Our Story

Young Artists' Theatre was born out of a passion for theatre and a desire to create a space for young artists to explore their creativity. Co-founders Meredith Busteed and Rachel Beales started the company online during the pandemic, as a way for young people to stay connected and continue to create during a difficult time.

As the restrictions lifted, we expanded to in-person programming, and began offering acting and musical theatre classes, a youth performance company, summer camps, performing arts workshops and private voice lessons in Burlington, Ontario.

Our company has grown substantially as we continue to empower young people to explore their talents and express themselves. We are proud to be a part of the local community, and excited to see what the future holds for our company and the next generation of talented young artists!

Meet the Team

All of our programs are led by highly qualified educators with professional experience in theatre. They are dedicated instructors that value the importance of their role in inspiring and building confidence in their students. We call them educators, but they are also artists who were once (a very long time ago) young artists themselves. As artists, they are eager to share their passion for theatre. As educators, they are excited to pass along their knowledge and provide young artists with hands on experience in their dedicated field.

Bio coming soon.

Meredith Busteed

Co-Founder/Artistic Director

Instructor: Junior Musical Theatre, Senior Musical Theatre (Voice), Young Company (Vocal Director), Private Voice

Bio coming soon.

Rachel Beales

Co-Founder/Education Director

Instructor: Junior Acting, Senior Acting, Young Company (Staging Director)

Chloé (she/her) is an actor, choreographer, and arts educator, passionate about bringing the magic of theatre to young artists and audiences! She holds a Specialist degree in Theatre and Drama Studies (UofT jointly with Sheridan College) and has a background in competitive musical theatre, hip hop, and tap dance. Most recently, she toured with Education Arts Canada performing in their newest TYA musical Science Jam: Archimedes Moves the World. As an educator, Chloé has a wealth of experience teaching the performing arts to students of all ages from preschool to adults across school and community settings, and in collaboration with youth theatre companies. Her choreography credits for Young Artists’ Theatre include Emma: A Pop Musical, James and the Giant Peach Jr, The Wizard of Oz Jr. Elsewhere: Moana Jr, Frozen Jr, Seussical Jr (JDL Performing Arts); Joseph… Dreamcoat (The Travelling Stage). Chloé is dedicated to fostering safe and creative artistic spaces. She believes in the transformative power of the arts to build confidence, spark joy, and provide a powerful opportunity for young people to freely be themselves. She is thrilled to be back at Young Artists’ Theatre for another amazing season and cannot wait to support these young artists on their journeys!

Chloe Castrucci

Artist Educator

Instructor: Mini Musical Theatre, Adult Musical Theatre, Senior Musical Theatre (Dance), Young Company (Choreographer)

Luca is an actor from Mississauga. He is a recent graduate from Brock University’s Concurrent Education Program where he majored in both Education and Dramatic Arts, training at both the Shaw and Stratford festivals during this time. Some of Luca’s credits at Brock include Trigorin in Stupid Bird (Mainstage) and Homebody in Welcome Home (Devised Production). His recent film credits include Paul in No Man (TFS Thesis) and Thomas Hartwell in Reaping the Whirlwind (Sheridan Film School). This upcoming winter, you can see him in King Theatre's Production of "A Christmas Carol". He is thrilled to be a part of the YAT team this year!

He sends endless love and thanks to his family, friends, dogs, and teachers, all without whom he would not be where he is today.

Luca Mocan

Artist Educator

Instructor: Junior Acting, Senior Acting