Education Programs
Inspiring young performers ages 6+ through inclusive, hands-on performing arts education — building confidence, creativity, and community on and off the stage.
Youth Theatre Classes
Our classes are designed to build confidence, creativity, and performance skills through the magic of musical theatre.
Freaky Friday — One Act Edition
When an uber-organized mother and her spontaneous teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right. By spending a day in each other's shoes, they come to appreciate one another in a way they never could have imagined.
Disney's Aladdin Jr.
Discover 'A Whole New World' with this magically updated version of the Academy Award-winning Disney classic! Aladdin and his friends embark on an adventure that will test his will and moral character.
High School Musical 2 Jr.
The gang is back for an action-packed summer extravaganza as Troy, Gabriella and the rest of the Wildcats finish junior year and blast onto the summer scene in Disney's High School Musical 2 JR.
Freaky Friday — One Act Edition (Session 2)
When an uber-organized mother and her spontaneous teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right. A second session of this heartfelt and hilarious adaptation.
High School Musical 2 Jr. (Session 2)
The Wildcats are back for summer vacation in this high-energy musical adventure. A second session for those who missed the first!
Disney's Aladdin Jr. (Session 2)
Discover 'A Whole New World' in this second session of the magically updated Disney classic for young performers.
The SpongeBob Musical — Youth Edition
Bikini Bottom faces total annihilation! The hit Broadway musical is brilliantly adapted from the iconic Nickelodeon series, featuring original songs by Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, John Legend, and more.
Mean Girls Jr. (Lake Country)
A 'fetch' musical from the hit movie! Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois.
Mean Girls Jr. (Tuesdays Kelowna)
A 'fetch' musical from the hit movie! Cady Heron navigates the wild ways of suburban Illinois in this hilarious and heartfelt adaptation.
Alice in Wonderland Jr. (Tuesdays)
Join us for this whimsical adaptation of the classic tale. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole into a world of wonder, specially designed for young performers.
Mean Girls Jr. (Tuesdays at Bertram)
A 'fetch' musical from the hit movie! This session meets at the Bertram location in Kelowna. Early registration pricing available.
Mean Girls Jr. (Wednesdays)
A 'fetch' musical from the hit movie! This Wednesday session offers both regular and early registration pricing.
Alice in Wonderland Jr. (Thursdays)
Follow Alice down the rabbit hole into a world of wonder in this Thursday session. Early registration pricing available for limited spots.
Meet Our Instructors
Our dedicated team of directors, educators, and performers bring years of experience and a shared passion for inspiring young artists.
Randy Leslie
Randy Leslie is the Artistic Managing Director of Kelowna Actors Studio and an award-winning director, choreographer, and teacher. With nearly 200 productions to his credit, Randy is passionate about helping performers grow in confidence, skill, and creativity. He loves creating a fun, supportive, and professional environment where students are challenged to do their best while building a strong sense of ensemble. Many of his students have gone on to top theatre schools and professional stages across North America. Randy is proud to be a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Award and the City of Kelowna Arts Award for his contributions to the arts community.
Ethan
Ethan is the Associate Artistic Director and instructor at Kelowna Actors Studio, where he works as the main instructor for the Young Performance Company Jr (YPC Jr) program. He is passionate about introducing young performers to the world of musical theatre and creating a space where students feel confident, supported, and excited to grow. In his classes, Ethan focuses on building strong foundational skills in singing, acting, and stage presence, while encouraging creativity, teamwork, and a love for performance. He is dedicated to making classes both engaging and challenging, helping students develop discipline and confidence in a positive, high energy environment. Having grown up through the Kelowna Actors Studio himself, Ethan understands first hand the impact theatre can have on young artists. His experience both onstage appearing in productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Mamma Mia!, and The Producers, and behind the scenes, directing productions including Waitress and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: School Edition with the main Young Performance company, informs his teaching approach. He strives to create that same experience for his students: one that inspires growth, connection, and a lasting passion for the stage.
Spencer Bach
Spencer Bach is a Kelowna-based music educator, conductor, and pianist, currently serving as both music director at Canyon Falls Middle School and as resident musical director for the Kelowna Actors Studio. Working as a certified BC Music educator in both the public and private sector, Spencer brings over 31 years of teaching experience to the KAS community. Spencer has led and directed over 14 international performance tours and countless national performances with his Superior ranked concert bands, choirs, and vocal jazz ensembles. Spencer enjoys entertaining and spending time with his friends and family, going hiking, and looking after his 2-13 year old huskies, Kraken and Arendale, who are both simultaneously beautiful and bad and wonderful and ridiculous. Much love to my beautiful wife and constant supporter, Joanne, and the kids - Des, Cole, and Rich.
Lara Bischoff
Lara Bischoff is a retired educator and theatre instructor with over 14 years of teaching in Calgary and additional experience in School District 23 in the Okanagan. A longtime member of the KAS community, she has taught youth classes for three years and supported junior productions. As both an instructor and KAS parent, Lara brings a deep passion for arts education and inspiring young performers in her role as Education Coordinator.
Payton Bischoff
Instructor
Tyler Cernak
Instructor
Ashlyn
Assistant Teacher
Cate
Assistant Teacher
Jaxsen
Assistant Teacher
Actors Studio Academy Foundation
Actors Studio and the Actors Studio Academy Foundation enrich the quality of life in the Okanagan by serving as a dynamic hub for the performing arts: producing and presenting live theatre and our robust theatre education program.
Charitable tax receipts can be provided for donations to our education programs through the Academy Foundation.