Front Runners
Training Program for Teens Serious about Performing
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A 6-Weekend Drama Masterclass for High School Students
Are you serious about your craft? Do you want to train like a professional performer and push beyond what high school drama classes can offer?
Whether you dream of attending theatre school, starring in film or television, or creating your own performances, Front Runners is designed to equip you with the skills, confidence, and artistic mindset to take your work to the next level.
Small group training (max 10 students) for individualized coaching.
A mini theatre-school experience, designed for young artists ready to level up.
Led by a professional performer & director with a pedagogy rooted in clown.
What Makes Front Runners Different?
This isn’t just another acting class. It’s a deep dive into your craft.
Unlike most high school drama courses, Front Runners offers:
- A Highly Individualized Approach – Every student gets personal coaching and feedback.
- Professional-Level Training – Learn beyond what’s typically taught in high school theatre from instructors who know what its like after school.
- A Clown-Based Pedagogy – Clowning helps performers access authenticity, presence, and risk-taking.
Through structured games, exercises, and on-your-feet performance coaching, students will build a toolkit that can be applied to auditions, performances, and creative work of any kind.
✔ Perfect for students considering theatre school.
✔ Ideal for actors, but also writers, directors, musicians, and other creatives.
✔ A supportive, high-energy artistic community outside of high school.
What You’ll Learn
💡 Clown & Impulse Work – Connect with your authentic self in performance.
💡 Movement & Physicality – Use your body to tell a compelling story.
💡 Character & Scene Work – Bring roles to life with depth and nuance.
💡 Voice & Stage Presence – Command attention and develop confidence.
💡 Creative Play & Risk-Taking – Learn to embrace failure and use it as a tool for growth.
By the end of Front Runners, students will leave feeling more confident, more fearless, and more prepared for the next stage of their artistic journey.
What to Expect in a Class
Each 3-hour session is a high-energy mix of structured exercises, partner work, and individual coaching.
✅ Physical Warm-ups & Ensemble Play
✅ Individual Stage Time with Direct Coaching
✅ Improvisation & Clown Work
✅ Character & Movement Exploration
✅ Reflection & Artistic Discussion
🔹 Think of it as a mini theatre school experience. You’ll walk away with skills you can apply to auditions, performance, and your own creative projects.
Who Should Apply?
✔ High school students serious about acting & performance.
✔ Students considering theatre school & professional training.
✔ Performers looking for a space to deepen their craft.
✔ Artists (writers, directors, musicians, etc.) who want to explore play, risk, and creativity.
No prior acting experience required—just a willingness to work and grow.
Class Details & Enrollment
🗓 6-Weekend Masterclass – One session per week (3 hours)
🎭 Small Group (10 students max) – Personal attention & mentorship
📍 Location TBD – Based on student availability
💰 Cost: $300 for the full program
🔥 Spots are limited—Apply now! 🔥
👉 Fill out the Interest Form to secure your spot & help us determine the best schedule.
📩 Questions? Contact us at info@afrontcompany.com
About the Instructors
Hi! I’m Robert Morrison, a theatre-maker, educator, and artistic leader originally from Alberta’s foothills and now based in Toronto. I wear many creative hats—director, writer, actor, and artistic director of A Front Company, a collective dedicated to bold, experimental, and accessible theatre.
With over a decade of experience teaching drama and the arts, I’ve worked with learners of all ages, from young children discovering the magic of performance to seniors reimagining their creativity through theatre. My teaching philosophy is rooted in fostering imagination, play, and authenticity, helping students connect to their impulses and creativity while building confidence and collaboration skills.
As a professional director and performer, my work spans theatre, film, and interdisciplinary projects. Recent highlights include directing ECHO (which premiered at The Theatre Centre before touring to Edmonton Fringe and Toronto’s Next Stage Festival) and Quest for the Moon (a touring production for Wee Festival). I’m also the co-creator of Pool Party, an event that connects young Toronto artists across disciplines like music, theatre, and visual art.
I’ve developed this masterclass series, Front Runners, to help high school students step beyond their drama classrooms and explore the craft of performance in a deeper, more individualized way. Rooted in clowning—a transformative tool for performers—this program empowers students to embrace their authentic selves while building the skills they need to thrive in auditions, performances, and their own creative projects.
Whether you dream of theatre school, a career on stage or screen, or simply want to expand your creative toolkit, I’m excited to guide you on this journey. Let’s dive in, explore, and create together!
Olivia Neary-Hatton (she/her) is an actor, singer, musician, and composer based in Toronto, with a passion for bold and transformative storytelling. Originally from Oakville, Ontario, she trained in France under the renowned clown master Philippe Gaulier, where she deepened her understanding of performance, play, and the art of connecting with an audience.
Olivia’s work spans theatre, music, and film. She recently appeared in the CBC Gem original I Hate People, People Hate Me, co-composed the music for Morning After (produced at Toronto Fringe with A Front Company), and most recently performed in Intimate Apparel at Thousand Islands Playhouse. Her approach to performance is grounded in curiosity and risk-taking, with a focus on how music, voice, and physicality can tell stories in unexpected ways.
As an instructor for Front Runners, Olivia is excited to share her expertise and help young performers unlock their creativity, embrace failure, and build the skills they need to grow as artists.
FAQ
❓ Who is this for?
→ High school students (ages 14–18) interested in acting, clowning, and performance. No prior experience required—just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to play!
❓ What kind of training will students receive?
→ Front Runners is an intensive, high-level training program focused on clown, movement, improvisation, and performance techniques. It’s ideal for students looking to develop stage presence, build confidence, and take creative risks.
❓ Do students need to prepare anything for the class?
→ No preparation is needed! However, students should come ready to move (comfortable clothing encouraged) and bring a notebook for notes and reflections.
❓ When will I know the exact schedule?
→ After pre-registration closes on February 21st, we’ll finalize the class schedule based on student availability and send confirmed dates.
❓ What if I have to miss a class?
→ Since the program is designed as a progressive series, each session builds on the last. If a student misses a class, they’ll receive notes, exercises, and any recorded materials to help them catch up.
❓ Where will classes take place?
→ The program will be held at a professional rehearsal space in Toronto. Likely locations include Tarragon Theatre Rehearsal Studio or Railpath Arts Centre—final confirmation will be sent before students commit.
❓ Is there financial aid?
→ Yes! A limited number of scholarships are available for students who may need financial assistance. If cost is a barrier, students can indicate this in the registration form.
❓ How do I pay?
→ Payment will be collected via e-transfer or PayPal. Full details will be sent once your registration is confirmed.
❓ When is payment due?
→ Payment is due upon registration confirmation in late February. Since spots are limited, prompt payment secures your place in the program.
❓ What is the refund policy?
→ Full Refund: If a student withdraws at least 10 days before the first class.
→ Partial Refund (50%): If a student withdraws within the final 10 days before the first class.
→ No Refund: Once the program has started.
❓ How do students register?
→ Interested students should fill out the pre-registration form on this page. Since spots are limited, early sign-up is encouraged!
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