Arden Drama School

Light your child’s creative spark! We celebrate creativity, nurture passion, and foster collaboration in our exciting classes that are taught by some of the region’s leading theatre professionals.

On the last day, students perform on stage for friends and family in the Arden’s Bob and Selma Horan Studio Theatre.

Grades K-2

Musical Theatre: Sing Broadway!
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31

This fun-filled class invites young performers to explore the joy of singing with their favorite Broadway songs! Through engaging vocal warm-ups, fun games, and group singing, students will develop their voices and learn the basics of musical performance. 

 Students will: 

• Learn basic vocal techniques like pitch, rhythm, and breath control 

• Explore how to use their voice to express different emotions and characters 

• Build confidence in singing and performing in front of others as an ensemble 

Saturdays, 10am – 11:30am
Grades:  K – 2

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Acting: Voice, Body, Imagination
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31

This play-based class explores the actor’s tools of voice, imagination, and body to create characters and portray emotions. As students imagine together, they will grow skills in sharing, empathy, and confidence! At the sharing, students perform their own version of a well-known story. 

Students will: 

• Learn the actor’s tools: voice, body, imagination 

• Explore ways to use actor’s tools to perform various emotions and characters 

• Grow confidence, empathy, and sharing skills 

Saturdays, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Grades:  K – 2

Acting: Let’s Get Silly!
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31

In this fun class, students embrace their inner silliness as they learn the basics of comedy! Students will grow confidence and creativity as they use their voice, body, and imagination to create funny characters and scenes on stage. 

Students will: 

• Learn how to use their actor’s tools to create silly scenes and characters 

• Think on their feet in basic improv games 

• Build confidence 

Saturdays, 12:30pm-2:00pm
Grades:  K – 2

Grades 3-5

Musical Theatre: Lift Your Voice!
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31

This voice-focused musical theatre class helps students build confidence in singing while learning how to use their voice expressively on stage. Through vocal exercises and ensemble singing, students will explore how to tell a story through music with power and clarity. Final performance is a musical review of songs and numbers learned during the course! 

Students will: 

• Learn healthy vocal techniques including breath support, projection, and pitch 

• Explore storytelling through song and basic musical theatre performance skills 

• Build confidence and ensemble skills 

Saturdays, 10am – 12pm
Grades:  3-5

Actor’s Toolbox: Creating Characters
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31

This character-building class invites students to dive deep into the process of creating original characters. With creative acting exercises and games, students will learn how to develop characters that are engaging and complex. Students create and perform short scenes in character, gaining insight into storytelling through the lens of character development.  

Students will:  

• Learn basic theatre terms like objective, obstacle, and backstory  

• Explore movement, voice work, and imaginative play to bring characters to life   

• Collaborate with peers to build short scenes centered around their characters  

Saturdays, 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Grades:  3-5

Actor’s Toolbox: Comedy
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31

In this playful class, students jump into the world of comedic performance. From classic comedy bits to their own hilarious scenes, students will develop their comic instincts while practicing listening, timing, and teamwork.  

 Students will: 

• Learn the basics of comedic timing, physical comedy, and improvisation 

• Practice creating and performing original comedic scenes and sketches 

• Develop ensemble skills, listening, and collaboration through comedy 

Saturdays, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Grades:  3-5

Grades 6-8

Actor’s Workshop: Character Development ​
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31

In this thoughtful and engaging class, students dive into the process of creating characters from the inside out. Students learn to break down text to uncover a character’s motivations, emotions, and relationships—all while discovering how to bring their own truth and individuality to the role. The class culminates in a monologue showcase where each actor presents a fully developed character.

Students will:

• Analyze dramatic text to uncover key elements such as objectives, obstacles, subtext, and given circumstances
• Explore using actor’s tools to connect to material and “own” your performance
• Build confidence and empathy

Saturdays, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Grades:  6-8

Musical Theatre: Acting Through Song
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31

Take your musical theatre skills to the next level in this class focused on bringing character and story to life in a musical number. Students will learn how to add emotion and intentions to their vocal performance as well as how to identify the journey of the song.  

Students will: 

• Analyze a song for objectives and beats 

• Work with emotions and actions in vocal performance 

• Build confidence and empathy 

Saturdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Grades:  6-8

Design Sampler
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31

In this hands-on class, students explore the world of theatrical design, focusing on set, costume, prop, and lighting design. Through practical exercises and creative projects, they will learn how design elements contribute to storytelling on stage and discover the basics of the technical side of theatre.  

Students will:  

• Develop an understanding of how set, costumes, lighting, and props support a production’s themes and story. 

• Experiment with creating design concepts, from sketches to models 

• Present original design ideas and receive peer feedback to improve their craft 

Saturdays, 2:30pm-4:30pm
Grades:  6-8

Grades 9-12

Acting Lab: Character Analysis
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31

In this engaging class, students dive into the process of creating characters from the inside out. Students learn to break down text to uncover a character’s motivations, emotions, and relationships—all while discovering how to bring their own truth and individuality to the role. 

 Students will: 

• Analyze dramatic text to uncover key elements such as objectives, obstacles, subtext, and given circumstances 

• Explore using actor’s tools to connect to material and “own” your performance  

• Build confidence and empathy 

Saturdays, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Grades: 9-12

Musical Theatre: Vocal Technique 
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31

This training-intensive class explores advanced elements of vocal performance, including resonance, dynamic control, and stylistic versatility across. Students work on solo repertoire that challenges their technique and interpretation. Each student receives individual feedback and coaching in a supportive masterclass environment, culminating in a final performance of polished solo pieces. 

Students will: 

• Develop advanced vocal techniques such as breath support, vocal placement, resonance tuning, and mix/belt transitions 

• Interpret and perform songs with emotional depth and dramatic intention 

• Build confidence, discipline, and artistic independence 

Saturdays, 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Grades: 9-12

Acting Lab: Improv and Sketch
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31

In this fun class, students will learn to think on their feet and act without a script. Guided by a theatre professional, students will practice advanced improv and sketch techniques to create complex characters and comedic scenes. 

 Students will: 

• Learn advanced improvisation and sketch techniques 

• Practice creating complex characters and stories on the fly 

• Strengthen confidence and point of view 

Saturdays, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Grades: 9-12

Join us for this exciting offering that is a perfect complement to our fall semester. Led by theatre professionals, these three-week programs are designed to give your student a taste of something different. Perfect for students looking to dip their toes into classes for the first time, or those looking for something new to explore!

Grades K-2

Musical Theatre: Sing Villains!
Saturdays, November 7 – 21

It’s good to be bad! Have fun learning your favorite songs and choreography from some of the best villains in musical theatre. Class culminates with a classroom sharing for friends and family! 

Students will: 

• Learn how to sing as a group 

• Practice following along with choreography 

• Build confidence 

Saturdays, 10:00am-11:30pm
Grades: K-2

Grades 3-5

Actor’s Toolbox: Improv
Saturdays, November 7 – 21

Students learn to think on their feet as they practice short and long form improv games and create silly characters and scenes. Class culminates in an improv comedy show for friends and family. 

 Students will: 

• Learn the basics of improv and comedic acting 

• Practice creating their own humorous characters and scenes 

• Build confidence and collaboration 

Saturdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
Grades: 3-5

Grades 6-8

Actor’s Workshop: Stage Combat
Saturdays, November 7 – 21

In this energetic class, students learn the basics of stage combat. They’ll practice the mechanics of several hand-to-hand moves and then work collaboratively to create fight choreography that tells the story. 

 Students will: 

• Learn the basic mechanics for hand-to-hand combat on stage 

• Practice safely conveying story through stage combat 

• Work on collaboration and compromise 

Saturdays, 10:30am-12:30pm
Grades: 6-8

Grades 9-12

Audition Technique: Musical Theatre
Saturdays, November 7 – 21

Have an audition coming up for your school musical? This class is a great way to practice your auditioning skills. Students should come prepared with a 16 bar cut of a song they would like to prepare. They’ll work with a musical theatre professional on how to enter the room with confidence and make bold character choices that help their personality shine through. 

Students will: 

• Practice vocal technique
• Work on emoting and performing their song
• Gain confidence in the audition room 

Saturdays, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Grades: 9-12

In these award-winning classes, students work together to create an original play. Each Play-in-a-Day is as unique as the participants – the story and characters are always new!

Students will:

• Practice collaboration
• Learn the basic elements of a good story
• Create compelling characters using their voice, body, and imagination

All Play in a Days are for Grades K-5 and are held from 9am-5pm (except December 31)

Adventure Seekers (Yom Kippur)
Monday, September 21, 2026

9am – 5pm
Grades: K – 5

Go on an epic journey of your imagination! 

Monster Mash! (Indigenous Peoples Day)
Monday, October 12, 2026

9am – 5pm
Grades: K – 5

Gather round the campfire for some spooky stories!

Enchanted Forest (Election Day)
Tuesday, November 3, 2026

9am – 5pm
Grades: K – 5

Travel through a mystical world of your creation! 

Wicked Magic (Veterans Day)
Wednesday, November 11, 2026

9am – 5pm
Grades: K – 5

A curse has been placed on the Arden and students write original stories to break the spell! 

Snowed In (Winter Break)
Monday, December 28, 2026

9am – 5pm
Grades: K – 5

A blizzard has hit the Arden and students tell tales about the perfect snowy day! 

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Winter Break)
Tuesday, December 29, 2026

9am – 5pm
Grades: K – 5

Click your ruby red slippers three times because there’s no place like Arden Drama School! 

Out of this World! (Winter Break)
Wednesday, December 30, 2026

9am – 5pm
Grades: K – 5

Blast off to the stars in a new story of your creation! 

Adventures in Neverland (Winter Break)
Thursday, December 31, 2026

9am – 4pm
Grades: K – 5

Journey to Neverland and have a magical day at the Arden! 

Spend the day singing your favorite musical theatre songs while strengthening your performance skills in this fun workshop. Students will practice vocal and acting techniques as they prepare a musical theatre revue-style performance for friends and family at the end of the day. 

All One Day Workshops are for Grades 6-8 and are held from 9:30am-4:30pm

Jukebox Musicals (Yom Kippur)
Monday, September 21, 2026

9:30am-4:30pm
Grades: 6-8

Inspired by the Arden’s production of Girl from the North Country, students will sing through the music of Mamma Mia!, & Juliet, and more as they explore how popular music can be woven into a brand-new narrative. 

Musical Theatre Villains (Indigenous Peoples Day)
Monday, October 12, 2026

9:30am-4:30pm
Grades: 6-8

Have some wicked fun exploring the greatest villains in musical theatre history. 

Rock Musicals (Election Day)
Tuesday, November 3, 2026

9:30am-4:30pm
Grades: 6-8

Rock out at the Arden as you spend the day singing hits from Rent, Heathers, and more! 

Miscast Cabaret (Veterans Day)
Wednesday, November 11, 2026

9:30am-4:30pm
Grades: 6-8

Turn convention on it’s head and spend the day exploring your favorite musical theatre roles that you would never traditionally be cast as. 

Let it Snow (Winter Break)
Monday, December 28, 2026

9:30am-4:30pm
Grades: 6-8

Warm-up with some Broadway classics that embrace the magic of the winter season. 

I Wish! (Winter Break)
Tuesday, December 29, 2026

9:30am-4:30pm
Grades: 6-8

Spend the day belting out the best “I Want” songs in musical theatre history.

Spend the day singing your favorite musical theatre songs while strengthening your performance skills in this fun workshop. Students will practice vocal and acting techniques as they prepare a musical theatre revue-style performance for friends and family at the end of the day. 

One Day Workshops are for Grades 6-8 or 9-12 and are held from 9:30am-4:30pm

Miscast Cabaret (Winter Break)

Monday, December 28, 2026

9:30am-4:30pm
Grades: 9-12

Turn convention on it’s head and spend the day exploring your favorite musical theatre roles that you would never traditionally be cast as. 

Saturdays, September 19 – October 24

Each week in Bookworms, we’ll read a different book together and use theatre games, music, and creative movement to bring the story to life! Parents, Grandparents, and caregivers are all invited, but not required, to participate. Selected books range from classics to popular new picture books, all exploring themes of kindness, community, collaboration, and celebrating being uniquely YOU!

Students will:   

• Strengthen early literacy skills by actively listening to and engaging with a new story each week  

• Explore creative movement and imagination   
• Grow social-emotional skills like kindness, self-regulation, and confidence  

Saturdays, 10am – 10:45am
For ages 2-5 and their caregivers

Olivia and the Missing Toy 

by Ian Falconer
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10am- 10:45am

Duncan the Story Dragon

by Amanda Driscoll
Saturday, September 26, 2026, 10am- 10:45am

The Big Sneeze

by Ruth Brown
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10am- 10:45am

The Knight Owl

by Christopher Denise
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10am- 10:45am

Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats

by Alicia Potter
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10am- 10:45am

Pete the Cat Five Little Pumpkins

by James Dean
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10am- 10:45am