
Class series for Adults provides comprehensive instruction and candid feedback designed to help students strengthen performance skills.
The Academy of Theatre Arts believes finances should never prevent a student from pursuing their passion! That is why we are please to offer partial scholarships for students in need. To apply for a financial aid, follow this link.
Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of learning with a gift card.
Boomwhackers on Broadway: Mondays 5:45pm - 6:45pm
Dates: April 10 - May 15, 2023; Class Fee: $72
Celebrate spring in our new class - Boomwhackers on Broadway! Boomwhackers - colorful tuned tubes - are a natural energizer and stress relievers. Participants will have a blast in this hands-on class with a focus on melody, harmony, beat, and rhythm. Each week will focus on a different tune from the Broadway stage such as If I Were a Rich Man, Big Spender, Let the Sun Shine in, and more!
Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance: Saturdays 11:30am - 1:30pm
Dates: April 15 - May 20, 2023; Class Fee: $144
Each week, participants will bring together the skills of singing and dancing - building skills and strengthening memorization techniques while learning to perform new numbers set to a Broadway tune each week.
Note: The spring series will use different musical numbers than were used in the winter.
Acting Essentials: Wednesdays 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Dates: June 14, 21, & 28, 2023
Early Bird Tuition: $90 (Until May 31)
Tuition: $99
Join Anthony J. Hamilton for this fun thorough introduction to acting! Whether you are new to the stage or an aspiring professional, this three-week class will cover all the essential skills you need to walk into the rehearsal room with confidence - with a focus on building the foundations of achieving authentic characters and the beginnings of script analysis.
Time to Tap: Thursdays 6:00pm - 7:30/8:00pm
Dates: June 15, 22, & 29, 2023
Early Bird Tuition: $68 (Until May 31)
Tuition: $75
Get those toes tapping this summer with this art form that is a sub-set of Jazz and draws inspiration from African tribal dance and Irish step dances. Tap helps build dexterity and coordination - and is great for all experience levels as the basic steps becomes more advanced by adding sounds as skill increases.
Introducing the "Bonus Dance Time!" This class is designed to be 90 minutes in length. When the official class time ends, the advance combinations begin! All students are welcome to stay and participate in the challenge or watch and take notes to practice at a slower speed at home.
The Art of Cold Readings: Monday, June 19, 6:00pm- 8:00pm
Date: June 19, 2023
Early Bird Tuition: $30 (Until May 31)
Tuition: $35
Don't let cold readings send shivers down your spine! A cold reading - reading from a script you have not seen without rehearsal - is something actors may be called to do in an audition across acting mediums. Learn to make every second count and to show your acting skills with confidence in this two-hour master class with Anthony J. Hamilton.
*Note: Our master class series are focused and move quickly. They are best experienced by those with some acting experience in the class or on stage.
Classic Broadway Vocals: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 1:30pm - 3:00pm
*This class is reserved for students ages 50+
Dates: June 20 -29, 2023
Early Bird Tuition: $135 (Until May 31)
Tuition: $149
Come sing with us! This vocal class will focus on building your vocal skills for both chorus and solo work with a focus on the classics such as Oklahoma, Sophisticated Ladies, Hello! Dolly, Ain't Misbehavin', and more! Vocal concepts such as breath control, improved range, and preventing vocal injury will be covered.
Mastering the Monologue: Monday, June 26; 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Date: Monday, June 26, 2023
Early Bird Tuition: $30 (Until May 31)
Tuition: $35
It is said that every actor should have a collection of monologues, ready to perform, that highlight their personal acting style. This class will focus on the development of your monologue, finding filling moments within while executing an effective performance arc. Participants are asked to please bring a 1 to 2 minute monologue with you to class.
*Note: Our master class series are focused and move quickly. They are best experienced by those with some acting experience in the classroom or on stage.
Community Theatre 101: Tuesday, June 27; 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Date: Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Tuition: Free - Registration Required
Have you ever wondered how to become involved or how to expand your involvement at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre? Join us for this special event where you will learn more about how to be a Civic Volunteer and some of the many ways to participate. The evening will include a tour of our spaces and discussions about auditioning, working backstage, helping out in one of our work areas, ushering, volunteering to assist in the offices or with the Academy and more.
Improvisation: Thursdays 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Dates: July 6, 13, and 20, 2023
Early Bird Tuition: $90 (Until May 31)
Tuition: $99
Improvisation practice builds confidence, courage, and creativity. Learning to listen and respond honestly and in the unexpected moment helps actors stretch and strengthen acting skills preparing you for more truthful expression with your future character work.
Stage Combat (50+): Wednesdays 4:30pm-5:45pm
This section is reserved for students aged 50+
Dates: July 12, 19, and 26, 2023
Early Bird Tuition: $56 (Until May 31)
Tuition: $62
With a safety-first approach, Certified Teacher of Stage Combat, Steven Schwall, will teach the principles and techniques of theatrical violence. Participants will learn to combine the skill of combat with the nuances of acting to create fighting styles that support both character and story. Combat techniques covered will include acting to react, falling, punches, slaps, hair pulling and live sound effects.
Stage Combat: Wednesdays 6:00pm-8:00pm
Dates: July 12, 19, and 26, 2023
Early Bird Tuition: $90 (Until May 31)
Tuition: $99
With a safety-first approach, Certified Teacher of Stage Combat, Steven Schwall, will teach the principles and techniques of theatrical violence. Participants will learn to combine the skill of combat with the nuances of acting to create fighting styles that support both character and story. Combat techniques covered will include acting to react, falling, punches, slaps, hair pulling and live sound effects.
Beyond the Community Theatre Audition Prep: Monday, July 31; 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Date: Monday, July 31, 2023
Early Bird Tuition: $30 (Until May 31)
Tuition: $35
Are you ready to audition beyond the Civic? This class is the place to start! Topics will include what to expect at professional auditions, choosing monologues and music pieces for your audition book and guidance on appropriate audition clothing.
Fosse Fun (50+) Wednesdays, 4:30pm- 5:45pm
*This section is reserved for students ages 50+
Dates: August 2, 9 and 16, 2023
Early Bird Tuition: $68 (Until May 31)
Tuition: $75
Robert Louis Fosse's unique choreography danced across the Broadway stages in shows such as The Pajama Game, Pippin, Sweet Charity, and How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. Join Teaching Artist, Emma Michael, in our August dance class for a Fosse-styled jazz class with combinations set to your favorite Broadway tunes.
Fosse Fun: Wednesdays, 6:00pm- 7:30pm/8:00pm
Dates: August 2, 9 and 16, 2023
Early Bird Tuition: $68 (Until May 31)
Tuition: $75
Robert Louis Fosse's unique choreography danced across the Broadway stages in shows such as The Pajama Game, Pippin, Sweet Charity, and How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. Join Teaching Artist, Emma Michael, in our August dance class for a Fosse-styled jazz class with combinations set to your favorite Broadway tunes.
Introducing the "Bonus Dance Time!" This class is designed to be 90 minutes in length. When the official class time ends - the advance combinations begin! All students are welcome to stay and participate in the challenge or watch and take notes to practice at a slower speed at home.