About — IADA - Oakville's Innovative Academy of the Dramatic Arts

IADA Mission Statement

To create artists and practitioners.

Our goal is to equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their passions. We want to inspire youth to analyze and create within the Music Theatre realm, and to become artists, advocates, and technically proficient performers.

Why IADA?

“Nathan and I were both so positively shaped by attending arts schools growing up. We met at Etobicoke School of the Arts (ESA), which holds a really special place in our hearts, as it had a huge impact on us as Artists, Educators, and Performers. ESA unfortunately is no longer able to accept students from the Halton region, leaving students in Oakville nowhere to go to gain Music Theatre specific accreditation. Programs like ESA are a catalyst for local young professionals to learn the skills to attend institutions like Sheridan College, Randolph, National Theatre School, George Brown and other International Programs. With no place for high level students to go to gain this level of experience in Oakville, we are stepping up.”

Are you right for IADA?

IADA offers course credits to students in grades 8 - 12.
Too young? Check out IADA’s parent company Innovative Arts for more training options!

Dedication

IADA seeks dedicated individuals who are driven to manage their time wisely and put their best effort forward.

Passion

IADA can teach skills and technique, but passion comes from you. Passion is the raw material from which talent can be molded.

Curiosity

Students require an interest in exploring the arts to ultimately push boundaries and break through personal barriers.

Commitment

Students will get out of IADA what they put in. If you are eager and committed to the arts, you will soar.

INCLUSIVITY MATTERS

IADA is a safe space for all students and is always open to making accommodations in pursuit of balancing societal inequities. All IADA students and faculty are expected to enter the space without judgement and are encouraged to compassionately understand non-normative points of view. IADA celebrates individuality, authenticity, and diversity.

IADA Faculty

Head of Dance.

Sophie Lea McLeod is not only IADA’s Founder and Principal, but is also your Head of Dance and Music Theatre Curriculum.

Bachelor of Music Theatre (B.MT)

Sheridan

Head of Music.

Professional opera singer, voice teacher, and musical director, Megan Miceli, is passionate about implementing, curating, and coordinating strong educational programming that is inclusive, accessible, fun, and meaningful for all students.

Master’s, Voice & Opera Performance (M.A.)

McGill University

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

University of Guelph

Head of Drama.

After teaching and Directing with Innovative Arts for 4 years Samantha Holland now takes on IADA as your Head of Drama.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

George Brown

Educational Consultant & Course Developer.

Nupi Gokhale is an OCT educator with 25 years+ experience in education and her principal's qualifications in administration. She is thrilled to be the Educational Consultant for the Innovative Arts team as they expand into offering credits for teens, enabling the development of intensive musical theatre training while obtaining a high school diploma.

School Secretary.

Bethanie Hughes is as an arts educator and administrator who is passionate about building creative programming for young people. She holds an undergraduate degree in Child, Youth and Family Studies and a postgraduate degree in Arts Management. Bethanie is delighted to be a part of developing a new safe space through IADA for our students to explore the dramatic arts and build self-confidence.

Educational Consultant & Teacher Training.

Gillian Lea is a VP in the Toronto District School Board. Having 13 years of teaching experience in ‘Model Schools’ working with underserved students. She is currently acquiring an Additional Qualification in Special Education for Administrators. Current Member of CODE The Council of Ontario Drama (and Dance) Educators. Gillian is excited to take part as an educational consultant for IADA.

IADA 2023-2024 Student Handbook & Course Calendar

Meet the Team Behind IADA

Nathan and Sophie, founders of IADA and Innovative Arts, are leaders in music theatre education for youth in Halton and the GTA. After they both attended Etobicoke School of the Arts, Sophie attained her Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance at Sheridan College, while Nathan starred in Life with Boys on YTV.

Together they started Innovative Arts, a production company for youth to star in musicals, plays, and film productions. Their goal is to continue to create a safe space for students to nurture and grow their passion for the arts here at IADA.

Location

Oakville’s Finest Music Theatre School

IADA operates out of Innovative Arts Studio at the QEW and Dorval in Oakville. We service youth and families across the Halton Region in our state of the art facility.