
At Badanai Young Company, we believe theatre has the power to change lives.
Every season, young people walk through our doors looking for a place to belong, to make friends, to build confidence, and to discover what they are capable of. Along the way they learn to sing, dance, act, work as a team, and perform in front of live audiences — but the lessons go far beyond the stage.
For some, BYC is their first theatre experience.
For others, it becomes a second home.
Whether your child dreams of performing on Broadway or simply wants to try something new, our programs are designed to help young people grow in a supportive, encouraging, and creative environment.
We are excited to welcome new and returning students back for our biggest season yet.
At BYC, students receive much more than a weekly theatre class.
Our goal is simple:
To help every student discover their voice, their confidence, and their place on stage.
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Ages 3-6 (Potty Trained)
Saturdays
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Program Begins September 12, 2026
Performance: December 5, 2026
Our youngest performers will explore storytelling, music, movement, imagination, and creative play through a charming farmyard adventure inspired by the beloved nursery rhyme.
Perfect for first-time performers.
Click here to register for Theatre Babies: The Famer in the Dell
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Ages 7-10
TWO CLASS DAY OPTIONS. Pick from learning on Mondays or Saturdays.
Mondays
5:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Saturdays
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Program Begins September 12, 2026 (Saturdays) or September 14, 2026 (Mondays)
Performances:
Between November 26, and December 5, 2026
The sun will come out tomorrow!
Students will bring this Broadway favourite to life while developing acting, singing, movement, teamwork, and performance skills.
No previous experience required.
Click here to register for Kids Company: Annie Kids.

Ages 11-13
or at Director's Discretion
We are assembling 2 classes / casts for this production!
Tuesdays & Thursdays
5:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Program Begins September 8, 2026
Performances:
Between December 14 to 19, 2026
A colourful and energetic musical adventure packed with friendship, fun, and unforgettable music.
Students continue building their theatrical skills while exploring character development, performance, and storytelling.
Click here to register for Junior Company: Trolls, the Musical JR
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Ages 14-16
or at Director's Discretion
Tuesdays:
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
AND
Wednesdays:
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Program Begins September 9, 2026
Performances: March 24-27, 2027
Welcome to Hadestown.
This Tony Award-winning musical challenges performers through sophisticated storytelling, advanced vocal work, and powerful ensemble performance.
Designed for students ready to take the next step in their theatrical journey.
Click here to register for Pre-Senior Company: Hadestown; Teen Edition
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Ages 10-16
or at Director's Discretion
Wednesdays 5:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
and
Saturdays 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Program Begins Summer 2026
Performances
November 11 to 14, 2026
🍁 A Canadian First.
Badanai Young Company has been selected to participate in an inaugural Canadian pilot program through iTheatrics and Music Theatre International.
Students will have the opportunity to help develop and perform a brand-new musical before it is released to wider audiences.
Created by an award-winning team whose work has been celebrated on Broadway, in film, and around the world, this special project represents a rare opportunity usually reserved for much larger centres.
A brand-new musical.
A pilot production.
A Canadian first.
The title remains under wraps — for now.
NOTE: This class is an audition based program for all registered BYC students.
Click here to register for the Special Program,
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For performers looking for additional performance opportunities.
Some performers aren't ready to leave the stage when class is over.
Encore Ensemble is designed for students who love to perform and want even more opportunities to grow their skills, gain experience, and take the stage.
Participants focus on:
Throughout the season, Encore students prepare for community performances, special appearances, festivals, an out-of-town performance opportunity, and select competition experiences.
While competition opportunities are available, the focus remains on personal growth, confidence-building, teamwork, and creating exceptional performances together.
Program Begins September 13, 2026
Led by Gabby Carlin.
Ages 7-9
Sundays | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages 10-12
Sundays | 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ages 13-16
Sundays | 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Click here to register for Encore Classes. $250 per term
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Ages 17+
or at Director's Discretion
Mondays & Thursdays
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Program Begins September 14, 2026
Performances
January 2027
Our Senior Company provides advanced performance opportunities for experienced performers looking to continue developing their skills in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Production announcement coming soon.
Click here to register for Senior Company.
No. Most programs welcome both new and returning performers.
Most programs do not require an audition to participate. Programs marked as Director’s Discretion may require a placement conversation or assessment to ensure students are enrolled in the class that best matches their experience and development.
The Pilot Program will require an audition prior to registration.
For all performance-based classes, auditions take place as part of the class process. Students are taught audition skills, learn the material they need to prepare, build confidence alongside their peers, and then audition in a supportive environment before roles are assigned.
We understand families have commitments. However, because theatre is collaborative, regular attendance is expected and important. We do our best to share rehearsal calendars in advance and are always here for you to talk to when you do need to miss a rehearsal.
Yes. Flexible payment plans are available to help families spread tuition costs throughout the season.
Comfortable clothing, a water bottle, indoor shoes or socks, a pencil, their script, and a positive attitude.
All rehearsals and performances take place at Badanai Theatre, 499 Dewe Avenue, Thunder Bay.
Badanai Theatre
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Copyright © 2026 Badanai Theatre - All Rights Reserved.
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