ABOUT DAPA

For the performer and non-performer alike. Training honed for each individual student to reach their full potential.

Mastering the art of public speaking is the greatest single skill one can develop in order to establish strong leadership skills, boost future earning potential, and carry oneself confidently and successfully in life. Modern society demands effective communication and leadership skills to excel, however presents few opportunities for children to develop these critical life skills. The Diamond Academy represents a new way of thinking: an innovative studio for learning, where students can explore and develop their communication, performance and leadership skills in a fun and dynamic setting. At the academy your child will learn skills that will remain with them throughout their lives.

The Diamond Academy utilizes time-honored traditions of Speech Arts and Drama techniques as a means of developing effective communication, performance and leadership skills; skills which are aimed at teaching our young students to become engaging and articulate speakers, citizens, performers and leaders. Our group classes are structured to educate through improvisation technique, voice development, text analyzation and performance, in a positive and encouraging setting where students engage with, and learn from, their fellow students as well as perform solo pieces. Students are exposed to, and will explore literature from, the great writers, poets and playwrights from the English Literature Cannon. At the end of each term each student will perform selections from the repertoire they have created. Through our classroom development, recitals, plays and Trinity College of London examination opportunities, each Diamond Academy Student will have many avenues to utilize and develop their unique voice in the world.

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Andrea Johnston

Founder and Artistic Director 

BA,Simon Fraser University, BFA, Simon Fraser University, Certificate of Liberal Arts, Simon Fraser University, ARCT Speech Arts and Drama, Royal Conservatory of Music

Canadian National Voice Intensive Graduate

ATCL Speech and Drama, Trinity College of London

Andrea has spent many wonderful years teaching children and adults the art of communication through speech arts and drama. She started her career in Vancouver, British Columbia as a guest artist and instructor at Simon Fraser University, where she had the privilege of directing main stage productions as well as teaching several courses. At The Bolton Academy of Spoken Arts she taught children of every age how to find and use their voices effectively. Privately she coached professionals including lawyers, executives and politicians, helping them find their voice, confidence and poise. As a professional actor and director Andrea directed and performed in many productions which received critical acclaim; she is also a two-time winner of the Vancouver Twenty-Four Hour Film Festival, Director of the North American premiere of "Eulogy for Lois Lane" by Marc Diamond, and has lent her voice to numerous film and television productions. Her expertise in the field found her traveling British Columbia as an adjudicator for Speech Arts, Drama and Speech Festivals.

Helping people find their voice and grow their confidence is a passion for Andrea. Here at The Diamond Academy of Performing Arts, she looks forward to helping you find yours.