Below you will find a full list of our summer classes/programs.  All workshops, classes and events are sorted chronologically. 

Click here to read bio's about all our wonderful teachers!

When checking out on PayPal, please include the student name in the comments section.

Do you have questions about our classes and performances, if so, click here for our FAQ's.


Summer Performances

#500 SummerStage: How To Eat Like a Child

Gr 4-12 | 10:00-4:00 | Mon-Fri, Aug 2 - 14 | $225

SummerStage is the only place you can participate in a full production during the summer months at ACT! This year we are proud to revive ACTst show:

How to Eat Like a Child! This is a fabulous experience for all the actors. The show gives lessons in how to beg for a dog, how to torture your sister, how to act after being sent to your room, how to laugh hysterically, and much more. Be a part of this opportunity. Bring a sack lunch. Please note that students must take at least two pre-requisites classes or have director approval before signing up for SummerStage. Prerequisites classes are marked by a (*). Students in the ACTing Academy will participate in SummerStage.
 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#008 Pre-Stage Presents: The Princess That Wouldn't Laugh

Gr Pre School | 9:00-10:30 |
Mon-Fri, Aug 2 - 6 | $55

This is a performance class for the pre-school & kindergarten age group. During this class we will put on a show using Guided Theatre Techniques that encourage the actor to do their best. This year The Princess That Wouldn. We are very excited to present this experience which will allow students to play, explore, and put on a show. Don!

 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#208 Rascal's Revue

Gr 1-3 | 12:30-3:30 | Mon-Fri, Aug 9 - 14 | $125

This year Rascal is returning to its roots We are proud to present THE LITTLE RASCALS! This years show is based on the classic characters of Alfalfa, Spanky, Darla & Buckwheat. Make sure your is a part of this great experience. The Rascal the SummerStage presentation. Please note that students must take at least two pre-requisites classes, or have director approval before you may sign up for Rascal. Pre-requisite classes are marked by a (**).

 

Please select grade
Student's Name

#406 The ACTing Academy

Gr 7-12 | 2:00-4:00 | Mon-Fri, July 19 - 30 | 10:00-4:00 |
Mon-Fri, Aug 2-13
| $350

ACT is proud to present the second annual Acting Academy. This unique summer academy gives 7th - 12th grade students a chance to learn acting and theatre arts from artists who are currently working in theatre at the college or professional level. This is a cant miss opportunity for anyone who is interested in acting. We will focus on improving actors awareness and usage of their bodies, voices and minds. The weeks of July 19 July 30 are acting training, which you will use during the following two weeks, Aug 2 - 14, while participating in our SummerStage musical: How to Eat Like a Child. This opportunity is not to be missed.

Please select grade

Student's Name


July 5 - 9: STAR WARS!!!

#003 Buzz Lightyear and Friends

Gr Pre School | 9:00-10:30 |
Mon-Fri, July 5 - 9
| $55

To infinity, and beyond! Join Buzz and all his friends for all the fun and excitement throughout the galaxy.

 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#103 Star Wars**

Gr K-1 | 9:00-10:30 | Mon-Fri, July 5 - 9 | $55

We will find ourselves lost in that galaxy far, far away. Only Jedi training, and of course, mastering the force will save you. These familiar stories can build the basic skills needed for the young theatre student. For the Star Wars fan in all of us.

 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#203 Star Wars**

Gr 2-3 | 11:00-1:00 | Mon-Fri, July 5 - 9 | $70

We will find ourselves lost in that galaxy far, far away. Only Jedi training, and of course, mastering the force will save you. These familiar stories can build the basic skills needed for the young theatre student. For the Star Wars fan in all of us.

 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#303 A Long Time Ago, In a Galaxy Far, Far Away.*

Gr 4-6 | 11:00-1:00 | Mon-Fri, July 5 - 9 | $70

Take your favorite Star Wars characters and you get to pick their next journey. Whether it Tatooine or Cloud City, or you want to be Luke or Anakin Skywalker. This is for you.

 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#403 Think Fast Improv*

Gr 7-12 | 2:00-4:00 | Mon-Fri, July 5 - 9 | $70

Are you a fan of Who, or Saturday Night Live? This class is for you! Improv acting is the funniest, craziest, quickset form of acting. This class is great training for those students who may want to audition for ACTamazing improv group, Spontaneous Combustion.

 

Please select grade

Student's Name

 

July 11 - 16: MUSICAL THEATRE

#004 Mini Musical Theatre

Gr Pre-School | 9:00-10:30 |
Mon-Fri, July 11 - 16
| $55

A great experience for kids who love to put on a show! Learn many different songs while singing and dancing your heart out. At the end of class there will be at least one song to perform.
 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#104 Musical Princess**

Gr K-1 | 9:00-10:30 | Mon-Fri, July 11 - 16 | $55

Do you love singing? Do you love princesses? Then here you go! Here you can be all the princesses you can be. Have fun with Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and many, many more. Celebrate 15 years of princess class fun.
 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#204 The Wizard of OZ**

Gr 2-3 | 11:00-1:00 | Mon-Fri, July 11 - 16 | $70

We're off to see the wizard, and you should come along. During this week you will get the chance to come to Oz and learn a song and dance and be able to perform them for your friends and family.
 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#304 Building Vocal Confidence*

Gr 4-6 | 11:00-1:00 | Mon-Fri, July 11 - 16 | $70

Can the shower no longer contain your voice? Then this class is for you, and others like you, who would like to have more confidence in their ability to sing out loud! This is a must for those who are interested in auditioning for any musical.
 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#404 Broadway Bound*

Gr 7-12 | 2:00-4:00 | Mon-Fri, July 11 - 16 | $70

We will be taking songs from popular Broadway shows and creating our own choreography and movement. We will make these songs come alive. Bring your favorite Broadway song, on CD, to class with you the first day.
 

Please select grade

Student's Name


July 19 - 23: Harry Potter

#005 Dragons!

Gr Pre School | 9:00-10:30 |
Mon-Fri, July 19 - 23 | $55

This creative dramatics class will focus on, of course, DRAGONS! They fly, they breath fire, they make great pets? Come take part in this fun and fast paced class.
 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#105 Care of Magical Creatures**

Gr K-1 | 9:00-10:30 | Mon-Fri, July 19 - 23 | $55

This class uses creative dramatic to help the students become all different kinds of magical creatures. We will create and play in a magical world where all creatures can live and be happy.
 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#205 Harry Potter and the Journey inside Hogwarts Castle**

Gr 2-3 | 11:00-1:00 | Mon-Fri, July 19 - 23 | $70

From Transfigurations to Defense Against the Dark Arts, from Potions to Quidditch there are so many things to learn inside Hogwarts Castle. In this class you can experience them while becoming your favorite Potter character.
 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#305 Harry Potter and the Astonishing Voyage*

Gr 4-6 | 11:00-1:00 | Mon-Fri, July 19 - 23 | $70

Have you ever wanted to live in the world of Harry Potter? Now you can, we will take the characters of Harry Potter and bring them to life in a brand new story that you create.

Please select grade

Student's Name


July 26 - 30: Pirates, Princesses and Puppets

#006 Rodger, The Jolly Pirate

Gr Pre School | 9:00-10:30 |
Mon-Fri, July 26 - 30 | $55

Before there was Black Beard, Long John Silver, or Calico Jack, there was Rodger, the Jolly Pirate! Come take part in this fun class that explores the lighter side of swashbuckling excitement.

 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#106 Pirates, Princesses and Puppets**

Gr K-1 | 9:00-10:30 | Mon-Fri, July 26-30 | $55

It's time for Pirates and Princess Puppet Theatre! Spend a week having fun where it's all about Pirates and Princesses! There will a puppet performance at the end of class.
 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#206 Pirates, Princesses and Puppets**

Gr 2-3 | 11:00-1:00 | Mon-Fri, July 26-30 | $70

It's time for Pirates and Princess Puppet Theatre! Spend a week having fun where it's all about Pirates and Princesses! There will a puppet performance at the end of class.
 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#306 Peter Pan*

Gr 4-6 | 11:00-1:00 | Mon-Fri, July 26-30 | $70

Come take part in the fabulous opportunity to bring to life Peter Pan. If you are a fan of Tinkerbell, Peter, Wendy or good old Captain Hook himself this is the place for you. We will be performing selected scenes from Peter Pan.
 

Please select grade

Student's Name


August 16 - 20: Teacher's Choice

#009 Curious George

Gr Pre School | 9:00-10:30 |
Mon-Fri, Aug 16-20 | $55

Everyone's favorite monkey is back to introduce your student to the first step in theatre: Creative play! This class is back by popular demand and is a favorite of students and teachers alike.

Please select grade

Student's Name

#209 Its Summer Time, Charlie Brown

Gr 1-3 | 11:00-1:00 | Mon-Fri, Aug 16-20 | $70

This is a preview class for our popular after school acting series. We will end our summer with the Peanuts gang and have a performance at the end of class.
 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#309 Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Gr 4-6 | 11:00-1:00 | Mon-Fri, Aug 16-20 | $70

Join us for a fun filled class with the characters from this popular books series. There way to end your summer, than by hanging out with Greg, Rowley and all your favorites as you brave middle school.
 

Please select grade

Student's Name

#408 Puppets and Playwrights

Gr 7-12 | 11:00-1:00 | Mon-Fri, Aug 16-20 | $70

We are excited to presents this unique twist on two of our most popular classes. Here is a chance to write a script and have control of the actors, or act in a play and have control of the script. Don't miss this new opportunity.

 

Please select grade

Student's Name

 


Super Special Programs

Spectrum on Stage

This theatre program was designed specifically for students on the Autism Spectrum. For more information on this program, or the Spectrum on Stage Summer Performance Camp, contact Julie at the ACT Studio.

Studio 68

This is an after school acting studio for grades 6-8. Students who wish to continuously improve their acting skills will find this is the class they need! The class meets every Tuesday from 3:30-5:00. Cost is $40.00 per month. For more information, call the ACT Studio.

One on One

Act offers personal acting sessions for those intersted in improving their acting skills. These one hour sessions are a great way to prepare for auditions, performances, or moving to the next level as an actor. For more information, call the ACT studio.


Upcoming Summer Camps

The ACTing Academy

ACT is proud to present the second annual ACting Academy. This is a unique summer theatre experience for 7-12 grades. Students will learn acting arts from many differnt levels and angles. This is the most comprehensive summer theatre program in the Tri -Cities with the most reasonable tuition! Space is limited, so sign up early!

Spectrum on Stage Summer Performance Camp

This two week theatre program was designed specifically for 6-12 grade students on the Autism Spectrum. At the end of camp, the actors will present a show open to the community!

SummerStage presents: How to Eat Like A Child

To celebrate 15 years of providing youth theatre in theTri- Cities, ACT is bringing back it's very first production, How to Eat Like A Child. Now in it's 7th year, SummerStage is the best summer production presented by young people for the community!

For information on these camps or other summer programs, contact Julie Schroeder at 943-6027 or email julie.act_edu@hotmail.com or go to our website at: www.academyofchildrenstheatre.org


Private Coaching

Grade 7 - 12 | By Appointment | $30 an hour / $20 per half hour

 


Performance Groups & Year-Long Classes

Troupe

Troup is an auditioned acting ensemble consisting of up to 12 talented young people in grades 9-12. The Troupe strives for excellence in theatre by creating challenging acting projects throughout the school year. Past projects include state competitions/festivals, annual dinner theater, black box performance, and community projects. Troup has been, and will continue to be, a highly challenging and rewarding experience for young actors in the mid-Columbia who want to raise the bar on their own talent and professionalism in the performing arts. The next auditions for Troupe will be in the Spring of 2010.

Spontaneous Combustion
Spontaneous Combustion (SPC) is an audition based improve group, for youth grades 7-12, that performs throughout the community and at ACT. As a group, SPC strives to entertain and inform our audiences with quality, funny, and fun shows. The members are skilled at quick, creative and analytical thinking, character development, storytelling, and teamwork. In addition to performing at events throughout the community, SPC had two yearly shows: “A Spontaneous Combustion Christmas” and “The End of the Year Blow Out.” The next auditions for this group will be in the Spring of 2010.

Studio 68
Studio 68 is a weekly actor’s studio for youth in grades 6-8. It was created for students serious about advancing their acting skills. Week by week students will learn about the tools it takes to sharpen theatre skills through scene analysis, drama exercises, and character study, improve and more. Classes are every Tues from 3:30-5:00pm. Call Julie at 943-6027 for information about joining Studio 68.

Repertory
Repertory is a performance based group of 10-15 actors of a variety of ages who perform 2-3 black box productions each year. Actors involved in Repertory will experience the value of working together in a consistent and focused team environment. Each production is under a strict 3-4 week rehearsal period each member of Repertory either performing onstage or producing back stage. Auditions for this Rep 2009-2010 are closed. Our next audition for Repertory will be in the Fall of 2010.


Teacher Bio's

  • Josh is a 2008 Graduate of Central Washington University with a BA in theatre arts, emphasis in Youth Drama. This is his fifth summer with ACT, and he is very excited to be teaching again. Besides teaching, Josh is a director at ACT, and the drama director at Southridge High School. He is also a playwright and has had shows produced at ACT, CWU and the Acadia Theatre company in Nova Scotia. He is also the 2008 CWU playwright of the year. See you on SummerStage this year for How to Eat Like a Child! Josh is a proud member of the Hufflepuff House.

  • Elizabeth recently just finished her first year as a freshman at Western Washington University. Her current major is Theater Education for Youth with an emphasis in directing. Although this is her first year teaching at ACT, she has been involved in theater since she was a little kid. Elizabeth has participated in many shows on and off stage at ACT, Richland High School, and other community theaters. She was also a member of ACTTroupe for three years. She looks forward to learning more and having a great summer this year at ACT.

  • Patrick is a senior at Central Washington University where he spent time in both the Theatre Education and Youth Drama majors before settling on the BFA Performance specialization. This is his second summer teaching at ACT, and he is thrilled to be returning. In addition to teaching at ACT and learning at CWU, Patrick has also taught at CSTOCK in Silverdale, Washington. He recently finished a tour of Charlottes Web with CWU that had over 60 performances for children and families across the state. He is excited to be teaching with the ACTing Academy and working with Josh on How To Eat Like A Child. He really likes being barefoot.

  • Crystal Deines has been involved with a dozen theatrical organizations over the last 17 years, performing in 40 productions, including several small films in the Pacific Northwest, and can be seen on local television. She studied Theater Management at Western Washington University, after being awarded the Richland Players scholarship in 2004. After graduating in 2006, she spent time as a professional stage manager and had her work published and performed professionally in Tacoma.

    Crystal was a first generation student with The Academy of Children, and has been working for them since October 2009. Crystal has taught in a variety of capacities over the last 10 years, including a focus on special education. She specializes in character voices and can be seen as the Queen in ACTn of Cinderella this October.

  • Julie has been involved with different aspects of theatre since 40 years ago when she appeared in a production of The Frog Prince as the King. Since then she has acted, directed, or has designed hair, makeup and costumed over 100 shows. She has been involved with the Academy of Children's Theatre since 1999, director of ACT's award winning Troupe since 2000, and has been a part of the staff as the Education Coordinator since 2007. Her grandchildren are third generation ACT.


FAQ's

HOW DO I REGISTER?
You can register online, by phone, by mail, or at the ACT studio during office hours. Payment is due at the time of registration.  Classes fill up quickly, and for this reason we cannot “hold” spots open. Classes are assessed the Thursday before the first day, and in the event the registration is too low to hold the class, the staff retains the right to cancel the class.  If the class is cancelled, families will be notified and a credit or refund will be issued.  Families have until seven (7) days prior to the start of class to cancel  registration in order to receive a refund. 

WHAT IS DRAMATIC PLAY?
Dramatic play is most often employed in pre-K classes. It encourages the use of “play acting” within the theme of the class, which is often literature based. (i.e. The  Wizard of OZ, Where the Wild Things Are.) It’s playtime with a purpose. This is a fun way to introduce this youngest group to “wearing a character” in a way that is easily grasped.                                 
WHAT IS CREATIVE DRAMA?

Individual creative drama classes vary within the theme of the class, but are also often literature based. All creative drama classes aim to teach the fundamentals of using The body, voice, and imagination for theatre. Like improv classes for older students, creative drama uses theatre games to teach specific skills like concentration, focus, inventiveness, and use of voice

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
Please arrive a few minutes early the first day of class so you and your student may meet the teacher and fill out a student emergency form, but not more than 10 minutes early. When picking up your child, we ask that all parents arrive shortly before class ends. Our teachers are only paid for the time they are in the classroom. If you are late and the teacher is forced to wait with your child you will be charged $25.00 for each 15 minutes. If you need someone to stay with your student before or after class, please let us know in advance and we can make arrangements for supervision at a reasonable rate. ($10.00/hr. minimum $30.00)

WHAT IF MY CHILD NEEDS TO MISS A CLASS?
Please let us know in advance if your child will miss any classes so that the teacher can adjust his or her lesson plan accordingly.  Refunds cannot be made for missed classes.

CAN PARENTS SIT IN AND WATCH THE CLASS?
In order to help students let go of their inhibitions and develop a strong stage presence, parents are not allowed beyond the door to the class hallway to the classrooms during class time, as it is often disruptive to the students. You may either wait in the designated waiting area, or leave and pick up your student at the end of class. However, at the time class starts you may walk your child back to the classroom if you wish.

THEATRE SKILLS ARE LIFE SKILLS!
Our classes are very carefully planned to match the skill and emotional level of the student. For that reason, we only place students in classes within their grade range. The first day of class, you can ask for information on what to expect from any particular class.

HOW DO I REGISTER?
You can register online, by phone, by mail, or at the ACT studio during office hours. Payment is due at the time of registration. Classes fill up quickly, and for this reason we cannot “hold” spots open. Classes are assessed the Thursday before the first day, and in the event the registration is too low to hold the class, the staff retains the right to cancel the class. If the class is cancelled, families will be notified and a credit or refund will be issued. Families have until seven (7) days prior to the start of class to cancel registration in order to receive a refund.

WHAT IS DRAMATIC PLAY?
Dramatic play is most often employed in pre-K classes. It encourages the use of “play acting” within the theme of the class, which is often literature based. (i.e. The Wizard of OZ, Where the Wild Things Are.) It’s playtime with a purpose. This is a fun way to introduce this youngest group to “wearing a character” in a way that is easily grasped.

WHAT IS CREATIVE DRAMA?
Individual creative drama classes vary within the theme of the class, but are also often literature based. All creative drama classes aim to teach the fundamentals of using The body, voice, and imagination for theatre. Like improv classes for older students, creative drama uses theatre games to teach specific skills like concentration, focus, inventiveness, and use of voice

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
Please arrive a few minutes early the first day of class so you and your student may meet the teacher and fill out a student emergency form, but not more than 10 minutes early. When picking up your child, we ask that all parents arrive shortly before class ends. Our teachers are only paid for the time they are in the classroom. If you are late and the teacher is forced to wait with your child you will be charged $25.00 for each 15 minutes. If you need someone to stay with your student before or after class, please let us know in advance and we can make arrangements for supervision at a reasonable rate. ($10.00/hr. minimum $30.00)

WHAT IF MY CHILD NEEDS TO MISS A CLASS?
Please let us know in advance if your child will miss any classes so that the teacher can adjust his or her lesson plan accordingly. Refunds cannot be made for missed classes.

CAN PARENTS SIT IN AND WATCH THE CLASS?
In order to help students let go of their inhibitions and develop a strong stage presence, parents are not allowed beyond the door to the class hallway to the classrooms during class time, as it is often disruptive to the students. You may either wait in the designated waiting area, or leave and pick up your student at the end of class. However, at the time class starts you may walk your child back to the classroom if you wish.

AT WHAT AGE DO PRESCHOOL CLASSES START?
Your child needs to be past the age of 3 1/2 to be registered for classes.

SHOULD MY CHILD PACK A SNACK?
ACT provides snacks for classes (peanut free). If your student has a class that is longer than two hours, please provide a sack lunch. If your student has a food allergy that we need to be aware of, please let us know in advance, in addition to indicating it on the student emergency form.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS?
Dress your child to comfortably move and play. Please arrive a few minutes early the first day of class so you and your student may meet the teacher and fill out a student emergency form. At the time class starts you may walk your child back to the classroom, if you wish. Parents are not allowed beyond the door to the class hallway during class time, as it is often disruptive to the students. You may either wait in the designated waiting area, or leave and pick up your student at the end of class.

WHAT TIME SHOULD I PICK UP MY CHILD?
We request that all parents arrive shortly before class ends to pick up their student. You must come into the building to retrieve your child. Our first priority is your child’s safety. Students will not be permitted to wait outside. Please be prompt. If you are late and the teacher needs to wait with your child, a strict penalty of $25.00 extra per 15 minutes will be imposed. Our teachers are not paid for time spent outside the classroom.

WILL THERE BE A PERFORMANCE AT THE END OF CLASSES?
Many of our ACT classes have a “Sharing Day” on the last day of class for family and friends that may wish to observe. This may be an informal performance, a reading of a script, or they might simply share with you something the class has worked on. NOT EVERY CLASS WILL PRESENT A “PLAY” OR OTHERPERFORMANCE FOR SHARING DAY. Each instructor will design a sharing day based on the needs of the class.
If a performance is planned for sharing day, this performance is intended to be very informal and almost always done without lights, sets props and costumes. If the student wishes to bring in a costume or prop, please note: Students are not allowed to ask parents to buy materials for costumes, or allowed to ask parents to make their costumes. Costumes and props will be provided if available.

WILL MY CHILD NEED TO MEMORIZE LINES?
Memorization is encouraged for most presentations. Assisting your child in memorization is a wonderful shared experience, especially children with limited reading skills. If a performance of a short play is planned, you can expect some prompting, directions, or suggestions from the teacher. Please remember, this is an informal presentation and the class has had limited time to prepare for sharing day!

THE MOST IMPORTANT GOAL IF FOR YOUR CHILD TO HAVE A POSITIVE AND FUN EXPERIENCE.  WHILE LEARNING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE!
 

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