Classes
The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre’s Academy offers a wide range of learning opportunities for students of all ages and experience levels. From foundational youth classes to advanced performance and technical training, our programs are designed to build skills, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for theatre. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or continuing to grow as an artist, there’s a place for you to learn, create, and belong at the Civic.
Stay in the loop about the latest classes, workshops, and activities from the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre’s Academy.
To find your next class or workshop, explore the programs below.
Youth Classes
Our youth (pre-school to Junior High) theatre classes give students the chance to build confidence, develop performance skills, and work together in a supportive environment. Through acting, movement, music, and creative play, young people learn how to express themselves, collaborate with others, and think imaginatively. Each class is designed to match age and ability, so students can grow at their own pace while discovering the joy of theatre. These experiences help students develop not only as performers but also as creative, confident individuals.
Teen and Adult Classes
Our teen and adult classes are led by experienced theatre professionals who provide clear instruction and supportive feedback. Participants strengthen acting, movement, and vocal skills while gaining confidence and stage presence. Courses often focus on audition preparation, scene study, and ensemble work, giving participants practical tools they can use both on stage and beyond. Classes are open to both beginners through experienced performers, offering opportunities to learn new techniques, refine existing abilities, and connect with others who share a passion for theatre.
Camps
Our theatre camps give students the chance to immerse themselves in the creative process during school breaks. Offered in the summer and over spring break, camps provide hands-on experiences in areas such as acting, music, movement, design, and stagecraft. Each camp is designed to match age and interest, helping students build skills, make friends, and discover new ways to express themselves. Whether focused on performance, technical theatre, or creative exploration, our camps create memorable learning experiences that inspire a lasting connection to theatre.
Audition Workshops
Audition workshops are offered before each production and are led by the show’s directing team. These sessions focus on developing audition skills, introducing the format for the upcoming auditions, and providing insight into the specific production. Participants receive feedback and instruction to strengthen performance, explore character development, and better understand what directors are looking for in the audition room. Workshops are free to attend and open to anyone preparing to audition.
Financial Assistance
We believe that finances should never hinder a student’s pursuit of their passion. To support this belief, we are delighted to provide partial scholarships for students of all ages.
Things to Know
Inclement Weather
Should we need to close due to poor driving conditions, we will post a notice on WWM TV 3. To sign up for text alerts please choose Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. We will also send emails to our class lists. In the event that a class needs to be canceled, we will make every effort to offer a makeup session, often by extending the series by a week.
Behavior Expectations
We ask that our students follow two simple rules: Safety First and Kindness Always! We encourage students to welcome challenges and to try something new.
Clothing
Students are asked to wear closed-toed shoes that do not kick off easily during classes and camps. Clothing should be chosen for comfort and movability. If a class has more specific requirements, that information will be included in the email sent out the week prior to class start.
Grades
Where Summer classes/camps are listed by grades levels, please register for the grade the student will be entering in the fall. Preschool students should be at least 3 years of age and able to use the restroom independently.
Ages
Where classes/camps are listed by ages, please register for the program that matches your age on the first day of class.
Packed Lunches
Students in all-day camps will need to bring a packed lunch each day. We cannot provide refrigeration or microwaves for the students.
Water Bottles
Students are encouraged to bring water bottles to class. We will provide opportunities for bottle refilling throughout classes.