Classes
Where Confidence, Creativity & Friendship Take Center Stage
The Youtheatre Way
At Fort Wayne Youtheatre, we believe every child deserves the chance to discover their voice, explore their creativity, and shine. Our theatre classes are designed to nurture imagination, build confidence, and encourage teamwork—all while having fun!
For Every Child
With classes for ages 3–18, Youtheatre offers something for every student, from beginners just finding their spark to experienced young performers looking to refine their craft. No matter their skill level, every child is welcome to step into the spotlight and grow both on stage and off.
Arts & Achievement
Research shows arts education boosts focus, self-expression, and social-emotional skills in young people. Students who participate in creative arts from an early age develop stronger reasoning, communication, and problem-solving abilities—and tend to perform better academically, including on standardized tests like the SAT.
Inspiring Instructors
Our Teaching Artists are the heart of every class. Each instructor is a passionate professional bringing real-world experience and a love of teaching to the classroom. Their expertise ensures every student receives high-quality, engaging instruction that inspires creativity, builds skill, and fosters lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Fall Semester
Classes Meet Saturdays, October 3-31, 2026
Musical Theatre: A Friend in Me
Grades: K-1
Time: 9:30 am – 10:15 am
Registration Fee: $75
Teaching Artist: Sara Eckenrode
What makes a great friend? Perfect for little ones who love to sing and dance around the house, this new Youtheatre class uses song and movement to explore friendship, teamwork, and having a great time! Students will build confidence, discover their musical theatre skills, and learn that performing is even better when we do it together!
Musical Theatre: Hello, Broadway!
Grades: 2-5
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $95
Teaching Artist: Sara Eckenrode
Step into the spotlight and sing your way through musical theatre favorites! Students will dig into age-appropriate songs centered on making an entrance, introducing themselves to the audience, and finding their own unique voice. Each week will focus on building confidence while strengthening vocal skills.
Acting: Creature Quest
Grades: 2-5
Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Registration Fee: $95
Teaching Artist: Sean Findley
Enter a world of imagination where creatures from the past, present, and beyond take center stage! In Creature Quest, young actors will build ensemble skills, explore character creation, and learn the fundamentals of performance through scripts, movement, and imaginative storytelling.
Specialty: The Antihero Anthologies
Grades: 6-12
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $95
Teaching Artist: Grace Wagner
In The Antihero Anthologies, students will create their own antihero characters and write original monologues for them. They will also collaborate to create a world where their characters can save the day. Throughout the course, students will learn how imperfections, mistakes, and growth can build confidence and meaningful storytelling. In the end, students will know how to bring these complex characters to life on stage in a memorable way.
(For students who loved “Putting It Together”)
Acting: The Actor's Environment
Grades: 6-8
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Registration Fee: $95
Teaching Artist: Sean Findley
Discover how actors transform space into story in The Actor’s Environment! Middle school performers will investigate bold physical choices, nonverbal storytelling, and the connection between character and surroundings. Through collaborative exercises and performance challenges, young actors will develop stage presence, creative confidence, and the ability to make intentional choices that shape compelling moments onstage.
(Formerly known as “Junior Drama”)
Technical Theatre: Stage Lighting 101
Grades: 6-12
Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Registration Fee: $95
Teaching Artist: Corey Lee
Learn how stage lighting brings a production to life! Students will get hands-on experience with lighting instruments, technology, and basic design concepts — all while helping create the lighting design for Youtheatre’s first Studio Series production, “First Day of School. Again.”
Note: This class will run October 3 – November 7, 2026.
Musical Theatre: Down to Hadestown
Grades: 6-12
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Registration Fee: $95
Teaching Artists: Christopher J. Murphy & Sara Eckenrode
Step into the world of Hadestown! In this high-energy musical theatre class, students will learn and perform sections of “Road to Hell” and “Way Down Hadestown,” developing skills in singing, acting, movement, character, and ensemble performance. Students will explore how music, storytelling, and choreography come together to create a powerful theatrical experience with this brilliant 21st century musical!
Acting: Great American Drama & You
Grades: 9-12
Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Registration Fee: $95
Teaching Artist: Christopher J. Murphy
Step into the world of great American drama! Through the work of acclaimed American playwrights, students will explore powerful characters, unforgettable moments, and iconic scenes while developing your skills. Students will collaborate on short scenes from some of America’s greatest plays, rehearsing and performing scenes while developing skills in character, voice, movement, collaboration, and script analysis.
(Formerly known as “Senior Drama”)
Upcoming Classes
Information will be available about these offerings soon!
Fall Semester
Classes Meet Saturdays, October 3-31, 2026
Winter Semester
Classes Meet Saturdays, January 9 – February 6, 2027
April Mini-Session
Classes Meet Saturdays, April 3-17, 2027
May Mini-Session
Classes Meet Saturdays, May 8-22, 2027
Assist with a Class
This unpaid opportunity is perfect for students looking to gain experience that will enhance resumes, develop real-world skills, strengthen leadership abilities, and deepen their appreciation for the arts and teamwork.
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Application2026-2027 Education & Outreach Sponsors
