Welcome to Theatre Direct’s programming for teens:
THE FUTURE IN PROGRESS
Next Draft returns for its fourth year, offering programs to create new work and build community through theatre for young people ages thirteen to nineteen.
From single day workshops with Artist 2 Artist to after school groups like Plot Twist and Drama Club, a playwriting opportunity with Teen-in-Residence, and high school partnerships exploring past full-scale productions like Give ‘em Hell, Next Draft has something on offer for all teens who want to discover their artistry in theatre.
Artist 2 Artist is a PA Day workshop series where teens can experiment with different styles of theatre creation.
In this program, participants will meet professional theatre artists and create original performance pieces.
Entering its fourth year, Artist 2 Artist (previously Voice 2 Text) has worked in collaboration with several theatre artists, exploring plays across genres including inventive forms such as video game technology, poetry and drag.
All levels of experience are welcome. Honoraria, lunch and snacks provided.
Join our fourth cohort to be part of: – 2 x 6-hour sessions facilitated by theatre professionals – Collaborate with a group of 12 participants (13- to 19-years-old) – Engage in theatre games, script development and performance creation
Pictured: Voice 2 Text 2023 Participants
The program is by application available online HERE.
The deadline to apply is Wednesday January 22, 2025 at 11:59PM EST. Teens can apply online or by filling out a hard copy of the application at select community organizations.
Please contact madeleine@theatredirect.ca with questions.
Theatre Direct Studio H (1 Wiltshire Ave., Unit H, Toronto)
Come be a part of Theatre Direct’s first-ever Drama Club!
Drama Club is a weekly after school theatre group where teens come together to build community, have fun, and play drama games.
The program will be facilitated by emerging theatre artists who will receive mentorship and gain practical experience in theatre facilitation as they sharpen their leadership skills. Emerging facilitators and participants will connect with one another each other as they play and create theatre together.
All levels of experience are welcome. Honoraria and snacks provided.
Join our first cohort to be a part of: – 8 x 2-hour sessions – Group of 12 participants (13- to 19-years-old) – As a participant: an opportunity to meet and build community with teens interested in theatre through drama games and theatre creation – As an emerging facilitator: a specialized training workshop and leading 2 x Drama Club sessions, supported by experienced facilitators – Play-focussed–no expected results or performance!
Pictured: Voice 2 Text 2024 Participants Photo Credit: Will Innes
For participants: The program is by application. Teens can apply online or by filling out a hard copy of the application at select community organizations from January 2025.
For emerging facilitators: The program is by invitation. To express interest, please contact madeleine@theatredirect.ca. All facilitators will be paid $500.00 (+HST) for ~16 hours including training, prep, facilitation and debriefing.
Theatre Direct is developing the high school edition of our smash hit play for teens, Give ‘em Hell,in collaboration with Toronto high schools.
Inspired by real-life student activism, Give ‘em Hell retells the final school year leading up to the real-life 2012 closure of Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational School (PCVS). Written by award-winning playwright, Madeleine Brown, and featuring a teenage cast, the play explores the power of youth activism, the perils of self-discovery, and what it costs to stand up for a cause. The play was originally staged in the former PCVS building in September 2023 and accompanied by an exhibition of archival materials from this monumental turning point in the school’s history.
The participating high schools will collaborate with playwright Madeleine Brown to explore how the script can best be adapted for high school productions and site-specific staging of the play in their own school building. The project will culminate in a final performance at the high school.
There is no cost to participate and funds will be available to support the final performance.
The program has been filled. To express interest for future iterations or for additional information, please contact madeleine@theatredirect.ca.
Check out The New Classical FM’s “The Explorer” Segment on the 2023 production:
PLOT TWIST
Pictured: Cristina Marin (After The Beep 2022) Photo Credit: Will Innes
October 10 to November 28, 2024
Weekly on Thursdays 3:30pm to 5:30pm Ages: 13 to 19
Theatre Direct Office (1 Wiltshire Ave., Unit #127, Toronto)
Plot Twist is a weekly after school playwriting group where teens can explore writing for theatre.
Participants will be guided through a writing process to build their own characters and then as a group, they will create and present a live play through voiceover and live performance for an invited audience.
Entering its fourth year, Plot Twist has inspired teens to collaborate as an ensemble, laugh, and learn together as they create monologues, audio dramas, and live performances.
All levels of experience are welcome. Honoraria and snacks provided.
Join our fourth cohort to be part of: – 8 x 2-hour sessions – Group of 8 participants (13- to 19-years-old) – Playwriting, acting, and voice acting exercises including facilitated by two professional playwrights and actors – A masterclass with a professional actor and sound designer – Creation of one monologue and one group-written short play – Live performance for an invited audience – Professionally recorded and edited monologue
Pictured: After The Beep 2022 Participants Photo Credit: Will Innes
The program is by application. Applications are now closed and will reopen for the next iteration in fall 2025.
Check out work from past cohorts:
“Snowflakes and cigarette ash” (2021) Written and Performed by Iylah M. Sound Design by Jake Runeckles
“Dentist Accident” (2021) Written and Performed by Carlos M. Sound Design by Jake Runeckles
They Did It (2023) Written and Performed by Fiona C., Veda H., Tomas J., Cristina M., Stephanie M., Ivanson O., Phoebe S. Sound Design by Jake Runeckles
TEEN-IN-RESIDENCE
Pictured (L-R): Alten Wilmot, Isabella Aquino (Teen-in-Residence 2023/2024), Madeleine Brown Photo Credit: Will Innes
November 2024 to June 2025
Biweekly Sessions: Date and Time TBD with Teen-in-Residence Online
&
Workshop and Staged Reading: Saturday June 7 and Sunday June 8, 2025 10am to 6pm Theatre Direct Studio H (1 Wiltshire Ave., Unit H, Toronto)
Ages: 13 to 19
Teen-in-Residence is an opportunity for one teen to write a play with the support and mentorship of Theatre Direct.
The selected teen will participate in an eight-month paid residency with bi-weekly sessions to learn about the practice and industry of playwriting and receive mentorship as they develop a full-length play–maybe their first ever! The residency culminates with a workshop and staged reading of the play by a professional director and actors for a public audience.
Entering its fourth year, this program has supported three past Teens-in-Residence, resulting in three new plays with three public performances and one short film adaptation!
All levels of experience are welcome. Commission paid to Teen-in-Residence.
Be our fourth Teen-in-Residence to be a part of: – 1 x 8-month residency facilitated by two professional playwrights – Playwriting exercises and mentorship to support and build on how you already approach writing – Bi-weekly online sessions to support your chosen goals and deadlines – Opportunities to network and meet professional artists – Creation of one full-length play – A workshop of play with a professional director and actors – A staged reading of play by a professional director and actors for a public audience
Pictured: Simaiya Shirley (Teen-in-Residence 2021/2022) Photo Credit: Sam Polzin Photography
The program is by application and interview. Applications are now closed and will reopen for the next iteration in fall 2025.
Next Draft
Welcome to Theatre Direct’s programming for teens:
Next Draft returns for its fourth year, offering programs to create new work and build community through theatre for young people ages thirteen to nineteen.
From single day workshops with Artist 2 Artist to after school groups like Plot Twist and Drama Club, a playwriting opportunity with Teen-in-Residence, and high school partnerships exploring past full-scale productions like Give ‘em Hell, Next Draft has something on offer for all teens who want to discover their artistry in theatre.
For additional information, please contact madeleine@theatredirect.ca.
Check out highlights from our 2023/2024 season below:
Join our mailing list for program details and updates.
ARTIST 2 ARTIST
Pictured: Fade In/Fade Out 2023 Participants
Photo Credit: Will Innes
Thursday January 30, 2025
Friday February 14, 2025
10am to 4pm
Ages: 13 to 19
Crossroads Theatre Studio
(34 John Street, Unit B, Toronto, M9N 1J3)
Presented in Partnership with Crossroads Theatre
Artist 2 Artist is a PA Day workshop series where teens can experiment with different styles of theatre creation.
In this program, participants will meet professional theatre artists and create original performance pieces.
Entering its fourth year, Artist 2 Artist (previously Voice 2 Text) has worked in collaboration with several theatre artists, exploring plays across genres including inventive forms such as video game technology, poetry and drag.
All levels of experience are welcome. Honoraria, lunch and snacks provided.
Join our fourth cohort to be part of:
– 2 x 6-hour sessions facilitated by theatre professionals
– Collaborate with a group of 12 participants (13- to 19-years-old)
– Engage in theatre games, script development and performance creation
Pictured: Voice 2 Text 2023 Participants
The program is by application available online HERE.
The deadline to apply is Wednesday January 22, 2025 at 11:59PM EST.
Teens can apply online or by filling out a hard copy of the application at select community organizations.
Please contact madeleine@theatredirect.ca with questions.
DRAMA CLUB
Pictured (L-R): Eloise Harvey and Jalen Brink (Give ’em Hell 2023)
Photo Credit: Dahlia Katz
Set & Costume Deign: Melanie McNeill
Lighting Design: Logan Raju Cracknell
March 18 to April 22, 2025
Weekly on Tuesdays
3:30pm to 5:30pm
Ages: 13 to 19
Theatre Direct Studio H
(1 Wiltshire Ave., Unit H, Toronto)
Come be a part of Theatre Direct’s first-ever Drama Club!
Drama Club is a weekly after school theatre group where teens come together to build community, have fun, and play drama games.
The program will be facilitated by emerging theatre artists who will receive mentorship and gain practical experience in theatre facilitation as they sharpen their leadership skills. Emerging facilitators and participants will connect with one another each other as they play and create theatre together.
All levels of experience are welcome. Honoraria and snacks provided.
Join our first cohort to be a part of:
– 8 x 2-hour sessions
– Group of 12 participants (13- to 19-years-old)
– As a participant: an opportunity to meet and build community with teens interested in theatre through drama games and theatre creation
– As an emerging facilitator: a specialized training workshop and leading 2 x Drama Club sessions, supported by experienced facilitators
– Play-focussed–no expected results or performance!
Pictured: Voice 2 Text 2024 Participants
Photo Credit: Will Innes
For participants: The program is by application. Teens can apply online or by filling out a hard copy of the application at select community organizations from January 2025.
For emerging facilitators: The program is by invitation. To express interest, please contact madeleine@theatredirect.ca. All facilitators will be paid $500.00 (+HST) for ~16 hours including training, prep, facilitation and debriefing.
GIVE ‘EM HELL HIGH SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
Pictured: Give ’em Hell 2023 Cast
Photo Credit: Dahlia Katz
Set & Costume Design: Melanie McNeill
Lighting Design: Logan Raju Cracknell
September 2024 to June 2025
Dates and Time TBD with High School Teacher
Ages: 13 to 19
In-Person @ Your High School
Theatre Direct is developing the high school edition of our smash hit play for teens, Give ‘em Hell, in collaboration with Toronto high schools.
Inspired by real-life student activism, Give ‘em Hell retells the final school year leading up to the real-life 2012 closure of Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational School (PCVS). Written by award-winning playwright, Madeleine Brown, and featuring a teenage cast, the play explores the power of youth activism, the perils of self-discovery, and what it costs to stand up for a cause. The play was originally staged in the former PCVS building in September 2023 and accompanied by an exhibition of archival materials from this monumental turning point in the school’s history.
The participating high schools will collaborate with playwright Madeleine Brown to explore how the script can best be adapted for high school productions and site-specific staging of the play in their own school building. The project will culminate in a final performance at the high school.
There is no cost to participate and funds will be available to support the final performance.
The program has been filled.
To express interest for future iterations or for additional information, please contact madeleine@theatredirect.ca.
Check out The New Classical FM’s “The Explorer” Segment on the 2023 production:
PLOT TWIST
Pictured: Cristina Marin (After The Beep 2022)
Photo Credit: Will Innes
October 10 to November 28, 2024
Weekly on Thursdays
3:30pm to 5:30pm
Ages: 13 to 19
Theatre Direct Office
(1 Wiltshire Ave., Unit #127, Toronto)
Plot Twist is a weekly after school playwriting group where teens can explore writing for theatre.
Participants will be guided through a writing process to build their own characters and then as a group, they will create and present a live play through voiceover and live performance for an invited audience.
Entering its fourth year, Plot Twist has inspired teens to collaborate as an ensemble, laugh, and learn together as they create monologues, audio dramas, and live performances.
All levels of experience are welcome. Honoraria and snacks provided.
Join our fourth cohort to be part of:
– 8 x 2-hour sessions
– Group of 8 participants (13- to 19-years-old)
– Playwriting, acting, and voice acting exercises including facilitated by two professional playwrights and actors
– A masterclass with a professional actor and sound designer
– Creation of one monologue and one group-written short play
– Live performance for an invited audience
– Professionally recorded and edited monologue
Pictured: After The Beep 2022 Participants
Photo Credit: Will Innes
The program is by application.
Applications are now closed and will reopen for the next iteration in fall 2025.
Check out work from past cohorts:
“Snowflakes and cigarette ash” (2021)
Written and Performed by Iylah M.
Sound Design by Jake Runeckles
“Dentist Accident” (2021)
Written and Performed by Carlos M.
Sound Design by Jake Runeckles
They Did It (2023)
Written and Performed by Fiona C., Veda H., Tomas J., Cristina M., Stephanie M., Ivanson O., Phoebe S.
Sound Design by Jake Runeckles
TEEN-IN-RESIDENCE
Pictured (L-R): Alten Wilmot, Isabella Aquino (Teen-in-Residence 2023/2024), Madeleine Brown
Photo Credit: Will Innes
November 2024 to June 2025
Biweekly Sessions:
Date and Time TBD with Teen-in-Residence
Online
&
Workshop and Staged Reading:
Saturday June 7 and Sunday June 8, 2025
10am to 6pm
Theatre Direct Studio H
(1 Wiltshire Ave., Unit H, Toronto)
Ages: 13 to 19
Teen-in-Residence is an opportunity for one teen to write a play with the support and mentorship of Theatre Direct.
The selected teen will participate in an eight-month paid residency with bi-weekly sessions to learn about the practice and industry of playwriting and receive mentorship as they develop a full-length play–maybe their first ever! The residency culminates with a workshop and staged reading of the play by a professional director and actors for a public audience.
Entering its fourth year, this program has supported three past Teens-in-Residence, resulting in three new plays with three public performances and one short film adaptation!
All levels of experience are welcome. Commission paid to Teen-in-Residence.
Be our fourth Teen-in-Residence to be a part of:
– 1 x 8-month residency facilitated by two professional playwrights
– Playwriting exercises and mentorship to support and build on how you already approach writing
– Bi-weekly online sessions to support your chosen goals and deadlines
– Opportunities to network and meet professional artists
– Creation of one full-length play
– A workshop of play with a professional director and actors
– A staged reading of play by a professional director and actors for a public audience
Pictured: Simaiya Shirley (Teen-in-Residence 2021/2022)
Photo Credit: Sam Polzin Photography
The program is by application and interview.
Applications are now closed and will reopen for the next iteration in fall 2025.
Check out work from past Teen-in-Residences:
Isabella Aquino
Teen-in-Residence 2023/2024
Subha Azrin
Teen-in-Residence 2022/2023