About Us
DramaWay was founded by Danielle Strnad in 1999. Danielle saw an opportunity in the community to provide creative-arts programs, emphasizing a uniquely compassionate, process-oriented approach to educational arts programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Danielle’s philosophy of putting participants' needs first, remains the backbone of DramaWay. DramaWay is currently hosting 15 programs that span the realm of the fine arts servicing over 450 individuals on a weekly basis across the GTA.
DramaWay is a TDSB-approved Educational Programming Partner. DramaWay’s tailor-made programs and workshops have been offered and are presently running at a multitude of organizations including TDSB schools, Montessori and Nursery schools, Day programs such as Addus, A.I.M Halton, Harmony Place, Pegasus Community Project, L.I.N.K.S at Variety Village, Addus, Thrive Ability, Community Living Mississauga & Burlington, Little Yogini, among others. DramaWay programs and workshops complement and enhance curriculum and programming while helping schools and organizations to reach their own goals.
Danielle and her Team of DramaWay Specialists have received media attention from Employable Me, CBC Our Toronto, CBC The Goods, Metronews, The Booster, Canadian Living Magazine, The Annex Gleaner, The Scarborough Mirror, CBC’s Moving On TV program while also continuing to be recognized by Community Living Toronto as a valuable community partner. Theatre Program Mississauga led by DramaWay Director Danielle Strnad was awarded The Emerging Performance Art Group at the Mississauga Arts Awards and she was also awarded Community Champion by CBC Toronto in 2018.
DramaWay is fantastic. Danielle Strnad is an incredible leader, and her passion is never not apparent. Volunteering with them after school on Thursdays was a highlight of my high school experience. The show that was put on was fantastic and all actors and staff were incredibly welcoming, talented and funny. I would highly recommend seeing a show or getting involved!
– Griffin Betts
“Danielle - I've been trying to think all day of adequate words to send you about yesterday's incredible performance. It was simply AMAZING! I have NOT stopped smiling since I left the theatre. Thank you to your staff for all the hard work behind the scenes preparing props, editing scripts to suit performance (e.g. tater tots), creating dance moves, designing and sewing costumes. Thank you to your volunteers for running lines with the performers and helping with whatever support they needed since September! Thank you to you, Danielle, for your incredible heart, for seeing the potential in each performer and for giving each one the opportunity to shine in their own unique way. Forever grateful for what you have done for my daughter.”
– Sylvia Rinaldi