The Yonge Street Players Theatre School
The Toronto theatre school for children & teens
“My daughter will not go to any other class. She loves YSP!” – A.L
“Very positive class experience. Self confidence improved so much.
My child never wants to miss a class! ” – DC
EXCELLENT. EXCELLENT. EXCELLENT.
That’s all I can say about YSP!” – ZC
The Yonge Street Players Theatre School
Our Unique Programme
Inspired by their imagination, character ideas, and a desire to perform with their peer group, The Yonge Street Players is about building self-esteem and learning to think on their feet. We've created a wonderful studio experience in the heart of midtown Toronto for children and teenagers to build strength in their interactions and creativity for life!
YSP won the YTV Award For Comedy, judged by Eugene Levy and awarded by Jim Carrey.
The Yonge Street Players Founder & Artistic Director
Lisa Seward 
Lisa found her love of theatre and all things Improvisation as a child in Toronto and later as a student at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Having a keen interest in working with children and teens in Toronto as she continued her education in the Arts and Psychology, she saw an opportunity to start the first Improv classes for young people in Toronto. Her first studio in North York blended acting and comedy classes for ALL children and teens.
Lisa's mission is to empower young children and teens to reach their full potential by challenging themselves with her Saturday classes.
"The best part of teaching young people is the ability to create laughter and see a child's self-esteem grow every week. We create laughter and help young minds believe in the power of a shared goal. One scene becomes a tributary to an ocean of possibilities. Our Players learn how to speak up and join the flow. It's real life at its best!"
When not teaching on Saturdays, Lisa works in private practice as a Child, Teen & Parenting Coach in Toronto and remotely outside of Canada is also an associate of Connected Parenting.
Transformative Classes
We believe that acting classes should both empower and excite all our Players to collaborate and practice performance skills. By tapping into Improvisation principles like brainstorming and accepting ideas or 'offers' from others, each class will challenge our Players to lean into their personalities and intellect. Our classes are always positive and engaging to ensure that a PLAYER is feeling part of the magic of our ensemble experience.
We teach everyone: Outgoing, shy, class clown, student-athlete, reserved or advanced...We believe in the limitless potential of one's imagination. We attract children and teens from all over the GTA (that's why we're located on Yonge Street- near a subway for easy access) Our classes run in 3 sessions during the Fall, Winter & Spring - along with the regular school schedule.
Acting & Improvisation
The Affect on a CHILD or TEEN
Each class combines both Acting and Improv exercises and scenes. Each class begins with energetic and thought-provoking warm-up exercises and games to build on listening skills. We add a series of fun and stimulating exercises to initiate and challenge Players to 'think on their feet'. Our classes inspire each Player to add their original characters, their voice, and their energy into every exercise or scene.
YSP is not your typical theatre school experience. Parents routinely comment on our unique approach and we often hear that our classes are "the best part of their child's week." Players return year after year. Our classes become part of the fabric of their childhood. Our graduates come back to volunteer and to visit when they are back in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Testimonials
” The first class my son was nervous to get out of the car. He wasn’t sure that he wanted to try a class. He is the funniest child in our family , but he was reluctant. It was not an easy morning. But when I returned to pick him up – he did not hesitate to tell me that “Yes! He definitely wanted to come back next week!” It was an incredible relief for us and he still loves YSP- 2 years later. Thank you Lisa. – S.B. & C.B
“My teenage son rarely wakes up before 1 pm on the weekend. Last year, he not only woke up by 11-but he ran to the subway to get to his class on time. Now that’s incredible!” – R.J-D
“AMAZING! Lisa created comfortable environment so that my son could participate fully. Exceptional!” – DG
“My son (age 13 yrs) has really enjoyed the Improv experience. He looks forward to going and is always full of stories about what he did that day in class. Rare because he’s not one to much about school stuff.”- MD
“Very positive class experience. Self confidence improved so much. My child never wants to miss a class! ” – DC
“My son (age 14) enjoyed YSP thoroughly and found that it helped him in every public speaking experience at school this past year.” – RD
“My children have been attending The Yonge Street Players classes for years. Initially, I put my daughter into the programme hoping to help her build her confidence. She loved the classes so much that my son, age 12, insisted that he also join. It is NOT easy to impress boys of that age (at least not mine!) but he loved Lisa and her approach also. My children leave Lisa’s classes bubbling with happy energy, eager to share their experiences.I am an elementary school teacher myself.
Lisa is a truly gifted teacher!” ” – SJ
“My daughter (a teen) had a fun, entertaining and supportive learning experience at YSP. She enjoyed all her fellow “actors” and would like to continue growing her acting and improv skills by returning for her second year! Supportive, fun and challenging!” – MK
“My 11 yr old daughter has enjoyed her weekly classes . She looks forward to coming to class and “thinking” on her feet!” – MN
“My child is quite hard to engage sometimes but was very happy with this experience. She really enjoyed being there. She is studious at school and used to taking dance classes, but not theatre. She can be very shy and this class really helps.”- RM.
“My son (16 yrs) loves this class & respects the talent of the leaders & his other classmates.Thank you for the past 4 years! –NE
YSP FALL CLASSES 2026:
PINT-SIZE PLAYERS - 7 - 9 yrs.
Saturday, September 19 - December 12, 2026 (12 weeks)
Class day: Saturdays
Class time:
10:00 - 11:00 AM
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YOUNG PLAYERS - 10 - 12 yrs.
Saturday, September 19 - December 12, 2026 (12 weeks)
Class day: Saturdays
Class time:
11:00 AM - 12:10 PM
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TEEN PLAYERS - 13 - 17 yrs.
Saturday, September 19 - December 12, 2026 (12 weeks)
Class day: Saturdays
Class time:
12:15 - 1:45 PM
* Sketch Comedy Performance will be part of Teen Class in 2026 /2027.
Please Note: No classes on Thanksgiving weekend - October 10, 2026
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WINTER 2027 SESSION - JANUARY 9 - MARCH 6, 2027
SPRING 2027 SESSION - MACH 27 - JUNE 19, 2027
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Location: Glenview Presbyterian Church @ 1 Glenview Ave. (Yonge & Lawrence)- Main Floor Studio
Registration: Re-registration starts June 6, 2026. New Player registration starts July 6, 2026.
Register online at www.yongestreetplayers.com or DM Lisa @ 416-823-5343.
(Lisa will get back to you within 24 hrs.)
By filling out this form, you’ll provide us with the details necessary to arrange a place for your child in one of our classes.
Please DM Lisa @ 416-823-5343 or email ysplisa@rogers.com with any questions.
Contact Us
Our Address
Glenview Presbyterian Church
1 Glenview Ave.
Toronto, ON M4R 1P5
Call Lisa @ 416 823-5343
Website Design: attentioncommunication.com
Copyright © 2015 Yonge Street Players Theatre -
The Toronto theatre school for kids and teens.