Private lessons in music, acting, and dance are all available for ages 5-adult! See registration form for more info.
Dream Role Character Study-Teen to Adult Edition!
An excuse to play your dream role of choice (from stage or screen) in an intimate, cooperative space! This is an advanced level deep-dive into character development from first reading to the stage. You will be able to perform 3 pieces as your dream character, as well as play supporting roles in your fellow actors’ scenes! With the addition of adults, this a special opportunity for parents to perform alongside their children! There will be a full-length showcase performance to end the class!
- Ages 7th grade to Adult
- Max limit of 10 students!
- 8 Mondays, beginning Sept 14
- 6-8 p.m.
- $250
- Instructor: Desiree Sowards
Triple "Set" (Becoming Better Performers AND Better People!)
From a young age, our performers hear the musical theatre term- “triple threat” which generally refers to being talented in the three main areas of musical theatre- acting, vocals, and dance. This is a great goal! However, “threat” can carry the connotation of pushing your way to the top, and intimidating the competition on your way. This class will set up our young actors in two ways: They will grow in their craft as actor, singer, and dancer. But, we are also going to “set” them up to remember more importantly, the artist must grow in character and community on their way! It is possible to be fierce in your art, and humble of heart! Come grow with us in both! Showcase at the end of term!
- Ages 3rd-6th grade
- 8 Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 15
- 6-7:30 p.m.
- $235
- Instructor: Desiree Sowards
Auditioning for Professional Theatre
Training students on how to compose/present themselves in a professional audition setting, selecting appropriate audition material, and how to film self-tapes for callback auditions
- Class Limit: 10 students (13–18 years old)
- $350 per student
- Class Length: 5 weeks, 2 hour sessions, once a week Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m.
- At capacity, 10 minutes a student with 20 minutes overhead
- Instructor: Brady Dunn
*Students expected to enter the class with a few monologue/song selections to fine tune a 90-second audition. Monologues should be 60 seconds, song selections should be 30 seconds. Please provide song cuts before Week One so Brady can have the appropriate instrumentals ready for each session. Students are encouraged to bring their audition books for every class.
Week One:
Students will perform their monologues/song selections, and Brady will give notes and suggestions for which combination of monologue/song would make the strongest audition package for each student. Brady can go into the basics of setting up an audition book if students don’t already have one.
Week Two:
This session will focus on how to conduct yourself in a cattle-call style audition. We’ll go through the process of how to interact with the accompanist, the hiring companies, and giving the strongest performance that has the highest likelihood of callbacks. Brady will give callback materials to each student for them to work on before the next class.
Week Three:
This session will focus on one-on-one callbacks. Brady will cycle through the callback material for each student and give real-time direction notes to see how students handle changing their prepared material. Brady will probably have each student perform a couple selections from their audition books.
Week Four:
This session will focus on auditioning for the camera. Brady will bring their Sony Omega 7 camera/shotgun mic to film some rough audition footage. Brady will play back the filmed cuts on a monitor and give real-time notes and areas to focus on to prepare them for their final class.
Week Five:
Students will arrive prepared to film their final 90-second audition. Brady will bring their Sony Omega 7 camera/shotgun mic to record. We’ll make sure each student gets ample time to film an audition they’re confident in, and Brady will edit and cut together several options for them to use for whatever purposes they need.
CHARACTER LAB: Building from the Inside Out
How does a Character come to life? In this five-week acting class, students will explore how actors use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to create unique and believable characters. Through theatre games, movement activities, vocal exploration, and creative play, students will experiment and add new tools to their Actors Toolbox. No previous acting experience required, just a willingness to play, imagine, and create!
- Grades K-6th
- Wednesday 6 - 7 p.m.
- 5 classes beginning Sept 16th
- $150
- Instructor: Shannon Yost
Private or Duet Acting and/or Musical Theatre Dance Classes
- Beginning the week of Sept 14.
- Seven 45 min. classes
- $235 (2 more openings)
- Instructor Desiree Sowards
Intro to Improv: 7th-12th Graders
An introduction to short form improv basics; open for middle and high school. Class will feature a performance at the end of the term.
- Thursdays 6 - 6:55 p.m.
- 7 Weeks (September 17th- October 29h)
- $235.00
- Instructor: Christian Cox
*This course makes one eligible for selection to be on Team Kid-Prov Improv.
Intro to Improv: 3rd-6th Graders
An introduction to improv basics; open for grades 3rd grade through 6th grade. Class will feature a performance at the end of the term.
- Thursdays 5 - 5:55 p.m.
- 7 Weeks (September 17th-October 29th)
- $235.00
- Instructor: Christian Cox
Play to a Play
Through the power of play, children will create weekly stories together and act them out. This is a combination intro park acting class, but will focus mainly on creative drama aspect. A featured performance will be at the end of the term.
- Grades 1st-4th
- 5 - 5:55 p.m.
- 7 Weeks (September 16th- October 28th)
- $235.00
- Instructor: Christian Cox
Mini Maestros: Sing the World Hello!
Sing the World Hello is a music and movement class for children ages 6 months to 4 years and their caregivers. Songs, instruments, and joyful movement come together to grow little minds, little bodies, and big hearts. No experience needed. Just come ready to sing!
- For ages 6 months to 4 years old (and caregiver)
- Mondays from 5 - 5:45 p.m.
- 6 Weeks
- September 21st - October 26th
- $85 tuition
- +$25 materials fee (given directly to instructor)
- Instructor: Elizabeth Wotring-Nelson
The Creative Door
Through demonstration and following along, students will get a beginner’s introduction and guide to the digital creation app of Procreate. Lessons will include teaching on the overall interface, brushes, functions, tools and the fundamentals of art to give the students a head start in learning the fun, creative and accessible world of digital creation. The students will be asked to follow along, participate during class. The final week will include a project that culminates all the topics learned into a piece and portfolio that they can be proud of. Asking questions and being engaged is encouraged! Feel free to bring your own iPad and apple pencil setup!
- Ages 10-Adults
- $175
- Thursdays
- September 17-October 16
- 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- Instructor: Connor Buffington
Open Studio Community Nights
2 date and grade options available
Open Studio Community Nights
Grades 3–5 and Grades 6–8
Create. Explore. Apply. Reflect.
The Academy for the Arts invites young artists to participate in a hands-on Open Studio Community Night designed to connect students with art-making experiences while providing art educators with an opportunity to practice and reflect on their teaching.
Each session will feature a structured art lesson focused on specific artistic skills, concepts, and processes. Students will receive guided instruction, explore materials and techniques, and apply what they learn through their own artmaking. The experience encourages creativity and individual expression while providing a clear instructional framework.
Community Night Dates
November 2 | 5:00–6:00 PM | Grades 3–5
Students in grades 3–5 will participate in a developmentally appropriate art lesson that introduces and reinforces foundational artistic skills and concepts through guided practice and hands-on making.
- Free Tuition
- Limited to the first 10 students who sign up
November 9 | 5:00–6:00 PM | Grades 6–8
Students in grades 6–8 will participate in a structured art lesson that builds artistic skills and encourages students to apply techniques, concepts, and creative problem-solving strategies to their own work.
- Free Tuition
- Limited to the first 10 students who sign up
Supporting Art Educator Learning
The Open Studio Community Nights are also part of a practicum and professional learning experience for art educators. Educators will plan and prepare a lesson, organize materials and visual resources, facilitate instruction, and engage with students throughout the studio experience.
Following each session, educators will annotate, analyze, and reflect on their teaching practice. This process allows educators to examine how lesson design, instructional strategies, demonstrations, materials, classroom interactions, and student responses contribute to meaningful art learning.
Student Recording & Educator Practicum
As part of the practicum experience, students may be video recorded during the Open Studio session. Recordings will be used for educator learning, teaching analysis, and practicum reflection. The recordings will allow art educators to review their instructional practice and better understand student engagement and learning.
Parent/guardian permission and appropriate consent will be obtained before a student is video recorded.