Twenty-five years later MTYP remains a company about young people, for young people. Its summer camp alone had over 500 students this year, while the fall session has enrolled over 600 kids since 1999.

Whether a child—or adult—is shy or outgoing, they are sure to benefit from learning the ins and outs of theatre. Being enrolled in a class does more than just teach students how to act, they learn how to communicate with others, how to develop their imagination, how to build self-confidence, think in new ways; the list is extensive.

In an average class, the time is broken down into several steps where students will learn acting theory, physical training, proper breathing and diaphragm techniques, improv, singing, scene work and more.

Kent Suss, director of the theatre school, explains how children embrace the theatre: “It’s a very natural thing for kids to participate in dramatic play.” True enough, most children, outgoing or not, can often be found acting out scenes, either or their own, or with a group of friends. Programs are offered for ages three and up, so you need not be shy about enrolling your child, or yourself, in a class.

On top of learning most everything there is to know about theatre, each student is eventually brought to act in something, either on their own or with a group of friends. They are also given the opportunity to audition for some of the plays put on by the professional theatre.

The teachers and staff at MTYP are all professional teachers and artists, and are active in the city’s theatre scene. Their love for the stage and all that goes on behind it are what make the programs at the company so incredible. Their passion comes through when they are teaching a class, developing a script or building a set, helping their students to see what a great outlet this art can be.

Classes are competitively priced with other extracurricular activities, and MTYP even offers a financial assistance program. For more information please visit www.mtyp.ca.