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!

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:

• 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!