Awards

The Drama School currently offers two awards: The Tyler Hynes Award and The Imagination Award in honour of Ellen Hitchcock. See details below.

Tyler Hynes Award

The Tyler Hynes Award was established in Spring 2022 and is given to students in JK-Gr. 12 who wish to attend YPT’s Drama School for the first time.

Applicants can apply to receive a free session of Drama School classes (Session 1: September to December 2023 | Session 2: February/March to June 2024). The deadline to apply for Session 1 is August 1, 2023. Applicants will be entered into a random draw and the recipient will be notified via email.

Click here to fill out the Award Application.

Tyler Hynes now and then — Pictured (R): Tyler Hynes with the late and legendary John Gilbert in YPT’s 1994 production of *A Christmas Carol*. Set Design by Teresa Przybylski; Costume Design by Julia Tribe; Lighting Design by Steven Hawkins.

Canadian actor, director, writer, producer Tyler Hynes has a fiercely loyal international fan base that is inspired by his talent and buoyed by his warmth and generosity. Born in Toronto, Tyler is an accomplished actor, director, producer, editor and writer, and is one of Hallmark Channel’s top actors. In 2022, grateful fans sought a way to express their appreciation for both his work and his kindness by giving to a worthy cause for his birthday.

After considering many options, they remembered his answer to the frequently asked question: “What was your first acting experience?” Hynes always mentions his time at Young People’s Theatre’s Summer Drama Camp, where he first learned his performances could elicit emotions in audience members. Tyler also starred as Tiny Tim in YPT’s 1994 professional production of A Christmas Carol. His fans chose to establish an award at YPT in his honor, so that a new generation of Canadian youth may be inspired to pursue a career in the arts.

DONATE TO TYLER HYNES AWARD
(at the link above select “Tyler Hynes Award” from the Fund dropdown menu)

The Imagination Award

The Imagination Award was established in 2012 in memory of beloved YPT teacher and Drama School Coordinator Ellen Hitchcock who passed away in October of 2010.

The award, a full bursary, is offered to a deserving YPT Fall, Winter or Spring Drama School student who would like to enroll in Summer Drama Camp but may not have the financial means to do so.

Ellen was a dedicated, generous and much-loved theatre artist who taught with YPT for many years before taking the position of Drama School Coordinator. Ellen was very sensitive to her students and was especially drawn to those who either excelled at or needed drama classes in their lives but didn’t always have the financial means to continue on with enrollment.

Each Spring, YPT faculty nominate a student from their Fall, Winter and Spring terms for this award. The winner is drawn from this pool of nominees.