Learn a little about our instructors! 

Katie McDonald

Katie is currently enrolled in the Theatre and Drama Studies program at the University of Toronto and Sheridan College, working toward an undergraduate degree and diploma. Katie has been involved in youth programs similar to The Youth Playhouse since the age of six, and understands the importance of providing opportunities in the theatre to youth. At eight years old, Katie was given her first solo in a community production, and since then she has not turned back. Katie attended both the Limestone Education through the Arts Program (L.E.A.P.) and the Theatre. Complete. program through the Limestone District School Board. In elementary school and high school Katie worked with many community and professional theatre companies in the Kingston and surrounding area. These companies included (but were not limited to) The Lennox Community Theatre, Blue Canoe, Theatre Kingston, Slackwood, Partners in Crime and The Meistersingers. Her main focus is acting for the theatre, though she has a strong love for musical theatre. By being a part of The Youth Playhouse she hopes she can encourage kids to never be afraid of reaching for the stars.

Jackson Watt-Bowers

Jackson is currently pursuing a career in theatre. Recently, Jackson has been a part of several shows in the Kingston community including Blue Canoe’s Aida, Anne and Gilbert, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and has participated in a collaboration project between Theatre Kingston and Blue Canoe by playing the title role in Pippin. He has also been a part of several L.C.V.I. high school productions, including one largely successful production in the Sears Drama Festival. He was a large part of the L.C.V.I. improv team during his four years at the school and has coached his team since graduation. He is currently a part of Blue Canoe’s The Distance From Here and Slackwood’s Leader of the Pack. Jackson attended both the Limestone Education through the Arts Program (L.E.A.P.) and the Theatre. Complete. program through the Limestone District School Board. At eight years old Jackson began attending programs like The Youth Playhouse such as Kidsplay. He loves seeing the progress children are able to make when introduced to new concepts. His main focus is musical theatre. By being a part of The Youth Playhouse he hopes he can teach up-and-coming performers how to love being on stage.