Important Information 2024-2025

Ottawa School of Theatre offers a full curriculum of introductory to advanced and specialized acting and theatre classes, for students from pre-school to adult.

Classes in our Full Year Program run from September/October to early June. These classes will work towards a performance on stage in the Richcraft Theatre in May during our Student Showcase. We also offer shorter workshop intensives which vary in length from one day to 12 weeks. These intensives may result in a presentation in one of our black box studios at the end of the workshop.

Our Class Terms are as follows:

Fall Term: September 14 – December 19, 2024
*Teen and Adult classes start October 1
Winter Term: January 6 – March 7, 2025
*March Break Camp: March 11-15, 2024 – no regular classes
Spring Term: March 18 – May 31, 2025

There will be no classes on the following dates:

Sept 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Oct 12-14 – Thanksgiving Weekend
Oct 31 – Halloween
Nov 11 – Remembrance Day
Dec 10 – Jan 5 – Holiday Term Break
Feb 17 – Family Day
April 18-21 – Easter Weekend
May 19 – Victoria Day

Location:

The majority of our classes are held in the Ottawa School of Theatre studios in the Shenkman Arts Centre:
245 Centrum Boulevard, Orleans, ON K1E 0A1

We are delighted to expand our Saturday classes at the Rideau Community Hub, in partnership with the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre:
815 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1K 3A7

Our Comedy Workshop for Adults in partnership with the Ottawa Fringe will take place at Arts Court, in Downtown Ottawa:
2 Daly Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6E2

Register here.

Our classes are designed to run from their September/October start dates until June, with each class working together to form a team, learn performance skills, and then move into play creation and rehearsals leading to the May Showcase. However, we understand that families who discover our programming halfway through the year still want to be able to get involved! With that in mind, we have a class enrollment deadline of January 31st (or February 28th for classes that begin in January). This is the latest point at which a new student can be integrated into a class play.

Do not come to class if you are sick. If a student comes to class and is obviously ill, they will be asked to wait in the office while we phone their parents to pick them up.
If you have recently been sick and still have remaining symptoms (a lingering cough, runny nose), please wear a mask to class. If a student comes to class with mild symptoms, their teacher may ask them to put on a mask.
OST has a long history of being a community-minded place where everyone can belong and participate. We strive to have a kind space, one where everyone who is not currently sick is free to wear a mask or not wear a mask without judgement. We ask for your compassion towards others by respecting their health, and their choices.

Our age reference date for classes is December 31st. For example, a child turning 9 years old by December 31st is eligible for the 9-12 age group classes beginning in September.

Some students may be best served in a class level either above or below their age, though we ask parents to keep in mind that older classes do not mean better classes. Please call Megan Piercey Monafu, OST’s Artistic Director, at 613-712-0053 if you want advice on what class would best suit you or your child.

Consider taking a Speech Arts and Drama Exam with The Royal Conservatory. This enhances theatre study and looks great on a resume. For more information please contact Megan Piercey Monafu, OST’s Artistic Director at megan@ost-eto.ca.

OST reserves the right to make changes to the class schedule following registration. Insufficient registration in any class or workshop may result in its postponement or cancellation. In the case of cancellation, we will do our best to find a suitable alternative. While we will do our utmost to avoid changes, OST does not guarantee the teacher for any particular class. We encourage OST teachers to team teach so that the students experience different teaching styles and theatre techniques.

A transfer between classes will be considered, subject to availability.

Class size is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

OST is committed to providing the best possible learning environment for all its students. The success of the program lies in the enthusiasm and co-operation of each student. Theatre is a TEAM sport. We expect students and parents to understand this and make every effort to attend all classes and rehearsals in the creation and development of their plays and performance pieces.

We will do our best to resolve any behavioural difficulties that may arise through empathetic communication with the student, adaptation of class activities if appropriate, and healthy boundary-setting. We want to see every student succeed, and we count on the support of parents as we work through any difficult situations  that arise from student behaviour.  However, if we are unable to resolve a disruptive situation, we will require that the disruptive student be withdrawn from the course without refund.

Students in Teen or Specialized Classes may be required to miss one to two days of school during the production/performance period, depending on the nature of the production. These special days provide great professional experience, and we believe in providing these experiences for the betterment of our students. We also understand that student schedules can be limited. We aim to provide dates well in advance, and appreciate your collaboration in creating time for these special days.

Student Showcase performance dates in May will be confirmed as soon as possible in order to minimise conflicts with other activities and ensure availability of all participants. Theatre time is limited and there is very little flexibility to change the theatre schedule. Any potential conflicts must be reported to the teacher and/or Artistic Director as soon as possible. Although we try, OST cannot always change performance dates to accommodate conflicts.

Any classes cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances will be made up at a later date, either in extra showcase rehearsals or extra classes. Please note these may need to be held virtually, using the Zoom platform. You will be notified in advance when this is the case. Thank you for your understanding.

In the event of extreme weather or direction from Ottawa Public Health, classes will be held virtually, using the Zoom platform. You will be notified in advance when this is the case. Thank you for your understanding.

Additional Covid Lockdown Policy - In the event of a lockdown, all in-person classes will continue online with the same instructor at the same time. There will be no refunds issued due to any Covid-related issues.

Ottawa School of Theatre may occasionally videotape or photograph students during performances or classes. These images may be used by OST for promotional purposes without prior notice, including on our website, social media channels, and for media distribution. Names will only be used internally, and on our Front of House displays during showcases; names will not be posted online alongside photos.

For our Terms and Conditions, please click here.

Payment and Refund Policy

Camps and Intensives