Valley Drama School
& Little Apples Theatre Troupe
Our mandate is to foster a supportive environment where children can feel safe to explore their creativity. We believe that drama is a unique and powerful way to learn about culture, society, and the world. While children engage their imaginations and build their self confidence and self-reflective skills, they also in drama step into the shoes of another and deepen their understanding of empathy and responsibility. Students not only have a wonderful opportunity to develop their leadership and teamwork skills, but they will also form meaningful connections and friendships through theatre. At Valley Drama School we believe every child should have the opportunity to discover their creativity; please scroll down for more information about our scholarship program.
About Valley Drama School
Policies
Safety
Children are our number one priority- safety is most important. All of our instructors have criminal record, vulnerable sector, and child abuse registry checks, as well as First Aid training.
Code of Conduct
Valley Drama School has a zero tolerance policy regarding harassment, bullying, or discrimination of any kind.
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All students will uphold our values of support and respect for each other, themselves, and our community.
Tuition
Tuition is due upon registration (January 1st for term 2). For each term there is a 3-week grace period, and if the student decides to withdraw from the program, a 50% refund will be given.
Attendance & Cancellations
Attendance to classes/ rehearsals is very important for the whole troupe. Please let the instructor know if a student will not be in class.
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Notice of class cancellation due to inclement weather will be given (by e-mail) no later than 3 hours in advance of start time.
Our Instructors
Emily Burton
Acting Program Instructor
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Emily is a local actor and educator, and the owner/ artistic director of Valley Drama School. She has a Bachelor of Education from Acadia University with an endorsation in Drama, a NS Teacher Certification, and First Aid certificate. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Brunswick and completed Theatre UNB's Drama Production program. She was also a student of Theatre NB's Theatre School. Before university Emily lived on a sheep farm in the Highlands of Scotland for many years where she was a nanny to five young children. She is now happy to call Nova Scotia home and is very involved in local community theatre, including productions with CentreStage and the Wolfville Theatre Collective.
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Thea Burton
Musical Theatre Instructor
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Thea Burton began her theatre experience at age of 4, attended the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts in High School, and received a bachelor’s degree in Speech (Theatre major) from Northwestern University Evanston, IL. Upon settling in N.S., she has directed numerous musicals in the schools and community, and has performed in both community and professional productions (Atlantic Theatre Festival, Arizona, Maui). Recently retired from a 34 year career as a Speech-Language Pathologist with a speciality area of Voice production, she is focusing on returning to her first love, the theatre, developing professional credits in the flim/tv industry, working on upcoming projects with Caravan Theatre, and is currently the choir director at Orchard Valley United Church, New Minas. She continues to be dedicated to bringing serious dramas to the area with her work in the Wolfville Theatre Collective (founding member), and is delighted to bring her experience and knowledge in musical theatre to the students of the Valley Drama School.​
Caitlin Barnard
Little Apples & Sr. Comedy Instructor
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Caitlin is a local Acadia student who began her acting journey in 2020, after moving to Nova Scotia from South Africa. Starring in Valley Drama School productions; A Midsummer’s Night Dream, And Then There Were None, and The Drowning Girls, Caitlin has always had a passion for the arts and drama - falling in love with both acting and the production side from a very young age. Caitlin has been extremely grateful to work with the Drama School and is always looking to get involved with the community.
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Elizabeth Fairn
Little Apples Instructor
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Elizabeth started her Theatre journey in 2022, shortly after she started home-schooling, and has been in love with the drama community ever since. Hoping to start her own creative school one day, she's so grateful for the opportunity to work with young actors and actresses. Elizabeth has performed with Valley Drama School’s Senior Acting in Queens & Our Town. She has been instructing with the Little Apples for the past year, and is first aid certified.​​​
Emma Fyfe
Little Apples Instructor
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Emma is a recent graduate of Dalhousie University and is currently completing her Bachelor of Education at Acadia University. She fell in love with theatre, dance, and music at a very young age (when she watched The Sound of Music for the first time)! Emma is thrilled to be back in the valley and feels so lucky for the opportunity to teach and learn more about drama with some incredible young people!
Our Studio
Valley Drama School is located at
3 Elm Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
The space is available to rent; it is ideal for yoga, music lessons, book readings, rehearsals or meetings! Contact info@valleydramaschool.com to book!
Breagh McLean
Little Apples Instructor
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Hi, my name is Breagh! I am very excited to be returning to my volunteer position this year. I have lots of acting experience, including theatre camps, classes, productions and on-screen acting. I performed in Little Women with Valley Drama School in 2022, and am currently a member of the Senior Acting class. Last year I volunteered with Little Apples and I am looking forward to another great year!
Teagan O'Reilly
Jr. & Sr. Acting Instructor​
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Originally from Corner Brook Newfoundland, Teagan recently graduated with a major in Political Science and a minor in Theatre Arts from Acadia University. Teagan has been involved with theatre from a young age, working on stage in local productions in her hometown as well as helping behind the scenes with set, choreography and stage management. During her time at Acadia, Teagan has been involved with the university's Theatre Arts program and is now continuing her education at Acadia in the Bachelor of Education Elementary program. She hopes to continue her experience teaching drama and theatre arts and is excited to join the Valley Drama School team.
