enhance skills, and foster meaningful connections with like-minded peers from across the province. Open to a range of experience levels, they’re a fantastic way to grow. We strongly encourage all Performance Program students to take full advantage of these dynamic and enriching experiences!
November 6th & 8th 2026- Find Your Light: Youth Theatre Experience
February 15th 2027- Family Day Community Workshop with a special guest
March 29th 2027- Easter Monday Community Workshop with a special guest
“I thought the program was incredibly well thought through, you made this online teaching thing seem easy! The Zoom calls were engaging and well-managed, and the communication was outstanding, as usual. It was clear and engaging. It was so good for the kids to have something to work towards that was fun and something different- they felt connected to friends and a program they adore. The process with their Artsies Family made them feel proud, confident and oh so happy!
I think my son said it perfectly, ‘Everything is different now, but at least I still have Artsies!’”
To compliment our Performance Programs, these lessons offer further opportunities to gain technique, skills, confidence, and get stage ready!
Private Vocal & Piano Lessons
Sign up for 30 minute or 1 hour one-on-one lessons — focus on voice, piano, or both! Located at the CCCGT. Click to learn more about our amazing teacher Amanda!
School Year: Tuesdays between 4-8pm OR Saturdays between 9am-3pm
Online registration for the 2026 Fall Session will open June 10th
VOCAL: A great opportunity to improve singing technique, practice performance and storytelling through lyrics, build musicianship skills (ear training, sight-reading, theory) and to get that voice stage ready! Students will explore a variety of musical genres and an emphasis will be placed on vocal health and development.
PIANO: We offer piano lessons for all levels. Whether you’re wanting to learn how to chord along with your favourite pop song or play a sonata- these private lessons will allow you to explore a variety of genres while strengthening your overall musicianship skills.
$40.00 +hst/30 min
Visit our calendar for lesson dates in our 2025-2026 season
Watch this video of a previous camp performance to see how everyone's part is integral to the success of our shows, and we stress the importance of TEAM WORK. Beyond all the learning, we want theatre campers to walk away feeling confident, successful, and with some new friends!
Summer Theatre Camps- In a REAL Theatre!
2026 Registration is open (waitlists are growing for some age groups)!
Two-week theatre camp sessions will immerse your child in musical theatre, creativity, friends, and fun! Parents report that children of all ages leave each day in our GOAL-ORIENTED programs with big bright smiles, and stories of JOY to share! You won’t believe how much they learn in a very short time (be prepared to hear lots of singing at home), and how close they get with their fellow performers (there are usually some goodbye tears on the last day)! Register early because there are limited spots in each age group.
Each session culminates in a different, fully staged musical production, with each student performing their own special part. Lights, costumes, sets, singing, acting, dancing… a true theatre experience! Each show offers a unique story, new characters, music, and learning experiences! No previous experience is necessary- Your child will gain confidence, public speaking skills, creative problem solving, and much more in this process!
Family and friends are invited to join us on the second Thursday of the two week session for a LIVE evening show! We have over 600 seats in our theatre, so bring your whole fan club! Assigned seats are only $5 and can be booked via Eventbrite.
We’re known for providing top-notch experiences for both our students, and their families. Expect detailed communication leading up to, and throughout the camp session. In addition to scripts, campers will get the soundtrack of their show in order to practice at home, and a 4K keepsake video of the performance. Pizza dinner is included for performers on show night, as well as 15-20% discounts at local restaurants for our audience!
Please Note:
Click here to learn more about our gorgeous venue! This is our 3rd year at the P.C. Ho Theatre, in the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (Markham Rd. & Sheppard Ave. E).
Students must be beginning Grade 1 in September 2026 to join the grade 1-8 camp (there may be exceptions for younger students on a case by case basis; please get in touch). Students must be starting grade 9 through 12 in September 2026 in order to join the “Encore” camp. Age groupings are listed in the red “Fees & Details” box.
Camp runs 9am-4pm daily. Show days (every 2nd Thursday) are extended camp days- No need for parents to pick up at 4, simply join our audience for 6:30pm! See performance dates next to each show outline below.
Pizza will be provided for all campers on the evening of their show.
Before and after care is built into the bus service, which comes at an additional fee. There is no on-site before and after care.
A complimentary video of the final performance is included and will be shared via YouTube. No personal video recording is allowed during the shows.
Each session will feature one special workshop with a talented guest artist as well!
Payments will be processed at the time of registration. The deadline for withdrawal is May 1st 2026.
*Shows may be subject to change depending on the number of students enrolled*
NEW: “Encore- Teen Theatre Camp” (For students starting grades 9-12 in September 2026)
Monday July 6th - Friday July 17th (10 Day Session)
SHOW Thursday July 16th 6:30pm
Click here to learn more about the guests on our creative team for this production!
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Building on the success of our school-year Teen Program, we’re offering an immersive summer experience designed just for high school students. If you’ve “aged out” of our traditional Theatre Camp, this is your chance to take the stage again; Your ENCORE awaits!
This summer, students will build a production of the adapted Broadway hit Beetlejuice JR! (Read more below)
Throughout the process, students will work with our amazing creative team to develop more advanced acting, singing, and stagecraft skills- pushing their performances to the next level while building confidence and lifelong friendships!
The ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage in Beetlejuice JR., the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. Lydia Deetz is a strange and unusual teenager, still grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky for Lydia, she and her father move to a new house haunted by a recently deceased couple and Beetlejuice, a delightful demon with a real zest for life. When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, this double-crossing specter shows his true stripes, unleashing a (Nether)world of pandemonium.
With music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Eddie Perfect and a book by Tony Award-nominated pair Anthony King and Scott Brown, Beetlejuice was nominated for eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best New Musical. A viral "sucks-yes" on social media, this musical struck a chord with young theatre lovers who adored its unabashed humour and emotional honesty. It’s going to be a whacky theatrical party for both performers and the audience!
Music & Lyrics by EDDIE PERFECT
Book by SCOTT BROWN & ANTHONY KING
Based on the GEFFEN COMPANY PICTURE, with a story by MICHAEL MCDOWELL & LARRY WILSON
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)
Grade 1-8 Theatre Camp (Please note that if there are some grade 9/10 students who’d like to stay in this camp vs. joining the Teen camp, that can be arranged.)
Monday July 20th - Friday July 31st (10 Day Session)
SHOW Thursday July 30th 6:30pm
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Our theatre campers will be among the FIRST in Canada to ever take on this exciting new material! It's an epic adventure that features all your favourite characters from the movie, along with new original music!
Hiccup is a young Viking who defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, the unlikely heroes fight against the odds to save both their worlds in this wonderful adaptation that brings fire-breathing action and big laughs to the stage.
We love that this adventure will challenge our students to play with character based movement as dragons, learn some stage combat choreography as vikings, and provide an opportunity to bring an entirely new musical to life!
Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture
In association with Universal Theatrical Group
Book & Lyrics by Kate Thomas
Original Music & Lyrics by Veronica Mansour
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)
FEES & DETAILS
10 Day Session
$1327.43 +hst ($1500)
Bus Service: Additional $225.00 +hst
Sibling Bus Discount $30.00 for 2nd child and beyond
Age Groupings
Children beginning Grade 1-2 in September should register in MINI Camp.
Children beginning Grade 3-4 in September should register in JUNIOR Camp.
Children beginning Grade 5-6 in September should register in INTERMEDIATE Camp.
Children beginning Grade 7-8 in September should register in SENIOR Camp.
TEENS beginning Grade 9-12 in September should register in our new "Encore- Teen Theatre Camp" Session!
Click here for full Terms + Conditions.
10 Day Session
$1327.43 +hst ($1500)
Bus Service: Additional $225.00 +hst
Sibling Bus Discount $30.00 for 2nd child and beyond
Age Groupings
Children beginning Grade 1-2 in September should register in MINI Camp.
Children beginning Grade 3-4 in September should register in JUNIOR Camp.
Children beginning Grade 5-6 in September should register in INTERMEDIATE Camp.
Children beginning Grade 7-8 in September should register in SENIOR Camp.
TEENS beginning Grade 9-12 in September should register in our new "Encore- Teen Theatre Camp" Session!
Click here for full Terms + Conditions.
Bus Service
We’re excited to work with Stock Transportation to deliver safe, fun, and efficient travel to and from theatre camp for our campers in Markham, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, and surrounding areas!
Volunteers
Volunteering with us means developing skills in arts education, theatre direction, and backstage management. We can only take 2-3 volunteers for the Gr 1-8 camp session. Please see the details and apply below!