Welcome to Your Theatre School
For over 20 years, the Chester Playhouse has provided opportunities for young people to explore the world of acting, music, and performing with helping hands from professionals. While learning the art of acting and the craft of theatre, students can experience working both solo and as a part of a team. First time performers and returning students are welcome.
No Financial Barriers
The Chester Playhouse believes strongly in creating the opportunity for youth to participate in the creative arts, therefore, no child gets turned away because of financial barriers. Should you require financial assistance please contact Chester Playhouse at (902) 275-3933 or info@chesterplayhouse.ca.
Our No Financial Barriers funding is provided by the Alexander Fleming Pattillo Memorial Foundation, now housed in the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Theatre Foundation. It honours Alex’s love for theatre, The Chester Playhouse, and ProKids.
youth theatre programs summer 2024
Broadway Intensive
DATE: July 15 – 19, with a showcase at 2 pm on July 19th
AGES: 11 – 18
HOURS: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (1 hour lunch)
LOCATION: Chester Playhouse
COST:
$250 per participant
$50 deposit due upon registration
Balance Due 3 weeks in advance of camps : June 23, 2024
Registration is open to 18 participants.
Get ready to belt your heart out!
Throughout the week, students will learn two large ensemble musical theatre numbers, work on audition techniques, play theatre games, and have acting and vocal coaching.
In addition to the group numbers, students can bring in a solo or duet (if they bring a friend) from a musical they already know. Over the camp, instructors will help students workshop their solos with our instructors. Instructors may also give out solos, duets, or small group numbers to any students who would like to learn something new.
Whether you are a seasoned performer, or someone who has never been on stage, our instructors will bring what makes each individual unique into a cohesive and celebratory short performance on the Chester Playhouse stage for family and friends.
Sign up today for Broadway Intensive and discover the entertainer within!
No experience necessary!
Jr. Broadway Workshop
DATE: July 22 – 26, with a showcase at 2pm on July 26th
AGES: 6 – 10
HOURS: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (1 hour lunch)
COST:
$250 per participant
$50 deposit due upon registration
Balance Due 3 weeks in advance of camps : June 30, 2024
Registration is open to 18 participants. ** SOLD OUT **
Get ready to take the stage!
Throughout the week, students will learn two large ensemble musical theatre numbers, work on audition techniques, play theatre games, have acting and vocal coaching.
Alongside the group performance students will be given the opportunity to share a talent. This offering could be a solo musical number, song, monologue, set of jokes, original music, instrumental performance, etc.
Over the camp, instructors will help students workshop their talent into a short 1 – 2 min performance, for the Friday showcase on the Chester Playhouse stage. This performance, for family and invited guests, will be in the style of a vaudeville variety show.
Students will learn to both work as a group and shine in their individualized performances.
If participants only want to be part of the ensemble and learn crew roles, there will still be lots to do – but throughout the week, they might just find a talent they never thought about before!
Sign up today for our Jr. Broadway Workshop and discover your place on the stage!
No experience necessary!
Rock Band Camp
DATE: July 29 – Aug 2, with a showcase at 2pm on Aug 2nd.
AGES: 10 – 16
HOURS: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (1 hour lunch)
COST:
$300 per participant
$50 deposit due upon registration
Balance Due 3 weeks in advance of camps : July 7, 2024
Registration is open to 10 participants.
Are you ready to ROCK?
At our week long Rock Band Camp, students will learn and rehearse a short set of songs to be performed at the end of the week.
With the help of their instructor, students will improve their skills on their instruments, as well as learn how to play and jam with other musicians. At the end of the week, they will take the stage to perform a short concert for parents and invited guests.
Note: Vocalists and players of all instruments are welcome. Youth participating in this camp should have at least one year experience playing an instrument, or singing.
Exceptions can be made, for particular circumstances – please email info@chesterplayhouse.ca to discuss your situation.
Sign up today for our Rock Band Camp and discover your inner rock star!
The Animal Project Art & Theatre Camp
Get creative with your inner animal!
The Animal Project is a transformative experience that blends art and theatre over TWO WEEKS for Ages: 7 – 12
WEEK 1: July 29 – Aug 2, 9:00am – 3:00pm (1 hour lunch)
COST: $250
$50 deposit due upon registration. Balance due 3 weeks in advance of camp: July 7, 2024.
In WEEK ONE, we dive into the fascinating world of anatomical animal drawing, teaching the kids not only the science but also the art of capturing animal forms.
They then use this knowledge to create their own imaginary species, complete with unique characteristics and habitats.
WEEK 2: Aug 6 – 9*, 9:00am – 3:00pm (1 hour lunch) with a showcase at 2pm on Aug 9th.
* No Camp on Monday, Aug 5th*
COST: $220
$50 deposit due upon registration. Balance due 3 weeks in advance of camp: July 14, 2024.
As we transition into the WEEK TWO, these newly created species come alive in a theatrical production designed by the kids themselves. From the script to the costumes, it’s all their creation!
Taught by experienced instructors, this camp offers a hands-on, multidisciplinary approach to learning and creativity, all while fostering teamwork and self-expression.
*Students are encouraged to register to attend both camps, but are not required to do so.
COST FOR BOTH WEEKS:
$400 with $50 deposit due upon registration. Balance due 3 weeks in advance of camp: July 7, 2024
Registration is open to 18 participants. ** Almost 50% Full **
Join us for this unforgettable journey of imagination and discovery!
No experience necessary!
Making Movie Magic!
DATE: Aug 12 – 16, with a special screening Aug 18th at 7pm on the big screen in the Chester Playhouse Theatre.
AGES: 10 – 16
HOURS: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (1 hour lunch)
COST:
$300 per participant
$50 deposit due upon registration
Balance Due 3 weeks in advance of camps : July 21, 2024
Registration is open to 18 participants. ** 50% Booked **
Lights, Camera, Action!
In this one-week intensive, participants will learn to work on both sides of the camera.
Students will get hands-on experience working together to devise, write, produce,and perform in their very own collaborative short film.
Participants will work on their film from conception, learn about film genres, and will get to create their own chase scene.
Throughout the week students will also receive workshops focused on the art department, sound design, and acting for the camera. The short, original film will premiere on Sunday evening for families to come and watch.
All participants and their families will receive a digital copy of their original film upon completion, to help them remember the skills they learned and fun they had!
No experience necessary!
Anne of Green Gables – Theatre Camp
DATE: Aug 19 – 23, with a showcase at 2pm on Aug 23rd.
AGES: 6 – 11
HOURS: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (1 hour lunch)
COST:
$250 per participant
$50 deposit due upon registration
Balance Due 3 weeks in advance of camps : July 28, 2024
Registration is open to 18 participants.
“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” – Anne of Green Gables
Embark on a theatrical journey at our immersive theatre camp, where students will not only rehearse but also take centre stage in a captivating 30-minute play.
In this condensed adaptation of the cherished novel by L. M. Montgomery, a spirited orphan girl discovers her new home in a quaint Prince Edward Island town, weaving a tale of heartwarming friendships and unforgettable adventures.
Join us as young talents bring this timeless story to life, showcasing the magic of the stage through their passion and dedication.
It’s a unique opportunity for participants to explore the world of performance while creating lasting memories in a supportive and creative environment.
No experience necessary!
Meet our Instructors!
For our 2024 Summer Youth Programs we have partnered with Forged in Fable, a theatre collective based in the South Shore of Nova Scotia. They are a group of multidisciplinary artists spearheaded by Artistic Director Robin Moir and Executive Director Liam Britten.
Robin Moir is a theatre creator, multidisciplinary artist, musician, filmmaker, and performer with a broad scope of work spanning Canada, including significant contributions in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Vancouver.
Committed to fostering artistic growth, Robin imparts theatre and music education to diverse age groups, having collaborated with organizations such as Shakespeare in Action, the Canadian Children’s Opera Company, and the Canadian Opera Company in Ontario and recently starting a film course in association with Muchila Creativo and The Violet Centre in Aruba. Returning to Nova Scotia in the summer of 2024, Robin is embarking on a new venture, Forged in Fable, alongside Liam Britten, presenting their inaugural original play, A Song for Hephaestus.
Liam Britten is a multi-instrumentalist based in Mahone Bay, where he runs his own teaching studio. In addition to working as a music teacher, Liam also works as a session musician, film composer, and videographer. In these various roles, Liam has worked for companies and organizations such as Pangalactic Pictures, Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance, Seniors College Association of Nova Scotia, and the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival.
Liam enjoys writing, recording, and performing music, both solo and with groups, like Trillium, Maximilian Flint, and The Highrise Quartet. This summer, Liam will be taking on the role of Musical Director for A Song for Hephaestus alongside his role as Executive Director.
Sabio Emerencia-Collins is an artist, storyteller, filmmaker, and musician from downtown Toronto, currently living in Vancouver. His life in the arts is marked by a multidisciplinary approach, being a multi-instrumentalist self-taught in piano, harmonica, and guitar.
Sabio is a graduate of Humber College’s Theatre Performance Program, where he was trained in a variety of theatrical disciplines ranging from physical theatre to Shakespeare to bouffon and clown. Having been acting in stage, film, and television since the age of three, his credits include The Big Comfy Couch, A Winter Tale, A Woman’s Block, and commercials for Haribo Goldbears, Chevrolet, and Planters Nuts.
Sabio has worked in collaboration with the City of Toronto, the City of Scarborough, Art In The Parks, and Shadowland Theatre, bringing stories to life with music around the campfire at several parks across the GTA. Additionally, Sabio is a recent graduate of the Intersections Digital Media program in Vancouver, which aims to train youth in the essentials of film and animation.
Sabio is thrilled to embark on a new adventure, working with Forged in Fable in Nova Scotia to create innovative camp programming. This collaboration represents a new chapter in his journey, combining his passion for the arts and education to inspire and engage youth in unique and meaningful ways.
Donate to the theatre school
Our Youth Programs are an important part of the Chester Playhouse and, like everything we do, it depends on community support. Should you wish to make a designated donation to our Youth Programs, contact us at info@chesterplayhouse.ca. Donations can be made by credit card, debit, or cheque. A tax receipt will be provided for your donation.
Charitable Registration Number: 127727444RR0001