Using research-based best practices, Next Steps Theater Academy classes serve young people through our philosophy of teaching life skills through stage skills. We strive to help each student take his or her next steps as an artist and a person.
We serve both verbal and non-verbal students, students with classic autism, PDD-NOS, other sensory processing disorders, and Asperger's. With small class sizes, our curriculum explores acting, singing, dancing and improvisation, through which students improve social understanding, fine and gross motor skills, empathy, conversation skills, public speaking and confidence.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
ACTING: Explore character, relationships, action and text while developing overall acting skills and confidence.
MUSICAL THEATER: Increase your versatility and work on new vocal and dance techniques while exploring the art of telling a story through words, music and movement.
CLASS SIZES
There are eight students per class. Our classroom model includes teams of lead teachers, special education professionals, and teaching assistants with approximately a 2:1 and often 1:1 student to teacher ratio. Family aides may accompany a student to class as necessary and agreed upon between the family and First Stage.
SCHOOL YEAR ACADEMY 2017-2018
Acting classes are offered during the school year for studetns in grades 3-12 on Saturdays in six-week sessions. Scene work, improvisation, and social play are all included in our curriculum.
- FALL: October 14 - November 18, 2017 (1 - 3:00 pm*) $160
- WINTER: February 3 - March 10, 2018 (1-3:00 pm*) $160
- SPRING: March 17 - April 28, 2018 (1-3:00 pm*) $160 (No class March 31)
*Exact class time TBD; class will run for either 60 or 90 minutes, pending enrollment.
SPRING BREAK ACADEMY 2018
Foster ensemble and empathy in our enriching Spring Break Academy. Studetns attend class Monday - Friday for one week, studying both Acting and Musical Theater.
- March 26 - 30, 2018 (9:00 am - 12:00 pm) $200
For questions or to register, please contact Brenna Kempf, Next Steps Director at nextsteps@firststage.org or (414) 267-2969.