VACT Fall 2025 Drama and Music Classes!
Registration Opens Friday, August 22nd
FALL DRAMA AND MUSIC CLASSES
Registration Opens Friday, August 22nd
VACT is excited to once again offer a variety of theater classes for kindergarten through eighth grade. In these semester long classes, students will have the opportunity to learn about the art of theater and build their skills and self confidence.
NEW THIS YEAR!! VACT is thrilled to offer a new show choir and two audition prep mini workshops! Scroll down to the music section to see all the details!
Classes are by grade level, based on student’s grade in 2025-26 school year (no exceptions).
Classes meet once a week.
Class size limited to 15 students.
Classes run the week of October 6th through the week of December 15th. No classes 11/24-11/28 (week of Thanksgiving).
All classes are held at the Dee Baldock Performing Arts Center (VACT Building) 103 Lincoln Street, Verona.
There will be a final sharing during classes the week of December 15th, during the last class of the semester.
Separate classes will be offered for spring semester, but some classes may be repeated in both fall and spring.
Please see our camp and classes policies page HERE for additional class policies.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ALL CLASSES!
Questions? Email the VACT Education Department at education@vact.org
Pre-K Classes
Pre-K Drama Games (ages 3-5)
Mondays, 3:40-4:10
October 6 - December 15
Price: $95
For children who are not yet in Kindergarten, but will be at least 3-years-old by October 6, dive into the world of imagination with our Pre-K Drama Games class! Created with little ones in mind, this class will introduce children to the basics of theater throughout interactive and playful games and activities. Students will be exploring storytelling, movement, emotional expression, and character development. We will work on expanding our confidence and creativity. Each class will be filled with multiple exercises that will encourage self-expression and spark imagination. Join us for a fun experience where each child has the chance to shine!
Pre-K Storybook Movement/Theater (ages 3-5)
Tuesdays 3:40-4:10pm
October 7 - December 16
$95
For children who are not yet in Kindergarten, but will be at least 3-years-old by October 7, Let’s explore all the places a story can take us. Each week we will use a story as our inspiration for expression. We will join the characters on their adventure while moving our bodies and experience what the characters experience. This allows us the opportunity to explore character development, emotions, and storytelling through a fun and interactive manner. Through our games and exercises, students will learn the foundations of both dance and theater. Let’s move our bodies and get creative!
Gr. 3-5 Classes
Gr. 3-5 Theater Lab
Mondays 5:05-6:05pm
October 6 - December 15
Price: $190
For students in grades 3-5, time to shine! This fun and engaging theater class will explore the power of performance! This class encourages students to develop their skills in acting, improv, and character creation. Through a variety of exercises and games, including scene work and group work, students will explore various genres of theater and build their confidence and abilities. Emotional expression will be our foundation and focus. We will be exploring theater and stage basics, while working towards an ending in-class performance. Join us for a fun and creative class!
Gr. 3-5 Creative Acting
Tuesdays, 5:05-6:05PM
October 7 - December 16
Price: $190
For students in grades 3-5, Ready to take the stage? This class introduces elementary students to the building blocks of theater through interactive games, creative movement, and scene work. Young actors will explore how to create characters, tell stories, and work together as an ensemble while building confidence and stage presence. With a mix of fun activities and hands-on practice, students will strengthen their acting skills, spark their imaginations, and discover the joy of performing! No prior experience is required—just curiosity and creativity.
Gr. K-1 & K-2 Classes
Gr. K-1 Storybook Theater Mondays 4:15-5:00pm
October 6 - December 15
Price: $145
For students in grades K-1, bring stories to life in our Storybook Theater class! This class will be an engaging experience that allows students to become part of the story through acting and creative play. Each week we will enter the book’s world and learn theater basics. We will be exploring characters, expression, storytelling, communication and teamwork. Join us for a class where each story becomes the stage!
Gr. K-2 Drama Games
Tuesdays, 4:15-5:00PM
October 7 - December 16
Price: $145
For students in grades K-2, this playful introduction to theater is all about imagination, creativity, and fun! In this class, young performers will explore the world of drama through engaging games, movement activities, and storytelling exercises designed just for early elementary students. Children will build confidence, practice teamwork, and learn how to express themselves onstage—all while laughing, playing, and pretending. No prior experience is needed—just bring your energy and imagination!
Gr. 6-8 Classes
Gr. 6-8 Acting: Spotlight on Suspense
Wednesdays 4:15-5:15pm
October 8 - December 17
Price: $190
For students in grades 6-8, there’s been a crime committed!! Are you the perpetrator, a witness, or the one to solve the crime? Find out in the immersive experience. Students will each have a part to play and a crime to solve. We will be exploring character development, scene work, script writing, and expression throughout this class. This class relies on teamwork and creativity. Join us as we answer the question “Whodunnit?”
Gr. 6-8 Script Writing: Your Story, Your Stage!
Wednesdays 5:20-6:20pm
October 8 - December 17
Price: $190
What ideas do you have? Students will be exploring the world of theater through their own imaginations and creativity. Challenge yourself, incorporate theater basics, and find a form of expression. Students will learn about character development and storytelling while working on their own scripts. Build your confidence and find your voice within a supportive and safe environment. Do you have an alter ego that has a lot to say? What adventure will we go on via your character? Do you have a wild and vivid imagination? Join us for a class this creative and imaginative class!
Grades 5-8
Show Choir Extravaganza!
Tuesdays, 5:25-6:25PM
October 7 - December 16
Price: $190
Join our Show Choir Extravaganza for 5th through 8th graders, a high-energy class where young performers will dive into the exciting world of show choir! Perfect for those who are working on their singing, students will learn dynamic musical theater songs and engaging choreography from popular musicals such as Newsies, Moana, The Greatest Showman, and Hairspray. Throughout the class, participants will develop essential skills in vocal performance, harmonizing, stage presence, and synchronized dance. This fun and supportive environment will help build confidence, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for musical theater. The session culminates in an exciting performance on the last day, allowing students to showcase their newfound talents and the incredible routines they've mastered!
Musical Theater Audition Prep Classes
4 Week Class
Gr 2-5 Musical Theater Audition Prep Class
Thursdays 4:15-5:15pm
October 9 - October 30
Price: $80
Gr 6-8 Musical Theater Audition Prep Class
Thursdays 4:15-5:15pm
November 20 - December 18 (no class on Nov 27)
Price: $80
For both Grades 2-5 and Grades 6-8, our Musical Audition Prep Class is an exciting opportunity for elementary and middle school-aged kids to refine their audition techniques. This class covers the complete audition process, helping young performers develop crucial skills such as selecting appropriate audition songs and practicing effectively at home to build confidence. Students will also gain invaluable experience by participating in a realistic mock audition within a supportive and comfortable setting. Prepare to impress and have fun as you get ready for your next audition!
Performing Musical Theater - Solos and Duets
Gr 2-5 Performing Musical Theater Solos & Duets - Tuesdays 4:15-5:00pm
October 7 - December 16
Price: $145
Gr 6-8 Performing Musical Theater Solos & Duets - Thursdays 5:20-6:20pm
October 8 - December 17
Price $190
For both Grades 2-5 and Grades 6-8, our Performing Musical Theater Solos & Duets class is designed for elementary and middle school-aged kids who love to sing and perform! This class focuses on the art of solo and duet musical theater vocal performance, helping young performers develop confidence and technique. Students will learn how to choose appropriate musical theater songs that highlight their unique vocal abilities and dramatic expression. We'll cover important aspects like song interpretation, character development, stage presence, and tailoring performances to suit different musical theater styles. We will also be learning about specific singing and vocalizing skills, such as finding your range, projection, vocal registers, diction, and vocal health. The class culminates in a special showcase where each student will have the opportunity to perform their prepared song for family and friends in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Get ready to shine and share your passion for musical theater!
Lydia Benz - Education Director
Lydia is beyond excited to be stepping into the role of Education Director at VACT. She first became involved at VACT at age five with her breakout role in the operatic piggy chorus of Three Piggy Opera. Since then, Lydia has been involved with over 30 VACT productions, doing everything from choreography to repainting the same set pieces for countless productions. Lydia graduated from The Ohio State University in May, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Education as a Child and Youth Studies Major with a focus on Creative Pedagogies in Education and a minor in Dance. Throughout this time, Lydia worked at Children’s Theatre of Madison as an Emerging
Teaching Artist and at Columbus Children’s Theatre as the Education Coordinator for their Theatre360 Summer Camps. Theater is for everyone, and Lydia is endlessly passionate about helping each child find their spark.
Heather Felker
Heather is delighted to join the staff of the VACT music classes this year! She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree with an emphasis in voice from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music and has been involved in music for the past two decades, either teaching or performing. Her experience includes teaching music at local schools, providing private music lessons, singing in UW Choral Union, serving on VACT's production teams, including directing Alice In Wonderland Jr. this spring, and performing on stage herself in recent shows such as VACT's Beauty and the Beast, Wizard of Oz, Seussical, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She is currently the Music Director for VACT's We Will Rock You Young @Part and is also a cast member in VACT's School of Rock. Her two kids have participated in VACT youth productions for the past ten years. Singing and engaging with young people are among Heather's favorite activities, and she anticipates a fun year at VACT!
Janelle McGhee
Janelle McGhee has been working with students of all ages for most of her life and has taught a wide variety of classes including ballet, tap, jazz, creative movement, and theater. She has worked with students from preschool to adults and everything in between. Janelle has her BS in Elementary Education from University in Pennsylvania. Soon after graduating, she moved to Madison and was introduced to VACT and the opportunity to help with the K-2 musicals as a choreographer and camp co-teacher. After a handful of years away from Madison, she is happy to be back and teaching VACT classes again!
Aria Johnson
Aria is thrilled to be back for her third year in her favorite position at VACT, teaching! As a senior at Verona Area High School, she’s been working with VACT for nearly her entire life. She started performing with VACT at the age of 5 years old and has since been in over 30 productions. She also loves being involved with the youth productions and camps at VACT: whether as a drama, music, dance, or general production assistant, she loves it all! Teaching drama classes is a dream come true to Aria and she can’t wait to learn lots and have so much fun with everyone in classes this year!