About the Course:

Ensemble & Performance is designed for young performers ready to take their musical theatre training to the next level. This class dives deeper into how acting, singing, and dance work together to create compelling storytelling on stage. Students refine their technique, explore more complex choreography, and develop richer, more nuanced characters all while building confidence as part of an ensemble.

Each 90-minute class is structured to balance the three core disciplines: acting, where students analyze text, explore character motivation, and strengthen scene work; singing, where they develop vocal technique, harmony skills, and expressive interpretation; and dance, where they tackle more challenging choreography and use movement to tell a story.

Across the eight-week session, students progress from foundational ensemble work to assembling and polishing a fully staged mini-showcase. They’ll collaborate on duets and ensemble numbers, connect scenes and songs through storytelling, and receive constructive feedback along the way. The session culminates in an Open House performance for family and friends, showcasing their growth as confident, expressive, and versatile performers.

Whether building on prior training or stepping into more advanced work for the first time, Ensemble & Performance offers an inspiring environment to stretch artistic skills and shine on stage.

Where:

Orpheus Musical Theatre
17 Fairmont Ave.
Ottawa, ON K1Y 1X4

When:

Ages 11 - 13 years
Saturdays November 1 - December 20, 12:45am - 2:15pm

Cost:

Regular: $160.00

Orpheus Members: $140.00
Discount will automatically apply after selecting Regular Fee

*PAY WHAT YOU WANT 1: $100.00

*PAY WHAT YOU WANT 2: $50.00

*Orpheus Schoolhouse courses are intentionally the lowest priced in town to ensure affordability and accessibility for all. Read Our Philosophy below. PAY WHAT YOU WANT options are intended for those who require the accommodation. If you can afford the full price, we ask that you be honest and leave the PWYW options for those in need. If the PWYW options are still out of reach for you, we have bursaries available. Please contact J.T. Morris at jt@orpheusmusicaltheatre.ca for more information on bursaries.

Course fees are non-refundable

About the Instructors:

Audrey Read Egan (Bio to come)

Wendy Berkelaar:

With 20+ years of musical theatre experience under her belt, Wendy Berkelaar is a well-respected music director and pianist in the Ottawa region. She has worked with many musical theatre companies in the city, including Orpheus Musical Theatre, ASNY Productions, indie women productions, TotoToo Theatre, and Three Sisters Theatre Company. She is a local keyboard sub for Broadway Across Canada, and has performed with several touring companies at the National Arts Centre including “Wicked”, “The Book of Mormon” and “Les Misérables”. Internationally, she spent a year with Spotlight Theatre and Mixed Company Theatre in Australia, and toured Germany and Switzerland as Associate Music Director of a production of “Grease - Das Musical’. She is the co-founder of Zucchini Productions, which produces the very successful Ottawa franchise of the “Confidential Musical Theatre Project”.

When not working in theatre, Wendy teaches piano privately, and is the choral accompanist for OrKidstra, a Sistema-based organization that empowers children through music. Wendy holds a masters degree is 18th century performance practice.

Our Philosophy:

Quality arts education should be available and accessible to all! Orpheus Schoolhouse courses are specifically designed to provide the opportunity of quality training by accredited and experienced instructors at lower cost rates. Bursaries are available to those who qualify. For information on bursaries, please contact J.T. Morris at jt@orpheusmusicaltheatre.ca or by phone at 613-729-4318.

Orpheus welcomes individuals from equity seeking communities, intersecting identities, and people with disabilities. Orpheus is committed to providing a space that is free of discrimination and harassment, and fostering a supportive and inclusive community. Please advise us of any accommodation required which will enable you to participate.