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.
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 9th 2025.
Three Unique Show Experiences!
Disney’s Beauty And The Beast JR.
Fall Session 2024- Performance Tuesday December 10th 2024
(The TU and TH groups come together for this performance)
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This script is going into the “vault” and will no longer be available for licensing, this is the last chance to perform it for the foreseeable future!
Based on the original Broadway production that ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, and the Academy Award-winning motion picture, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. is a fantastic adaptation of the story of transformation and tolerance. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. features some of the most popular songs ever written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice.
The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). www.MTIShows.com
Winter Gala- Home Is Where Your Playbills Are
Winter Session 2025- Performance Tuesday March 4th 2025
(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 will 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 “Home Is Where Your Playbills Are” students will be exploring material from a variety of musicals that are gracing Ontario stages in 2025!
The GRUNCH
Spring Session 2025- Performances Tuesday June 10th and Wednesday June 11th 2025
(The TU and TH groups each do their own show)
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Inspired by “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”, The Grunch tells the story of Rudy Grunch, a grumpy 6th grader who always feels like an outsider. When the entire school gets excited about the annual school musical, he comes up with a perfect plan to ruin it for everyone; he’ll steal the sets, costumes and lights the night before it opens. But will the spirit of theatre prevail?
We did this show in 2019 and are so excited to revisit it- now on our larger stage! It’s truly a love letter to Musical Theatre and is packed with fun, catchy music and humour. It’s the perfect way to wrap up our school year!
Presented through special arrangement with Beat by Beat Press (www.bbbpress.com)
FEES
Fall Session (13 Weeks)
$1050.00 +hst
Winter Session (9 Weeks)
$800.00 +hst
Spring Session (13 Weeks)
$1050.00 +hst
TRIPLE THREAT PAYMENT PLAN: Get the biggest discount (and the most growth for your child!) when you commit to all three sessions! Pay $250.00 +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 11th-20th 2024. 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
Fall Session (13 Weeks)
$1050.00 +hst
Winter Session (9 Weeks)
$800.00 +hst
Spring Session (13 Weeks)
$1050.00 +hst
TRIPLE THREAT PAYMENT PLAN: Get the biggest discount (and the most growth for your child!) when you commit to all three sessions! Pay $250.00 +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 11th-20th 2024. 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!
Performance Program: Teens
Wednesdays 5:30-8pm at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto
After a successful first year and run of Into The Woods Jr, we’re excited to continue this offering... a natural progression for our Performance Program. This is a more advanced experience just for students grade 8+! Not only will these Teens be learning technique and many skills as they build a licensed musical production, but there will be a variety of specialized theatre workshops throughout the year, including some amazing guest artists! As with all of our programs, no previous experience is necessary; all we ask for is commitment, effort, and a willingness to try new things and PLAY!
We offer a “triple threat” combination of building musical theatre skills, gaining performance experience, and a leadership-in-training initiative. Participants are given opportunities to explore their teaching skills, learn about backstage management, and more!
Teens will spend the first few weeks in the Fall exploring various musicals, and will ultimately get a say in which show we do! Where our younger shows are multi-cast, this will be more typical casting to give older students the advanced experience of doing a full show in a role.
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.
Click here for all class, rehearsal and show dates for the year.
Classes run on Wednesdays 5:30-8pm from September through the end of May (NOT our traditional 3 session model).
Please note that Monday May 19th (Victoria Day) will be a MANDATORY full day stage rehearsal.
Students will need to miss some school on show days between May 20th-22nd (exact timing TBC).
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).
Meet some of our fabulous guest teachers!
Gina Patricio
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For almost 30 years, Gina has been the owner of a film/television, commercial and theatrical talent agency in the GTA. With a strong background in communications in provincial politics and love for the theatre, her foray and transition into the world of entertainment was almost inevitable and came as no surprise to those who know her well. With a game plan that emphasized diversity as a strongpoint, MGA Talent was born.
Her clients have performed in major musicals on stages across Canada and around the world... including Broadway and London’s West End. Some of the many shows include Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, the King and I, Evita, Lion King and Come From Away.
Not to be overlooked are the numerous projects that she has spearheaded and organized .... karaoke contests, fundraising events and community productions.
Also a performer, Gina has won several singing competitions. Some of the roles she has played on stage are Bloody Mary in South Pacific, Mamma Morton in Chicago., Carmen Bernstein in Curtains and Sally Slaton in Parade. This November, catch her as the bossy, belting but endearing Martha Watson in Wavestage Theatre Company's presentation of White Christmas at the New Roads Performing Arts Centre in Newmarket. wavestagetheatre.com
Julie Tomaino
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Julie Tomaino is a theatre director, a choreographer, and an educator. She has won a Dora Award, a Jessie Award, multiple Ovation Awards, and multiple Broadway World Awards for outstanding work in Musical Theatre.
Julie trained and worked as a performer in New York City for thirteen years. Notable credits include playing Louise on the US National Tour of CRAZY FOR YOU, performing in CELEBRATE BROADWAY starring John Lithgow and Linda Eder at The Kennedy Center, and dancing as a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall for six seasons. As a Rockette she appeared numerous times on The Today Show, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and at the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony.
She is now based in Toronto and travels across Canada and the US putting up musicals at some of the top regional theatres including The Citadel, The Arts Club, Theatre Calgary, The Rev Theatre Co (formerly Finger Lakes MT), Chemainus Theatre Festival, Young People’s Theatre, Thousand Islands Playhouse, The Capitol Theatre in Port Hope, The Grand, Western Canada Theatre, Persephone, The Globe, and Magnus Theatre.
Julie also choreographs for film and TV, most recently working on a Holly Hobbie episode for Season 3, and a Lifetime Christmas movie entitled CHRISTMAS MOVIE MAGIC, which airs during the holiday season. She worked with Idina Menzel on the BEACHES remake, Jon Benjamin Hickey and Elizabeth Marvel on the pilot episode of BLINK, and with Harland Williams on an episode of PACKAGE DEAL.
She loves educating the next generation of artists and has been on faculty at AMDA NYC, Sheridan College, Randolph College for the Performing Arts, and Capilano University.
For more: www.julietomaino.com @julietomaino
FEES
$250.00 +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.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Save $50 by registering between June 11th-20th 2024. No advanced payment needed.
SIBLING DISCOUNT: $50.00 (2nd child and beyond)
Click here for full Terms + Conditions
$250.00 +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.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Save $50 by registering between June 11th-20th 2024. 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 Victoria Day full day rehearsal
The year will conclude with at least one Elementary school matinee, and at least one evening show
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)
“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: Wednesday 4-8pm OR Saturday 9am-2pm
Online registration for open spots in the Winter Session is now available!
VOCAL: A great opportunity to improve singing technique, practice performance and storytelling through lyrics, build musicianship skills 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 2024-2025 season
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!
Claim your spot early for the BEST theatre camps in the GTA! Online registration is open
Two-week theatre camp sessions filled with musical theatre, creativity, friends, and fun! Your child will get in the car at the end of every day at ARTSies Camp 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)! Register early because there are limited spots in each age group.
Each session culminates in a different, fully staged musical production, with each camper 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, so feel free to join us for more than one! No previous experience is necessary.
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!
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! 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 2025 to join this camp (there may be exceptions for younger students on a case by case basis; please get in touch). 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 2025.
*Shows may be subject to change depending on the number of campers enrolled.*
Session One
Monday June 30th - Friday July 11th (10 Day Session)
There WILL BE CAMP on Tuesday July 1st, Canada Day
SHOW Thursday July 10th 6:30pm
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Disney's Newsies JR. is a 60-minute version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.
When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys' expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what's right.
Including the now-classic songs "Carrying the Banner," "Seize the Day," and "Santa Fe," Newsies JR. is a timeless story full of spirit and heart.
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
Session Two
Monday July 14th - Friday July 25th (10 Day Session)
SHOW Thursday July 24th 6:30pm
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We have ALWAYS loved L. Frank Baum’s classic story of a young girl’s adventure in a magical land, and have done versions of it in the past. But we’re so excited to finally do the original musical that was based off the beloved 1939 film, and includes songs like “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and “We’re Off To See The Wizard”.
Join Dorothy and her loyal companion Toto as they “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” through the Land of Oz, determined to reach the Emerald City, where the great and powerful Wizard of Oz will help them get home. Of course, along the way, Dorothy encounters witches (both good and bad), Munchkins, talking trees and winged monkeys. But most importantly, she befriends three unique characters: a Scarecrow with no brain, a Tin Man with no heart, and a Lion with no “nerve.” Their journey to happiness – and self-awareness – is a glowing testament to friendship, understanding and hope in a world filled with both beauty and ugliness.
Presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Session Three
Monday July 28th - Friday August 8th (9 Day Session)
NO CAMP on Monday August 4th Civic Holiday
SHOW Thursday August 8th 6:30pm
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We did this show a few years ago, and it remains one of our all time favourites! We couldn’t wait to bring it back, and are excited to revisit it on our new, larger stage!
Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.
Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York's Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends — Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo — have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape — with the help of some prodigious penguins — to explore the world.
Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar JR. will leave you no choice but to “Move It, Move It!”
Presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI).
FEES & DETAILS
9 Day Session
$1194.69 +hst ($1350)
Bus Service: Additional $200.00 +hst
Sibling Bus Discount $30.00 for 2nd child and beyond
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+ in September should register in SENIOR Camp.
Click here for full Terms + Conditions.
Bus Service
We’re excited to work with Landmark Bus Lines to deliver safe, fun, and efficient transportation to and from theatre camp for our families 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 per camp session. Please see the details and apply below!