In-School Workshops

Theatricks provides programming in schools during instructional time. Informed by the Ontario Guidelines for the Drama and Dance curriculum, Theatricks Theatre Co. 4 Kids workshops are designed to engage students in active participation enhancing their understanding of drama and increasing self-confidence and creativity. All of our programs are customizable to meet the needs of schools.

The Actor's Toolbelt (Grades K-3, 4-8)

Early primary grades will be introduced to the basic skills of drama and acting, character development, scene creation, and plot development through the exploration of dramatic expression.

Improve Your Improv (Grades 4-8)

Senior students will build on their drama experience with improvisational acting. Students will engage in the creative process while developing the skills necessary for improvisational acting. Improv has proven benefits including confidence building, cooperative teamwork, and presentation/public speaking skills. The Actor’s Toolbelt is prerequisite to this program.

Pricing

Flexible pricing packages available for multiple bookings across classes and grades. Contact us for a custom quote.

Theatricks is proud to have partnered with schools throughout the GTA, including:

  • St. Denis Catholic School

  • Adam Beck Junior Public School

  • Williamson Road Junior Public School

  • Balmy Beach Community School

  • Chine Drive Public School

  • Hawthorne II Alternative Bilingual School

  • Gledhill Junior Public School

  • Blake Street Junior Public School

  • The Claremont School

  • Kimberly Junior Public School

  • Beaches Alternative School

  • Beaches Montessori

  • Devine Mercy Catholic Elementary School

  • Maurice Cody Junior Public School

  • The Study Academy

  • Courcellette Public School

  • Norway Public School

  • Leslieville Public School

  • Holy Cross Catholic School

Create an Environment Conducive to Discovery and Growth

Care is taken to establish a cooperative, dynamic atmosphere where students can challenge themselves and take risks.  Active, equal participation is encouraged to strengthen confidence in self-expression within a supportive environment.

Develop and Strengthen Practical Skills

Students will be introduced to a variety of drama and acting skills that address the expectations as described in the Ontario Curriculum for Drama and Dance.  They will develop practical dramatic skills, an understanding of art and its importance, an understanding of the key elements of performance, the four elements of expression, plot construction, settings, scene and plot development, the use of symbolism, an understanding of themes, audience awareness and etiquette, the elements of staging, and learn the vocabulary of the theatre.

Enhance Self-Confidence and Creativity

Active participation in the program has proven to develop self-confidence and creativity, develop social skills, team skills, nurture peer support and empathy, cooperation, group dynamics, compromise, self expression, leadership and listening skills. Furthermore, students will develop problem-solving skills in groups and individually, learn the importance of strategies to overcome obstacles, develop analytical and conflict resolution skills through peer discussion and responding to others work. An emphasis is placed on communication skills – vocal work - enunciation, articulation, projection, clarifying their thoughts, all helping to build self-confidence that will aid them in public speaking and presentations.

Integrate and Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Values

Great care and attention are given to understanding, accepting, and valuing the uniqueness and diversity of all program participants regardless of their background or personal circumstances. All of our programs reflect the important values within the TDSB Equity Framework. Our educators value and promote the different experiences both present and not present in each classroom and seek to create an environment that is mindful of the needs of others and the importance of their active presence in the creative process. The outcomes from our drama and improv classes are deeply connected to making the learning personal and included for everyone. 

Incorporate Cross-Curricular Strategies and Social Values

There is opportunity for teachers to inform the workshops to reinforce other areas of the curriculum and many opportunities for the students to be engaged in Values Clarification.  Improvisation acting promotes and gives students new opportunities to express kindness, acceptance, respect, self-control, empathy, and fairness.

Jeff Gillespie
Founder & Director | Theatre Educator | Primary, Junior & Intermediate Teacher | Athletic Director

Jeff is an experienced theatre educator, full-time teacher, and Athletic Director with over 30 years of experience working with children and youth in creative and academic learning environments. His work in both the classroom and the arts reflects his deep commitment to safety, inclusion, and child-centred practice.

As Co-Founder and Director of Theatricks Theatre Co. 4 Kids, Jeff is dedicated to creating safe, structured, and engaging spaces where students feel a strong sense of belonging, dignity, and care. He believes consistency and emotional intelligence are essential to helping young people thrive.

Jeff has extensive experience leading drama, improv, and theatre programs for students in primary through intermediate grades. His teaching focuses on skill-building through performance-based learning, helping students grow in confidence, creativity, communication, and collaboration. He supports learners of all abilities and learning styles, ensuring each child feels supported, valued, and capable of success.

Whether on the stage, in the classroom, or on the field, Jeff believes in the power of teamwork, empathy, and personal growth. Through encouragement, structure, and high expectations rooted in care, he empowers students to take positive risks, celebrate their individuality, and build skills that extend far beyond performance.

Cathie Webb
Founder & Director | Theatre Educator | Primary/Intermediate Educator | Theatricks Education & Community Support

Cathie is an experienced theatre educator and school leader with over 30 years of experience working with children, educators, and communities. As Co-Founder and Director of Theatricks Theatre Co. 4 Kids, she is committed to creating safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments where every participant feels a strong sense of belonging, dignity, and care.

In addition to leading Theatricks’ Education & Community Experience, Cathie brings decades of experience as an educator, vice principal, actor, and theatre leader. Her work is rooted in child-centred practice, emotional intelligence, and the belief that creativity and collaboration are essential tools for growth.

Cathie has led immersive, experiential programs and developed a thriving theatre education program grounded in collaboration and student voice. At the heart of her teaching is Collective Creation: a process that empowers students to explore ideas, build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and express themselves through performance.

She is also passionate about teacher mentoring and professional development, supporting educators in building classroom environments grounded in safety, inclusivity, respect, and meaningful skill-building. Through structure, encouragement, and care, Cathie helps young people and educators alike feel confident, creative, and connected.

Conor Ling
Theatre Educator | Actor  | Stage Manager | Fight Choreographer | Carpenter

Conor is a theatre, film, television, commercial, and voice actor based in Toronto! He grew up attending Wicked Wednesday’s and is thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to this incredible company!

Originally from the UK, Conor grew up in Toronto before moving to New York City to study at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. While receiving his diploma and earning a certificate in Advanced Actor Training, Conor worked as an actor, stage manager, fight choreographer/director, and carpenter across various production companies like Red Sand Productions, Scranton Shakespeare Festival, Amicus Theatre Productions, and Red Sandcastle Theatre. 

Conor has been an educator with Theatricks for the past 3 years, working with kids from JK-Gr 8 across the TDSB, TCDSB, and various private institutions. Conor is well versed in the Actors Toolbelt and Improv teachings, having been a Theatricks kid himself! 

As an actor, Conor’s credits include: Cyrano (Mirvish/Roast Productions), Small Gods (Factory Theatre), Cinderella (DreamCo/Diversified Theatre Productions), Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap (Theatre Northwest), Wishful Seeing (4th Line Theatre), The Seat Next to the King (Toronto FRINGE, The Theatre Centre). You’ll also see Conor in various commercials across TV and streaming platforms!

Conor believes in encouraging learning, inspiring confidence, and fostering creativity all while creating a fun and safe environment for kids of all ages! He believes in finding joy in everyday activities, and that the largest of adventures can happen in the smallest of places.

Kiana Woo
Theatre Educator | Actor

Kiana Woo (she/her) is a Dora Award winning queer, Chinese-Canadian actor, clown, mover and creator. She attained her BFA in Acting from the University of Alberta and has since worked across Canada, spending time in Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto.

Kiana spent 2023 in Niaragra-on-the-lake as an ensemble member for the Shaw Festival, acting in Prince Caspian as Lucy, Playboy of the Western World, and A Christmas Carol. Previously, Kiana was a member of the Soulpepper Academy.

Kiana also had extensive teaching experience. She has facilitated and taught various clown workshops. Kiana wrote the curriculum and taught classes in acting, Shakespeare, improv, and physical theatre for Pumphouse theatre drama day camp, while also acting as the camp coordinator. She is also a school educator with Theatricks Theatre Co. 4 Kids.

She has substantial experience with new play development, having worked on many workshops of new Canadian plays. She can provide excellent insights during the development process and has facilitated the growth of many projects. Kiana is also fluent in French, having recently performed with Théâtre français de Toronto in Les Zinspiré·e·s 12 : le nombre sublime.

Kiana also creates her own work, including multiple clown turns, both with collaborators and solo. Kiana is a full member of CAEA and ACTRA. 

Sandy Battye
Theatre Educator | Event Planner

Sandy has been part of Theatricks for the past 20 years and can be found supporting our campers across a wide variety of programs. You’ll find her at Super Summer Day Camps (Guild and Beach), Improv Adventure Camps, March Break Madness, After School Club, and In-school programs. She is thoughtful, supportive, industrious, and reliable, bringing a calm and steady presence to everything she takes part in.

Sandy is the Program Facilitator for the SSDC Guild program, where she has helped build and shape the program alongside Jeff, in collaboration with the City of Toronto, bringing it to life. She also plays a big role in bringing the staff team together as Theatricks’ Social Convenor, organizing fun events that help everyone connect. Sandy loves working with our LITs, mentoring and supporting them as they grow into confident leaders.

Sandy says a big reason why keeps coming back year after year is the Theatricks community. Theatricks played a big role in building her own confidence, and she is passionate about creating that same experience for others. She loves watching kids find their voice, grow in confidence, and build social, problem-solving, and life skills along the way.