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.

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.

OST is a not-for-profit, registered charity with a goal to operate efficiently within a balanced budget with class tuitions as our main source of income.  This policy outlines payment requirements and refund circumstances.

1. Payment of tuition for all programs is due in accordance with the fee schedule set out below.
2. Other fee structures may be provided at the discretion of the Management – please contact the school to discuss. Need-based subsidies are available.
3. Placement in a program or workshop is not confirmed until first payment is received.
4. We encourage contactless payment wherever possible, preferably online, by either credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or e-transfer. E-transfers should be sent to office@ost-eto.ca, entering the student’s initials and the class number in the message field.

1. Prior to the start of classes (up to the starting date of the class) the student can receive: a full refund of the course fees, less a $25 administrative charge OR a full credit to be used for any future courses or workshops valid for 2 years.
2. Prior to the start of the second class, the student can receive: a refund of 96% of the course fees, less a $25 administrative charge OR a 96% credit to be used for any future courses or workshops valid for 2 years.
3. Prior to the start of the third class, the student can receive: a refund of 93% of the course fees, less a $25 administrative charge OR a 93% credit to be used for any future courses or workshops valid for 2 years.
4. Prior to the start of the fourth class, the student can receive: a refund of 90% of the course fees, less a $25 administrative charge OR a 90% credit to be used for any future courses or workshops valid for 2 years.
5. No refunds or credits will be issued after the fourth class in any program or workshop except for medical reasons.
6. All refunds will be subject to a $25 administrative charge.
7. No refunds or credits will be issued if a participant fails to attend a program, class or workshop.
8. Full refunds will be given in the case of program or workshop cancellation by OST-ETO.

We offer a 10% discount on tuition for registration in 3 or more programs or workshops (excluding the All Ages Plays, which have their own unique fee structure and family discount).

We strive to offer need-based subsidies whenever possible. To apply, fill out this online form. Other fee structures may be provided at the discretion of the Management. Please complete the application and select your preferred payment structure.

• All refunds will be subject to a $25 administrative fee.
• Full refunds will be given in the case of a camp cancellation by OST-ETO.
• Cancellations requested 30 or more days prior to start of camp will be eligible for a full refund, less the administrative fee, OR a full credit (valid for 2 years) for future OST camps, classes or workshops.
• Cancellations requested between 8 and 29 days prior to start of camp will be eligible for a full credit (valid for 2 years) for future camps, classes or workshops.
• No refunds or credits will be issued for cancellations requested within 7 days of the start of camp.
• We ask that any child who is sick or is developing new symptoms not attend camp. Please notify the office at your earliest possible convenience and we will try to fill your spot with a student on the waiting list. If we are able to fill the spot, we will offer you a refund, minus a $25 administrative fee. If we are unable to fill the spot, we will offer you a full credit to be used on a future class or camp.
• No refunds or credits will be issued if a participant fails to attend any days of the camp

Terms and Conditions

Cancellation and Refunds

Terms and Conditions