We are the little theatre with the BIG HEART

〰️

Now accepting school bookings for the limited touring company run of Drew Daywalt's, The Day the Crayon's Quit: A Colourful Arts Experience!

〰️

Now accepting registrations for winter 2026 classes.

We are the little theatre with the BIG HEART 〰️ Now accepting school bookings for the limited touring company run of Drew Daywalt's, The Day the Crayon's Quit: A Colourful Arts Experience! 〰️ Now accepting registrations for winter 2026 classes.

"Big Hearts Little Theatre" text logo on a white background

We are the little theatre with the BIG HEART

Illustration of two heart-shaped masks with happy and sad expressions.

BIG HEARTS little theatre is a performing arts company in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada providing dramatic arts education and performing arts opportunities to local artists and beyond. Artistic Director, Erin Newton, is a celebrated arts educator with over 30 years of experience as a teacher, director, choreographer, artist, and mentor. BIG HEARTS little theatre presents new works as well as licensed productions, and empowers artists to share their gifts through performance, training, and community service.

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OUR PROGRAM PILLARS

Whether in the classroom, in the rehearsal hall, or on the stage, our program is delivered using the following pillars of theatre education

  • The foundations of artistry lie in creativity, originality, and personal expression, which are honed through exploration and spontaneity. On the other hand, an actor's technique is formed by clarity, intention, and analysis, developed through practice and skill-building. It is crucial to foster both Artistry and Technique holistically, ensuring equal focus on both elements.

  • Artists grow, experiment, and uncover new skills when provided with supportive feedback and clear, focused guidance for their development. Confidence is nurtured through a compassionate, trauma-informed method that is personalized for each actor.

  • We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming atmosphere that embraces mistakes along the creative journey and celebrates each milestone reached. Any rehearsal or training session with BIG HEARTS little theatre begins with a mindful transition into the creative space. Sharing theater with the community allows artists to recognize its profound influence while sharing theatre within the group, fosters connections and a feeling of unity.

  • At BIG HEARTS little theatre, we consistently apply theory in practice. Since drama is a performance art, we offer frequent chances for our actors to showcase and refine their skills in various theatre spaces for diverse audiences.

  • Having a working knowledge of Safe and Responsible Practices is essential for theatre practitioners to sustain a healthy, enduring engagement in theatre. Key aspects of the BIG HEARTS little theatre holistic approach to arts education and training include:

    • Respectfully establishing and upholding boundaries

    • Implementing physical and emotional safety practices

    • Advocating for industry change to systemically oppressive or outdated paradigms

OUR PROGRAMS

  • Man in red shirt holding a brown comedy mask against a blue background.

    PERFORMANCE COMPANIES

    Our Junior, Teen, and Adult Performance Companies are composed of actors and technicians who have completed an audition and been cast in our current production.



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  • ARTS ENRICHMENT FOR SCHOOLS

    Big Hearts Little Theatre brings the arts to life for students across Ontario.
    We design experiential, curriculum-connected field trip opportunities that immerse students in drama, dance, and music through hands-on learning. In addition to on-site workshops, we create fully staged travelling shows—either brought directly to schools or hosted in our performance spaces—all intentionally aligned with Ontario Arts Curriculum expectations. Every program is crafted to spark creativity, deepen understanding, and make the arts accessible, meaningful, and unforgettable for learners of all ages.

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  • Woman in blue holding a green comedy mask against a blue background.

    TRAINING COMPANY

    Our Training Company is composed of theatre artists who are keen to hone their craft through weekly lessons in performance technique, movement, dance, or scene work.

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  • Person with curly hair wearing a clown nose and an orange shirt against a bright blue background.

    ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEER HOURS OPPORTUNITIES

    Other volunteer opportunities available with our company include ushering for BIG HEARTS little theatre performances, creating props, set and costumes, stage management, lights and sound operation, advertising, promotions, and community events.

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Erin Newton, (she/her)
Artistic Director

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Erin has trained in dance and theatre since childhood. During her early education, she received training at local dance and vocal studios, performed as a member of the McMaster Dancers, and took classes at Randolph Performing Arts in Toronto, Steps on Broadway, and the Broadway Dance Centre in NYC. Before pursuing a career in secondary education, she owned a successful chain of three dance studios for ten years.

FIND OUT MORE
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We are the little theatre

with the BIG HEART

Testimonials

  • Woman holding a gray dog in a red sweater, with Christmas decorations in the background.

    “Mrs. Newton‘s teaching style goes above and beyond what can be taught in the classroom. Her love, dedication, and care for each student teaches them that it is not only important to learn the skills, but to treat everyone with respect and kindness. Mrs. Newton goes above and beyond to make every student feel welcome, comfortable and encouraged in everything they do. Whether it’s a dance routine, a drama class, or any other project she’s working on, Mrs. Newton gives 110% which then motivates her students to give everything to their project. Mrs. Newton’s positive attitude makes every atmosphere a joy to be in”.

    Laura Neubrand, Parent

  • Woman sitting on a chair with hand on chin, wearing a beaded necklace and brown sleeveless top, against a plain background.

    “Erin Newton was such a gift to witness through both her Level 1 & 2 Trauma Informed Movement and Presence Certification. Not only did she dive into the theories but ran with them, weaving them seamlessly into her own teachings. Her presence is nothing short of magical and healing. I can’t wait to see where these practices of mindfulness and compassion take her next.”

    Maddi Rundle, Registered Psychotherapist | Movement and Mindfulness Instructor

  • “Erin Newton is a treasure to her students and community. She’s the teacher we all wish we had. She’s the overflowing auditorium in the climax of Mr Holland’s Opus, full of adults that can point backwards and say I’m here today because of the guidance, support and presence of this particular teacher crossing my path. As a fellow arts educator, sharing years of students with Ms. Newton, I have witnessed teenagers communicate sincere admiration and respect for this teacher, as well as excitement and commitment to be a part of her classes and productions. Her dedication to her work and students is palpable. She’s a beacon of confidence with unwavering enthusiasm and authenticity. She infuses every moment with infectious joy, reminding us that the stage is not just a platform for expression and artistry but a sanctuary for the soul. This teacher’s impact extends far beyond the spotlight, for she doesn’t just teach her students to act; she teaches them to live with passion, purpose, and unbridled joy.”

    J.J. Moore, Choreographer | Movement Coordinator | Producer | Founder & A.D. of @jjdancearts

  • Person sitting in a garden, wearing a baseball cap and tank top, next to large pink flowers.

    “Erin is an impassioned educator with vast amounts of energy, empathy and experience to share with her students. She fosters a safe, empowering space where emerging artists can explore and confidently develop their unique talents, passions and expressions. She is a teacher who continually breaks down barriers to create equitable opportunities. Erin’s immeasurable influence lights a spark of lasting creativity which is illuminated in the accolades of thousands of former students.”

    Kelly McKinney, Former Student | H.W.D.S.B. Educator

  • “Erin embodies an extremely rare combination of professional artist and educator in today’s creative environment. Her vast set of skills and experience as a performer, stage director and choreographer are focused solely upon those young, emerging artists whom she mentors passionately, without the need to draw attention to her own very obvious talents.”

    David Speers, General and Artistic Director - Calgary Opera (1988-98) | Arizona Opera (1998-2004) | Opera Hamilton/Ontario (2004-2014)

  • “Erin is a true artist in every sense of the word. Her commitment and passion for sharing her experience and skills is boundless. Young people who have the opportunity to work with her are affected positively for the rest of their lives. They truly become more creative and social citizens.”

    Cydney London | Performer | Musician | Educator

  • “Having worked with Erin as both a performer and choreographer, I have the utmost respect for her talent as both a gifted performer and a creative force. Erin brings creativity and insight to each project she works on. Her work on my production of Cabaret was stellar. She worked with both dancers and non-dancers alike to create a unified look that enhanced and moved the production forward. I look forward to the opportunity of working with her in partnership in the future when the opportunity presents itself.”

    David Dayler, Theatre Director | Retired Educator with the H.W.D.S.B.

  • “Erin is pure sunshine. She brings the absolute best out in others with her encouragement and positive attitude. She is a pleasure to be around and to work with.”

    Kerri Nowacki, Former Student | Employee

  • “I am a former student of Erin’s, and I still get the pleasure of bumping into her here and there in the field, and seeing her now still brings the same cheer and happiness it did 20+ years ago. Erin is like a musical theatre snowball that has stemmed from a giant avalanche. As time rolls on she just gets bigger and better with her ideas, concepts and lessons. She takes students from all walks of life, and shows them how to work together, providing them with a safe space to be themselves, and life skills they’ll take with them wherever they go. She’s a perfect balance of discipline and compassion. In one moment she can teach you the importance of showing up on time, and being ready to go, while also being there to comfort her students when needed. Erin is the type of person who, whether you’ve met her once in a workshop, or known her forever, she leaves a positive, lasting impact on your life. Having Erin as a mentor was such a privilege and it truly makes me so happy watching her mold these next generations because I know they will come out of these lessons better people in the end, having had her guide them.”

    Trisina Safi, Former Student

  • “Mrs. Newton has had a really positive impact on myself and other students. Her teaching style is very motivational and encouraging. She has helped me with my confidence both on and off the stage. Mrs. Newton always brings great energy to every class.”

    Kaitlyn Griffiths, Student

  • “Mrs. Newton approaches teaching in a way that highly prioritizes every single student, their needs, and who they are. She makes every environment safe so that everyone can learn and experience whatever it is she is teaching through watching, listening, and doing it themselves. Learning with her is always a pleasure.”

    Miranda Pilcher, Student

  • Asad Faruqi

    Erin does a fantastic job at making this theatre a safe & welcoming place for people of all ages to pursue their artistic endeavours. I’ve had an amazing experience working on The Man from Earth, as well as taking acting classes from Michael Hannigan. Both Michael and Erin are dedicated, kind, passionate, and extremely talented. Whether you’re new to stage acting or getting back to it after a long hiatus, I would highly recommend Big Hearts Little Theatre as the place to be!

    Actor in The Man From Earth

    Student in Adult Acting classes