City Youth Academy - Overview
Soulpepper’s signature youth program is back!
If you could change something about the world around you, where would you begin?
This summer, ten young people will come together for a six-week civic and creative intensive exploring how stories can shape public life.
Working alongside Soulpepper artists, you’ll be introduced to playwriting, scene study, ensemble creation, and music as tools to express big ideas. You’ll practice how to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently in public, how to listen and respond to others in real conversation and debate, and how to think critically about the narratives that shape your community and your place within it.
If you’re paying attention to the world around you—if you have questions, ideas, or perspectives you don’t often see reflected—this is a space to share them. City Youth Academy invites you to examine your city, connect with others, and turn your experiences into a shared imagining of what’s possible.
Deadline to apply: Friday, May 15
City Youth Academy - Overview
City Youth Academy - Jaelynn Brooks
City Youth Academy - Jacob Kay
City Youth Academy - Owais Lightwala
WHO IS THis fOR?
We’re looking for young people who want to take part in shaping the cultural and civic life of their city.
You might be a fit if you are:
- 16–19 years old, and not currently enrolled in a post-secondary theatre program
- Interested in working with others to explore ideas, experiences, and perspectives through creative practice
- Looking for hands-on theatre and performance training from industry professionals
- Ready to commit fully to the program schedule
No performance experience necessary.
It’s free. Participants will also receive a stipend to help cover transit costs.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
10 AM – 5 PM daily between Wednesday, July 15 – Friday, August 21, 2026 (including one Saturday, July 18)
PROGRAM LOCATION
Soulpepper Theatre Company
Young Centre for the Performing Arts
Distillery District
50 Tank House Lane, Toronto ON, M5A 3C4
SELECTION PROCESS
Selected applicants will be invited to a collective creation day in late May/early June, which will be an opportunity to assess how applicants work together through guided activities.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must submit a video introducing themselves (max 3 minutes, unlisted on YouTube) and answering the prompts below, along with the name and contact information of one referee (teacher, employer, mentor, or similar).
- Why do you want to participate in the City Youth Academy? What would this opportunity mean to you?
- How do you feel about working in an ensemble setting and collaborating with others? Give an example of a group project you’ve worked on.
- What is something you would change about the city you live in?
- Which aspects of theatre and storytelling are you interested in, and which would you like to learn more about?
SUBMISSIONS OPEN!
LEAD SPONSOR OF CITY YOUTH ACADEMY
