Join Our Team

We are currently looking for volunteers for our 2023-2024 full year classes and our Summer and March Break Camps 2024. Please complete this form if you are interested.

The Ottawa School of Theatre is a Resident Arts Partner within The Shenkman Arts Centre. Our theatre study happens in one of our two state of the art studios with performances in studios and/or one of the theatres within the centre.

Operated by the City of Ottawa, this centre offers a diversity of programs and activities attributed to a unique collaboration with the Resident Arts Partners: Ottawa School of Theatre , Arts Network Ottawa, Gloucester Pottery School, MIFO (Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans), and the Ottawa School of Art–Orléans Campus.  The centre is also home to Resident Company Tara Luz Danse and ARTicipate, a one-of-a-kind endowment fund that supports innovative programming at the centre.

Ottawa School of Theatre (OST-ETO, OST) is a non-profit, charitable organization providing excellence in drama and theatre education and experience to students of all ages in English and French. Begun in 1989 in the Township of Cumberland as Orleans Young Players, OST-ETO has grown to include more than 500 students in the September to June classes, camp programs and workshops.

OST-ETO provides a valuable service to our community in that we raise awareness – and appreciation – of the arts in our community and lives. We believe that arts and culture must be an integral part of life from the formative years.

The mission of OST-ETO is to offer excellence in theatre education that is accessible to students of all ages, ethnicities and abilities.

The vision of OST-ETO is to be a creative catalyst for self-confident performers and discerning and appreciative patrons of the arts in our school and the greater community.

With a program focused on developmental drama, our goal is to have each student attain and exceed their highest personal standard of excellence. OST-ETO’s program provides direct drama education, giving each student the opportunity to perform a significant role in a production; hands-on experience in behind-the-scenes aspects of theatre; and strives to instill in our students an appreciation for, and love of, theatre.

The play is the nucleus through which the other aspects are explored, experienced and integrated. Through this simple concept education can flow. Producing a play is challenging to the students and exciting for the instructors, which creates an environment where students want to learn.

Accommodations are available upon request at any stage of the application process.

The entrance to the building is at step-free ground level with two sets of two doors, and one is automatic or at the lower level one set of two doors, one of which is automatic. There is an elevator. The Shenkman Arts Centre is open to the public and, especially during events and celebrations, it can be a noisy and vibrant place.

We work to continually increase accessibility, inclusivity and diversity, OST-ETO is an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of the people we hire and serve. Diversity at OST-ETO means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated and respected, as well as responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths.

Masks are strongly encouraged based on Ottawa Public Health recommendations, but are no longer required. 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.

• Important Note: If a student has been sick in the last 10 days, we ask that they wear a mask in class. Please keep in mind that there are vulnerable people in our community -- and as we all know, no one needs another virus right now.
• Do not come to class if you are sick, even if you have a negative COVID-19 test. If a student comes to class and has obvious symptoms, they will be asked to wait in the office while we phone their parents to pick them up.

We will no longer be actively screening at the door of our suite. We will remind you not to come to class when sick and to mask if you have been sick in the last 10 days. If you are unsure of whether you or your child should come to class, follow this screening: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/. Even if you get the green check mark, remember to scroll down the page for specific instructions, as it will indicate if you should be wearing a mask to class based on your answers.

We will continue to monitor the pandemic situation and reserve the right to amend these policies as the situation or government guidelines change.

OST has a long history of being a community-minded place where everyone can belong and participate. We ask for your compassion towards others by respecting their health, and their choices.

We would LOVE to hear from you! Please direct any questions, comments or concerns to jobs@ost-eto.ca.