Registration is now open for the 2026 event!
Scroll through to read all the exciting details, and get in touch if you have a questions at all. There are other surprises coming, so jump on the mailing list to stay in the know!
All focused on building skills, boosting confidence, and fostering connections among passionate young performers and arts educators alike.
This day is all about collaboration over competition, celebrating the spirit of community that makes theatre so powerful.
→ Join us at the stunning P.C. Ho Theatre in the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto for a day of creativity, connection, and growth!
Spend a full day immersed in professionally led workshops in singing, acting, and dancing—
Find Your Light is an inspiring, convention-style event designed for students ages 8 and up.
Find your community, find new skills, find more confidence, FIND YOUR LIGHT!
what you can expect:
Teachers:
Students:
Parents:
The panel
David Connolly
Renowned Director/Choreographer
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Acting
Julia McLellan
Performer, &Juliet Toronto
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Singing
Derek Kwan
Performer, Stratford Festival
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acting
Jewelle Blackman
Original Broadway Cast, Hadestown
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Singing
Hailey Lewis
Performer,
SIX North American Tour
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Dancing
David Connolly is the Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, one of Canada’s leading not-for-profit theatre companies, and a passionate disability inclusion advocate. In 2024, he received the inaugural Canadian Actors’ Equity Change Maker Award and is proud to be the first amputee to have performed on Broadway.
After performing on Broadway, at the Stratford Festival and across the country, David became a renowned director and choreographer, helming the National Regional Premieres of Dear Evan Hansen, Kinky Boots, Mamma Mia!, Newsies and more. His screen work includes several hit children’s series for CBC, and live special event projects for CBS, NBC, ABC, and PBS, collaborating with artists including Katy Perry, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John, Patti LaBelle, and kd lang.
David leads the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy which serviced over 4000 children in 2025. He has also been an educator and advisor at Sheridan College, Western University, VanderCook College, and Dartmouth’s Hopkins Centre.
A recipient of the Ontario Premier’s Award of Excellence, David serves as a peer assessor for the Canada Council for the Arts and an Ambassador for Shriners Hospitals for Children and the War Amps of Canada.
David Connolly
Derek Kwan is a theatre performer/creator working at the intersection of various forms including opera, clown, and puppetry. His performing career has taken him across Canada and around the globe, including performing in French in Montreal, to the Stratford Festival, singing with the Canadian Opera Company, and touring a puppet show for children in Quebec. Performance highlights include: Salesman in China, André in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Stratford); Zhang Lin in Chimerica (Duceppe); Jay in Frog Song (Here For Now/Stratford Symphony); Chinatown (City Opera Vancouver); The Tempest (Citadel Theatre); The Cave (LUMINATO 2022/BC Tour); Blood Weddings (Modern Times/Aluna); Mr. Shi and His Lover (Tarragon/NAC: Toronto Theatre Critics Award – Best Supporting Actor in a Musical.), I, Claudia (Theatre Ignite, Taipei); The Curious Voyage (Talk is Free Theatre/London, England). derekkwan.net
Derek Kwan
Julia is a Nova Scotian performer and theatre educator. She has had the fortune of performing on some of North America’s largest stages including three companies of the Tony Award winning hit Kinky Boots (Broadway, 1st Nat Tour & Mirvish). Julia most recently played Anne Hathaway in Mirvish Production’s smash hit & Juliet. You may have also seen Julia star as Jenna in The Grand London and Theatre Aquarius’s critically acclaimed Waitress, or as an alternate for Seymour, Howard and Boleyn in Mirvish’s SIX The Musical. Select credits include: Mildred & Helen’s Mother in the World Premiere of Kelly v. Kelly (Musical Stage), Doralee in 9 to 5 (Citadel), Persephone in the North American premiere of Mythic (Segal), Val Clark in The Stratford Festival’s A Chorus Line, Dorothy Alternate in the North American premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz (1st Nat tour, Mirvish), Casey in First Date (Mayfield), Katharine Plummer in Disney’s Newsies (Drayton).
Julia’s stage career intertwines with her passion for theatre education, which resulted in the founding of Coach With Julia in 2018. Her studio takes her around the country teaching contemporary vocal technique, acting through song and theatre dance. Julia is a proud student of the Institute For Vocal Advancement, where she is a lifelong learner in vocal pedagogy, as well as a graduate of Sheridan College’s prestigious Music Theatre Program.
Julia McLellan
Jewelle Blackman is a Canadian actor, violinist, singer/songwriter and playwright. She is about to return to Broadway in her original Contralto Fate track after she was last seen starring as Persephone in HADESTOWN. Notable theatre credits include The Lion King (Mirvish), We Will Rock You (Mirvish-Canadian Premiere), Dreamgirls (The Grand), Once on This Island (Musical Stage), Caroline or Change (Musical Stage), Crowns (Canadian Stage) and three seasons at the Stratford Festival.
She has also appeared on screen in “NINE LIVES”(EuropaCorp), “Crossword Mysteries”(Hallmark); in addition to “The Coroner”, Kim’s Convenience”, “Frankie Drake”, “Private Eyes” and “Shadowhunters”. Jewelle has headlined with the Toronto Symphony and is an Anthem singer at Madison Square Gardens. Her musicals “Rooted” A Musical Poem and “BoyBoy and The Magic Drum” premiered to critical acclaim at the 2024 Toronto Fringe Festival, with ROOTED also premiering Off-Broadway in 2025.
Jewelle loves working with youth and those who love the creative arts and is passionate about always bringing your authentic self to whatever you do. She has led Masterclasses in New York and workshops at her alma mater Queen’s University as well as schools throughout the GTA. She has also recently started coaching privately.
Jewelle Blackman
Hailey Lewis is an Afro-Canadian triple-threat artist who graduated from Sheridan College with a degree in Music Theatre. She currently portrays Anna of Cleves in the North American SIX Boleyn Tour. Her notable theatre credits include performances in Six The Musical (Mirvish), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Mirvish), Alice in Winterland Virtual Panto (Ross Petty Productions), Hairspray (Drayton Entertainment & Theatre Aquarius), Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival), Mary Poppins (YPT), Shrek: The Musical (Globe Theatre), Grease (Irregular Entertainment), and Prom Queen (Segal Centre). In addition to her theatre work, Hailey has appeared in TV and film projects such as Welcome to Derry (HBO Max), The Boys (Amazon), Zombies (Disney), and American Gods (Freemantel). Hailey has shared her expertise teaching at her alma mater, Sheridan College, and conducting workshops for various theatre and performance companies across the GTA. When she’s not on stage or screen, Hailey enjoys cuddling with her dog Rigley, getting lost in a good book, spending time with her family (especially her mama), and indulging in plenty of chips! @haileyalexislewis.
Hailey Lewis
Student Workshop
electives
Acting Workshop Option One: Preparation In Scripted Acting With David Connolly
Singing Workshop Option Two:
Storytelling Through Song With Jewelle Blackman
Singing Workshop Option One:
Musical Theatre Vocal Technique With
Julia McLellan
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Acting Workshop Option Two:
Building A Bold Character With Derek Kwan
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In this dynamic, hands-on workshop, students will dive into scenes from age-appropriate shows while unlocking the tools professional performers use to stand out. They’ll learn how to break down text, make bold character choices, and confidently prepare for auditions and rehearsals. This will allow students to bring every role to life with clarity, creativity, and impact.
Acting Workshop Option One: Preparation In Scripted Acting With David Connolly
In this high-energy workshop, students will unleash their creativity through improvisation, physicality, and comedy as they step beyond their comfort zones. They’ll learn how to develop unforgettable, larger-than-life characters and discover the joy of making strong, fearless choices that captivate any audience.
Acting Workshop Option Two: Building A Bold Character With
Derek Kwan
In this electrifying vocal technique workshop, students will learn what it takes to sing with confidence, control, and impact. Through dynamic warm-ups and hands-on coaching, they’ll explore breath support, vocal placement, range, and healthy technique. Whether belting out an 11 o’clock number, or connecting with the emotion of a ballad, students will leave feeling stronger and more confident in their vocal abilities.
Singing Workshop Option One: Musical Theatre Vocal Technique With Julia McLellan
In this powerful, story-driven workshop, students will discover how to turn every song into a compelling performance. Through engaging ensemble-based exercises and guided coaching, they’ll explore how to connect emotionally to lyrics, make clear character choices, and bring authenticity to every moment. By blending vocal technique with acting, students will learn how to communicate a story that feels real, honest, and unforgettable.
Singing Workshop Option Two: Storytelling Through Song With Jewelle Blackman
professional development panel
David Connolly
Artistic Director,
Drayton Entertainment
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Meredith Wolting
Set Designer,
Teaching Artist
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Dr. Shane Bransdon
Educator,
Theatre Maker
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Alexandra Herzog
Certified Life Coach, Performer Mindset Coach
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David Connolly is the Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, one of Canada’s leading not-for-profit theatre companies, and a passionate disability inclusion advocate. In 2024, he received the inaugural Canadian Actors’ Equity Change Maker Award and is proud to be the first amputee to have performed on Broadway.
After performing on Broadway, at the Stratford Festival and across the country, David became a renowned director and choreographer, helming the National Regional Premieres of Dear Evan Hansen, Kinky Boots, Mamma Mia!, Newsies and more. His screen work includes several hit children’s series for CBC, and live special event projects for CBS, NBC, ABC, and PBS, collaborating with artists including Katy Perry, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John, Patti LaBelle, and kd lang.
David leads the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy which serviced over 4000 children in 2025. He has also been an educator and advisor at Sheridan College, Western University, VanderCook College, and Dartmouth’s Hopkins Centre.
A recipient of the Ontario Premier’s Award of Excellence, David serves as a peer assessor for the Canada Council for the Arts and an Ambassador for Shriners Hospitals for Children and the War Amps of Canada.
David Connolly
Joining us all the way from Australia!
Shane Bransdon is an artistic director, actor and educational specialist based in Australia. He teaches acting workshops internationally and is the co-founder of the Junior Theatre Festival Australia. Shane holds a PhD in theatre studies from the University of Newcastle, where he also lectured in drama education. His performance credits include Kinky Boots, CHICAGO, Les Misérables, Wicked, and Mary Poppins. He currently serves as the artistic director of the Combined Schools ANZAC production for the City of Newcastle.
Shane is the managing director of Travel Gang, an international performing arts tour company that connects students with leading theatre practitioners and training institutions around the world. Through partnerships with renowned organisations such as Frantic Assembly in London, iTheatrics in New York and the Jacques Lecoq theatre school in France, Shane facilitates immersive learning experiences that broaden students’ global understanding of performance.
Dr. Shane Bransdon
A set and props designer, scenic artist, and children’s book illustrator, Meredith is based in Toronto and works with a range of theatre companies and arts education programs. She is the resident scenic designer at Bravo Academy for the Performing Arts, and is the illustrator of The A-G Piano Book Series as well as Opera Atelier's series of student resource comic books. Meredith leads creative workshops for all ages, and strives to empower the next generation of creatives as a teaching artist in design at the Canadian Opera Company. Follow along: @meredithwolting
Meredith Wolting
Next Up founder and lead coach, Alexandra Herzog, is a certified Life Coach and Performer Mindset coach. With a background as a professional dancer, actor and choreographer, Alexandra founded the Performer Mindset program to provide performers with the mindset tools necessary to perform at their best. Next Up has helped many actors, dancers and singers who previously crumbled under pressure and lacked belief in themselves, to emerge as empowered and confident artists, ready to own their training, performances and potential! She has coached artists in North America, Australia and Europe, and has been featured on Sirius XM podcasts. After working together, performers are equipped with the mindset tools necessary to coach themselves through high pressure situations. Performer Mindset coaching helps performers at all career stages to create a career and life that feels fulfilling, purposeful and meets their potential! nextupcoach.com @nextup.coach
Alexandra Herzog
PD Workshops
Radical Inclusion With David Connolly
Teach Them to Fish: Unlocking the Power of Ensemble Storytelling With Shane Bransdon
Set And Prop Design For Affordable And Sustainable Theatre With Meredith Wolting
Performer Mindset For Teachers With Alexandra Herzog
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Radical Inclusion challenges theatre educators to rethink the future of the classroom. Grounded in human sustainability, this workshop explores how nurturing empathy, honouring diverse lived experiences, and leading with compassion can transform the future of arts education. Skills often thought of as “soft skills” gained as a bonus from arts education, should actually be looked at as the fundamentals of arts education. Together we can create truly inclusive spaces where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Radical Inclusion With David Connolly
What if every student on stage knew how to actively tell the story? This workshop offers theatre teachers a toolkit of practical strategies to transform ensembles from passive background performers into dynamic storytellers. Participants will experience a range of activities that develop students’ ability to build environments, direct audience focus, and collaborate with clarity and purpose. By investing time in teaching these foundational ensemble skills, educators can unlock richer, more cohesive performances while fostering deeper engagement and creativity in their students.
Teach Them to Fish: Unlocking the Power of Ensemble Storytelling With Shane Bransdon
This hands-on workshop will focus on set and prop building for children’s musicals using affordable, accessible materials. Learn how Meredith builds sets on a budget and uses paint to add depth and texture to simple set pieces. Are there any particular techniques you'd like to try for yourself? Want to learn how to build fake rocks or paint wood effects? Reach out and let us know!
Set And Prop Design For Affordable And Sustainable Theatre With Meredith Wolting
In this workshop Alexandra will offer teachers tools and skills they can use with their students. Learn to teach your students how to build authentic confidence, internally validate, quiet the inner critic, reframe comparison, and manage nerves and performance anxiety.
Performer Mindset For Teachers With Alexandra Herzog
event schedule
10:45-12:00pm
Workshop 1
12:15-1:30pm
Workshop 2
1:30-2:15pm
Lunch Break (Please Bring Your Lunch!)
2:15-3:45pm
Workshop 3
3:45-4:00pm
Transition To Theatre, Parents Join The Audience!
(Students are given 15 minutes to transition between workshops because it’s a big building, and they can use the washroom, fill water bottles, or grab a snack as needed so they’re not missing out on learning time.)
9:00-10:00am
Parents Drop Off/Buses Arrive, Students & Teachers Sign In
4:00-5:30pm
- Special Guest Performance
- Student Show & Share
- Q&A With The Panel
- Spotlight Awards For Exceptional Effort & Spirit
3:00-3:45pm
Complimentary Workshop For Parents With Mindset Coach Alexandra Herzog
Gain tools to help your child build a confident, calm and clear mindset as they navigate the performing arts. There is no fee, but please click here to register so we know how many to expect.
10:00-10:40am
Community Power Up!
(All Students/Teachers In The Theatre)
Teacher Professional Development Schedule
9:45-10:00am
Mix & Mingle Ice Breakers
10:00-11:00am
Workshop 1:
Radical Inclusion With David Connolly
11:00-12:00pm
Workshop 2:
Unlocking The Power Of Ensemble Storytelling With Shane Bransdon
12:00-1:00pm
Catered Lunch & Group Discussions
1:00-2:00pm
Workshop 3:
Set & Prop Design For Affordable And Sustainable Theatre With Meredith Wolting
2:00-3:00pm
Workshop 4:
Mindset Coaching With Alexandra Herzog
9:15-9:45am
Sign In & Enjoy Complimentary Coffee/Treats
3:00-3:30pm
4:00-6:00pm
Fees breakdown
$175.00 +hst
(Please connect with your teachers first to confirm whether there are plans to attend as a group)
Individual Student Rate
$150.00 +hst per student
Dance Studios & Performing Arts Schools (Groups of 10 or more)
$50.00 +hst per student
We’re able to offer this discounted rate thanks to the generosity of the following sponsors who have subsidized this initiative for schools!
School Groups (Groups of 25 or more)
- Please note that groups will need to hold their desired number of spots with a 25% deposit
- For groups- Final numbers and payment are due by September 25th 2026
- For individuals- Payments will be processed at the time of registration through our portal system
- There will be no refunds after September 25th 2026
For the ultimate inspiring and refreshing weekend, join the Teacher PD Day on Saturday as well! Enjoy four awesome workshops, a full catered lunch, complimentary coffee and cold beverages, and further opportunities to connect, share resources, and learn from each other. You’ll walk away with new ideas, fresh connections, feeling supported, and pumped to get back to your classrooms and rehearsals!
- Those already attending with students can add the PD Day for $50.00 +hst per teacher
- Those attending without students are only charged $150.00 +hst per teacher, which includes one student event and the PD Day
- There will be discount codes and other surprises for teachers at the Professional Development Event!
Teachers/Youth Theatre Makers
register by September 25th 2026 & receive a complimentary souvenir T-shirt!
Likewise, all teachers registered for Professional Development by September 25th 2026 will receive a complimentary souvenir t-shirt!
This is also for teachers who wish to attend, but aren’t bringing students
How To Register
Option 1: Schools/Performing Arts Studio Groups
(Please connect with their teachers first to confirm whether there are plans to attend as a group)