Quinte Youth Theatre

Quinte Youth Theatre

Empowering Youth Through the Performing Arts

Founded by Crystal Clark and Annastacia Smith—Directors of Ontario Dance Academy—Quinte Youth Theatre (QYT) is a vibrant, inclusive community program dedicated to empowering young people through the performing arts.

Run entirely by passionate volunteers from Ontario Dance Academy and supported by generous community contributions, QYT offers youth the chance to explore their talents in singing, dancing, acting, stagecraft, and more—all completely free of charge to participants.

Our Mission

Our goal is to foster creativity, teamwork, and confidence in a welcoming, supportive environment where every young person has the chance to shine. QYT productions range from beloved musicals to fresh, original works, giving participants hands-on experience in all areas of theatre, including singing, acting, dancing, set design, lighting, and stage management. We are committed to artistic excellence and accessibility, striving to create lifelong memories and a lasting love for the arts.

How Our Program Works

QYT operates as a free program and runs when sufficient funding is secured. Typically, auditions are held in June, followed by weekly rehearsals throughout the summer and fall. The program culminates in a full-length musical production in late fall. In addition to our mainstage show, we often offer short 4–6 week sessions during the year that end in mini-performance opportunities when possible, allowing youth to develop and share their skills in a fun, low-pressure environment.