When I was in 9th grade, my mother, much to my chagrin, signed me up for a summer workshop at the Young People’s Theatre. I’d loved acting forever, but I was convinced I was way too old to go to “summer camp.” But my mum wasn’t having it. I think she felt that I was lacking direction, and she wanted to remind me of my love for something I was passionate about. And boy, am I glad she did. It ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences I ever had, and I still remember sitting on the streetcar, listening to Led Zeppelin on the way downtown in the morning, with a giant grin on my face as I anticipated the day ahead.

The workshops at YPT are far from child’s play, and far from summer camp—they’re a great environment to foster your creativity and work together with a group of your peers to make something great. There are three programs in the senior company:  advanced drama, film-making, and musical theatre, all open to students ages 13-18. The experience feels professional, teachers encourage and respect the students, furthering your craft and adding to your knowledge base. You’ll walk out of the session feeling confident in your skills, and with so much collaboration, you’re guaranteed to have learned something new, or tried something you never thought would interest you. As well, taking the advanced drama program can also be a great way to prepare to audition for the Ensemble, a four-month drama intensive that runs through the winter. If you’re passionate about theatre or film, these workshops are definitely a worthwhile way to spend part of your summer, and the YPT community is definitely one you want to be involved with.