Member Profile

OYP Theatre School began in 1989 when two volunteer teachers offered after school classes for 9 to 11 year-olds. Today, we offer a full curriculum of introductory and specialized classes – and summer programming – in our two professional studios in the Shenkman Arts Centre.

Our mission is to provide accessible theatre education and performance experience at various levels to students of all ages. Our vision is to be a creative catalyst for self-confident performers and discerning and appreciative patrons of the arts — in our school and the greater community.

OYP Theatre School offers classes for everyone, from pre-school to adult. Class sizes are limited to ensure quality. All of our Fundamentals classes perform in our annual Student Showcase - the play becomes the focus through which aspects of theatre are explored and class learning is applied.

Fundamentals of Theatre Study Junior Classes

-Orleans Very Little Players (VLP) – for 4 & 5 years old exploration of movement, rhythm and creative drama.

-Orleans Little Players (OLP) – for ages 6–8 years old theatre is experienced through imaginative play, simple characterization, mime and storytelling.

-ACT I – for ages 8–10 years old exploring movement, voice, mask work, characterization and some script work.

-ACT II – for ages 10–12 years old exploring in greater depth: movement, voice, mask work, characterization, and script work.

-ACT III – for ages 12–14 years old where participants further develop, voice, blocking, script work and other stage business.Together the class will design their own costumes, set and props, and program cover.

-Junior Musical – for ages 10–14 years old participants work together to explore the world of acting and singing. Enthusiasm, commitment and team spirit are necessary to participate in this class.

-Junior Shakespeare – for ages 10–14 years old participants are introduced to the works of William Shakespeare in this class.

Specialized Theatre Study Intermediate & Senior Classes Intermediate classes are offered for students in Grades 7 and up, while Senior classes are for students in Grades 9 and up. Previous theatre experience is recommended and may be required for some classes.

Most specialized theatre study classes perform in our annual Student Showcase. Specific classes offered at this level may vary from year to year, based on availability of theatre professionals to teach.

Our core intermediate and senior classes are:

• On-Camera – ages 12 & up acting and film work

• Radio Play – ages 12 & up exploration and development of voice and sound techniques • Improv or R.P.G.– ages 12 & up focus on improvisation, a skill that is fun and vital to theatre study

• Introduction to Directing & Design – ages 13 & up study of scripts, casting, rehearsing, design, stage management, special effects (Fx), lighting (Lx) and sound cue (SQ) design

• Senior Shakespeare – ages 13 & up students work on, and adapt, a Shakespeare script

• Show Biz – (Senior) ages 13 & up exploration of musical theatre

• Children’s Theatre Tour – (Senior) ages 13 & up study of all that goes into touring a show, including audience participation, putting up and striking sets, caring for props and costumes, and dealing with the challenges of varying performance spaces Adult & Mixed Age Classes

• ENCORE! – OYPTS’ own theatre company for 16 – 25 year olds

• Page to Stage – exploration of the art of writing for the theatre by having students develop, write and perform a script

• Orleans Older Players (OOPS!) – a one-term class for adults to learn about theatre — character development, stage business and movement— and take a break from “real” life!

• Winter Play – a one-term class for students of all ages with a Winter-themed play performed at the end of term