Classes for Youth
Classes are full of opportunity and wonder as young theatre enthusiasts go on adventures, build confidence, creatively explore, make new friends, and share new skills with loved ones. Each class is designed to embrace those new to the stage and to challenge those with performance experience. All classes conclude with a sharing component for families.
Finances should never prevent a student from pursuing their passion! That is why we are pleased to offer partial scholarships for students of all ages.
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Classes and Workshops
Ages 2-4: Theatre Explorers
Wednesdays 11:00-11:45am or 2:00-2:45pm
April 16-May 14
- Early Bird $47 (Price Ends March 31)
- Tuition $53
Theatre Explorers combines imaginative play, singing, acting, and movement to introduce the building blocks of the performing arts. These budding performers learn in a playful environment developing confidence and having fun! Loved ones are invited to participate in class on the last day of the class series.
Grades PS-1: Creative Play
Wednesdays 4:15 – 5:15pm
April 16-May 14
- Early Bird $63 (Price Ends March 31)
- Tuition $70
Lots of learning opportunities are woven together by loving teachers as budding performers develop confidence and strengthen skills in our Creative Play class. Books, music and visual arts are used for inspiration for acting, dance, and music mini-lessons designed to foster creativity and nurture self-esteem. On the final day of class, families are invited to participate in a lesson with us.
Grades: 1-5: Musical Moves
Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 pm
April 16-May 14
- Early Bird $63 (Price Ends March 31)
- Tuition $70
Get ready to groove in, Musical Moves, a fun and energetic introduction to musical theatre dance! In this class, students will learn the basics of dance while bringing favorite Broadway songs to life through movement. We’ll explore techniques like rhythm, coordination, and expressive choreography, all while building confidence and stage presence. Students will work on routines inspired by well-loved musicals, developing skills in teamwork and performance as they learn to dance with a story. No prior dance experience is required. Just bring your enthusiasm and creativity!
Grades 1-3: Foundations in Theatre
Mondays 4:30 – 6:00pm
April 14-May 12
- Early Bird $95 (Price Ends March 31)
- Tuition $105
With a focus on imaginative journeys, Foundations in Theatre provides a creative space for students to explore, move and challenge their acting and memorization skills. On the final day of class, families can enjoy an informal sharing of the skills learned during this process-based program. Families are invited to an informal skills share on the last day of class.
Imagine That!
Ages 5+ (Parents are welcome to assist students)
Tuesdays 4:30-5:30
April 15-May 13
- Tuition: Free to Members of DSAWM
- Passcode: Available in the member area of the DSAWM website
Step into a world of creativity and fun with Imagine That! Through games, movement, storytelling, and improvisation, students will explore big emotions, build confidence, and bring their imaginations to life. With a focus on play and self-expression, this inclusive class welcomes youth ages 5 and up from the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan to discover the joy of theatre in a supportive, engaging environment. Whether acting out a favorite story, creating new characters, or playing interactive theatre games, every class is filled with laughter, learning, and the magic of theatre!
Grades 3-5: Acting Out
Thursdays 4:30 – 6:00pm
April 17-May 15
- Early Bird $95 (Price Ends March 31)
- Tuition $105
The course is structured to encourage movement, creativity, and the challenge of pushing one’s limits in a supportive and inclusive setting. Students will engage in exercises that stimulate their imagination, teach them the fundamentals of acting, and allow them to delve into character development and storytelling. On the final class day, families are invited to celebrate the achievements of their young actors at our skills share held during class time.
Grades 5-8: Taking the Stage
Tuesdays: 4:45 – 6:45pm
April 15-May 13
- Early Bird $126 (Price Ends March 31)
- Tuition $140
Taking the Stage is an acting class that encourages imaginative journeys and provides a creative space for students to explore, move, and challenge their skills. The program is process-based and focuses on developing acting and memorization abilities. At the end of the course, families can enjoy an informal sharing of the skills learned by the students.
Grades PS-9: Musical Theatre FUN-damentals
Saturdays 9:00 – 11:00am
April 12-May 17*
   *No class April 19
- Early Bird $126 (Price Ends March 31)
- Tuition $140
Start your Saturday the Musical Theatre way! During this two-hour class, students will build acting, dancing, and singing skills while working with teaching artists who specialize in each area. On the final day of the series, families will be invited to view an informal showcase of skills learned.
* Students will be grouped with those of similar age.