Academy Center of the Arts

This theater program is for ages 3rd Grade – 5th Grade. Everyone who registers will have a role but there will be auditions for specific parts. Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical KIDS, based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance.

This theater program is for ages 9th Grade – 19 years old. Everyone who registers will have a role but there will be auditions for specific parts. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece… and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.

This theater program is for ages 11-18. Must be in 6th grade or above. Between the Lines JR. is an empowering and enchanting musical for anyone who has struggled to find their place in the world. An outsider in a new town and a new school, Delilah seeks comfort in the pages of her favorite book, where she feels heard and understood by the handsome Prince Oliver.

Is there an idea you have in your head, but don’t quite know how to pull it off? Receive expert instruction from Kim Clarke or work independently. Bring your own ideas for projects. Demonstrations will be tailored to reflect each student’s individual needs and goals. Combined with personalized feedback from the instructor, this class will help you to make remarkable strides in your abilities to express yourself through clay. For beginners and experienced potters! Tuition includes a 25 lb. bag of clay and glaze and firing costs.

Clay in the Kitchen is the theme of this handbuilding class at the Academy Center of the Arts! Designed for ages 5-9, this festive class invites young artists to craft a variety of food themed projects. What will be on the menu? Maybe spaghetti, hotdogs, or even something green? Students will explore various clay techniques while creating their pieces, aligning with SOLs 1.16 (applying a variety of media, materials, techniques, and processes to create artwork) and 2.15 (refining motor skills to create two- and three-dimensional works of art). This hands-on class is perfect for sparking creativity and building artistic skills as we head into Fall! Instructor: Frances Brown

Introduction to and focusing on wheel throwing and incorporating some hand-building and glazing techniques, with advanced technique instruction for returning students. Tuition includes a 25 lb. bag of clay and glaze and firing costs. For beginning and intermediate students. SENIOR DISCOUNTS (ages 62+) Enter your DOB and apply the coupon code ‘SENIOR’ for a $25 discount off any class over $75.

Advanced students will continue to develop independent work. Demonstrations will be provided when necessary and will cover the use of underglazes, utilizing different techniques in a single piece, hand-building larger, and more complex forms. Students will be encouraged to develop a style with personal distinction motifs in order to complete a body of work by the end of the class. Tuition includes a 25 lb. bag of clay and glaze and firing costs. SENIOR DISCOUNTS (ages 62+) Enter your DOB and apply the coupon code ‘SENIOR’ for a $25 discount off any class over $75.

This theater program is for ages 6th Grade – 9th Grade. Everyone who registers will have a role but there will be auditions for specific parts. We will be choosing a show from one of the new releases or doing an old favorite! Stay tuned! Our show will be revealed by February 28, 2026.

This six-week series invites adults into a gentle, exploratory visual journaling practice that blends mindfulness, abstract mark-making, and simple written reflection. Led by artist and mentor Toby Penney, each 1.5-hour session provides a welcoming, meditative space to slow down, play, and reconnect with your creative self—no prior art or writing experience required. Each week begins with a short guided warm-up to help you arrive in the space and connect as a group. From there, you’ll explore a new visual journaling process inspired by techniques such as slow line meditation, expressive mark-making, layering and nature-based impressions. Writing will be used in accessible, reflective ways—single words, phrases, or short notes—to complement and deepen your visual practice.

Unleash your inner artist in a unique clay workshop: The Bust with a Spirit Animal Twist! Join renowned artist Kim Clarke for a hands-on experience where you’ll sculpt a beautiful bust in clay. Kim will guide you through the process, focusing on fundamental techniques and the concentration needed to capture realistic facial features. But here’s the fun part: you’ll then be able to integrate a spirit animal element into your creation, adding a personal and whimsical touch. The workshop runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM , with a lunch break around noon. Don’t worry if you need a little extra time; we’re flexible to ensure everyone can complete their masterpiece. This is a chance to learn, create, and connect with your own unique artistic vision.

Learn More about Academy Youth Theatre : Middle School Camp. This program is offered at the Historic Academy Theatre and runs from July 6, 2026, with sessions from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Learn More about Academy Youth Theatre : Into the Woods. This program is offered at the Historic Academy Theatre and runs from June 8, 2026, with sessions from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Learn More about Academy Youth Theatre : Shrek Kids. This program is offered at the Historic Academy Theatre and runs from July 27, 2026, with sessions from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Learn More about Academy Youth Theatre : Between the Lines, Jr. This program is offered at the Historic Academy Theatre and runs from April 6, 2026, with sessions from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.