Youth Academy
Youth Programs, Classes & Clubs
Astor Academy youth programming provides children and youth up to age 18 with access to high-quality performing and visual arts training and opportunities for low to no cost, from weekly clubs to our Astor Academy Summer Camp.
These successful programs help to engage, build confidence, and develop talent and leadership skills that last a lifetime. Many of our Astor Academy youth graduates go on to lead younger generations of children at the Academy, passing on skills and knowledge. Everyone is welcome.
To register or for inquiries regarding Astor Academy programs, please call 902-354-5250 or email boxoffice@astortheatre.ns.ca.
Astor Academy Film Club
Mentors: Kyle Smyth and Dan Williams
Meetings: Mondays, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Start date: September 15, 2025
Ages: 13-17
Registration limited.
Attention young filmmakers! Join other high school students to write, film, edit and produce your own movies. Students will work on several short films throughout the year with the goal of submitting their final project to the Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF) Youth Film Competition.
Kyle Smyth of Queens Coast Photography and Dan Williams, board member of the Astor Theatre Society mentor the Film Club, which celebrated its first Astor Academy Film Festival in May 2025. Two members were finalists in the 2025 AIFF!
2025 AIFF Youth Film Competition
Youth People’s Choice Award
“Past Echoes,” directed by Easton Goodwin
“November Moon,” directed by Desmond Smyth
Kaleb Whynott, Desmond Smyth and Thomas Lenco edit The Movbee, a group project of the Astor Academy’s film club. The young filmmakers will premiere their work at the Astor on Friday. (Photo: Rick Conrad)
Stop Motion Club
Mentors: Easton Goodwin and Desmond Smyth
Meetings: Mondays, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Start date: September 15, 2025
Ages: 7-13
Registration limited.
Have you ever wanted to make your own movies? Join Easton Goodwin, recent LRHS graduate, and Desmond Smyth, LRHS grade 11 student, to learn to make your own animations using stop motion animation. Stop motion is a flip-book style animation using photographs in sequence to create movies.
This year, we will focus on helping kids who are interested submit their films to the Youth Atlantic Film Festival. All are welcome, no previous experience required.
Students are asked to bring a device that can take photos (such as a tablet or cellphone) and download Stop Motion Studio (a free app).
Stop Motion Club. Photo: Kyle Smyth