Growing In The Arts
School of Dramatic & Cinema Arts
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AUTHENTIC VOICES.
DEEP CONNECTIONS.
TRANSFORMATIVE YOUTH THEATRE.
Growing In The Arts classes spark creativity, build confidence, and celebrate each actor’s unique voice while nurturing imagination and community through an ensemble process. Led by Gita Schuster-Ashley, who brings 40 years of teaching experience alongside a dedicated leadership team, the program is designed to genuinely support young performers as they grow.
Unlike standard 8-week courses that often rush the process, Gita’s scaffolded teaching model allows actors to learn new foundational skills, build on those techniques week by week, and apply them in practice.
To ensure individualized instruction and strong group dynamics, class sizes remain small so every young artist can build lasting confidence and form positive, meaningful friendships in a safe, brave, and inclusive space where everyone shines.
G.I.T.A.'S GIRLS
Established in 2012, GITA’s GIRLS holds the unique distinction of being Canada’s only drama program and award-winning spoken word troupe created exclusively for female and gender-expansive actors ages 9 to 18.
Combining professional acting technique with original theatre creation and spoken word performance within a supportive environment, young artists build a strong community, reclaim their narratives, and translate their lived experiences into original, powerful stage work.
BIG Feelings Acting Classes
Founded in 2022, The BIG Feelings Project is a weekly theatre, expressive, and cinema arts program for actors aged 15+ with learning barriers and intellectual or developmental exceptionalities. Designed for creative individuals who flourish in a small, focused ensemble, the program nurtures confidence, collaboration, and acting skills through teamwork and artistic exploration in a safe, brave, and inclusive space.
Please click on the
26/27 ACTING CLASSES button for the Class Schedule
At Growing In The Arts, every single child and youth is seen, heard, and deeply valued. We proudly open our doors and our hearts to neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, Asian, and global majority performers, as well as artists of all abilities, cultures, and identities.
This is a safe, brave, and inclusive space where you can make friends, try new things, and express your true self through the magic of theatre. Here, you are encouraged to explore your imagination, build your confidence, and share your unique voice with the world.
Your story belongs here, and so do you. You are welcome here just as you are!