ARTSies Youth Theatre Programs

Libby & Joey, Co-founders
BMus- Vocal Performance, BEd

Hi! We’re Libby and Joey. Sometimes our students call us Loey or Jibby because we’re always together! If you popped your head into the room while we’re teaching, you might see us playing along with our students and mistake us for big kids (BIG kids- we’re both 6 feet tall!). In actuality, we have a combined experience of over 40 years as professional performers and arts educators, and have been involved in the Markham area together since 2013. All of our programs are fun, inclusive, educational, and taught by industry professionals (us!). We’re known for our infectious love of the arts, detail-oriented organizational skills, thorough email communication, and our deep passion for serving our community with the very best experiences possible.

ARTSies is a purpose-driven company, with the heart of a non-profit, that operates with the efficiency and superior customer service of a small business.

Top 5 Reasons Why We’re Different

1) Where most performing arts schools offer a variety of different classes, we have a very specific focus on musical theatre performance.

2) Our goal when we started ARTSies was to support and enhance the arts in our community. There are already a multitude of wonderful dance studios to choose from, which is why we don’t offer technical dance classes (ballet, jazz, tap, etc). However, if you’d like to support those classes with “triple threat” learning and stage experience, you’ve come to the right place! (You can also join us if you have no arts experience at all :)

3) Many theatre programs audition for entry, and only give spoken parts to those who already demonstrate specific talents. In our shows everyone gets a part and is an important piece of the puzzle! We tailor parts for each individual to suit their comfort level and interests. Always with the goal of challenging them just enough that there’s growth, while ensuring that they will be successful.

4) Where many children’s activities follow a September to June commitment, we offer the flexibility of three different sessions during the school year- join us for one, two, or all three!

5) We believe in experiential learning! Most recreational arts programs work towards one year-end show, with children performing a short routine. We provide at least three performance opportunities in our school year, and three more over the Summer! Students are on stage throughout our shows- acting in their own role, singing, and dancing. So much growth happens in the process of learning the show, then reaching that end goal of getting it up in front of an audience!

We'd love to welcome you to the ARTSies Family! Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions at all.

[email protected]

647-909-6260