Who We Are
Hi! We’re Libby and Joey. Sometimes our students call us Loey or Jibby because we’re always together! If you popped your head into the room while we’re teaching, you might see us playing along with our students and mistake us for big kids (BIG kids- we’re both 6 feet tall!). In actuality, we have a combined experience of over 40 years as professional performers and arts educators, and have been involved in the Markham area as a team since 2013. All of our programs are fun, inclusive, educational, and taught by industry professionals (us!). We’re known for our infectious love of the arts, detail-oriented organizational skills, thorough email communication, and our deep passion for serving our community with the very best experiences possible.
Check out this article that was written about us!
ARTSies is a purpose-driven company, with the heart of a non-profit, that operates with the efficiency and superior customer service of a small business.
Top 5 Reasons Why We’re Different
1) Where most performing arts schools offer a variety of different classes, we have a very specific focus on musical theatre performance.
2) Our goal when we started ARTSies was to support and enhance the arts in our community. There are already a multitude of wonderful dance studios to choose from, which is why we don’t offer technical dance classes (ballet, jazz, tap, etc). However, if you’d like to support those classes with “triple threat” learning and stage experience, you’ve come to the right place! (You can also join us if you have no arts experience at all :)
3) Many theatre programs audition for entry, and only give spoken parts to those who already demonstrate specific talents. In our shows everyone gets a part and is an important piece of the puzzle! We tailor parts for each individual to suit their comfort level and interests. Always with the goal of challenging them just enough that there’s growth, while ensuring that they will be successful.
4) Where many children’s activities follow a September to June commitment, we offer the flexibility of three different sessions during the school year- join us for one, two, or all three!
5) We believe in experiential learning! Most recreational arts programs work towards one year-end show, with children performing a short routine. We provide at least three performance opportunities in our school year, and three more over the Summer! Students are on stage throughout our shows- acting in their own role, singing, and dancing. So much growth happens in the process of learning the show, then reaching that end goal of getting it up in front of an audience!
The Directors
Libby Avalos
Libby is an established arts educator in the GTA and across the country. She "retired" from the stage in late 2011, after being abroad for over a decade. During that time away, Libby lived, trained, and performed in New York City for several years, and spent many years traveling as a performer and Dance Captain on cruise lines.
Joey Herbison
Joey has worked throughout Canada, Italy, China, the Middle East and in Manhattan as an arts educator, performer and director. Favourite performance credits include Baloo in Jungle Book Circus (China and Dubai Tour), Cinderella’s Prince in Into the Woods, Javert in Les Miserables, Masetto in Don Giovanni and Bobby in Crazy For You.
Our amazing Summer Camp team consists of energetic and passionate leaders who bring plenty of experience in both the arts, and working with children. All staff members are Standard First Aid and CPR-C certified.
Additional Faculty: Private Vocal & Piano Lessons
Amanda Singh
Amanda is a Toronto-based Soprano, who from a young age, had a passion for all types of music. This led her to gain a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Classical Voice from York University as well as her Masters of Vocal Performance from the University of Toronto. Her performance experience ranges from classical to jazz, pop, and musical theatre.
“We are so lucky to have ARTSies in the Markham community. Libby and Joey are amazing! They work hard each week to create a safe and supportive environment where kids can be themselves at their best. Kids are taught how to make and maintain friendships based on common interests and building each other up. Libby and Joey stress the importance of team building. The improv games and activities give children real life examples that ‘the show must go on.’ I really appreciate how Libby and Joey take the time to get to know each child, and tailor their instruction and feedback so each one of them will shine..I’m thrilled we found ARTSies, and can’t wait till the next session starts!”
