The Yonge Street Players Theatre School is Toronto’s premier training ground for young children and teens. Founded in 1987 by artistic director Lisa M. Seward, the school emphasizes risk-taking, improvisation, creative drama, character creation and performance skills as its fundamentals.

YSP is known for its original productions in sketch comedy and “Second City” style improvisation. From the Pint-Size Players to the elite Teen Production Class, each workshop builds on the Players’ individual creative instincts.

Each class combines warm-up exercises, improvisation, scene study, monologues, commedia del’arte, and performance techniques. The YSP program encourages each “Player” to contribute as part of and ensemble with an emphasis on friendly critique and peer direction techniques.

The Players perform a live improv show several times a year to boost their self-confidence and provide a unique learning experience. YSP’s trademark shows created and written by the Players have been performed in venues like: Second City’s Old Firehall Theatre, The Ford Center, Solar Stage and the Metro Convention Center.

The Yonge Street Players were recipients of the National YTV Award for Comedy judged and presented by Jim Carrey and Eugene Levy.

Lisa M. Seward trained in New York City at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, York University and University of Toronto. She holds a degree in the Arts, Psychology and is a Registered Drama Therapist. Lisa was one of the early members of Second City’s “First Issue”, writing and performing live corporate improv shows across Canada. She continues to work with corporations with YSP’s TEAMWORK, facilitating creativity in the workplace. Since 1989, Lisa has combined her unique teaching style and expertise in the areas of child counseling and behavior therapy in a successful private practice.