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First Act Theatre Arts offers semester classes focused in training all areas of the performing arts: Acting, Dance, and Voice. Our educational programming offers high-quality instruction in specific disciplines while teaching students how to combine these skills to become a more well-rounded performer. First Act Theatre Arts provides performing arts training for students of every level and ability.
Spring Classes will begin the week of January 9th and conclude the week of April 10th.
For detailed information about class offerings, reference the Spring 2023 Education Handbook.
2022-2023 Printable Education Handbook
To learn about our class policies, please visit Studio Class Policies.
Workshops are a great way to receive additional training in specific performing arts areas. Please note that registering for a workshop ONLY will not meet the class enrollment requirement for our productions audition process. You must be enrolled in one of our classes listed above to meet that requirement.
First Act Studio - 6800 W 153rd St. Overland Park, KS 66223
The First Act Dance Company is hosting a day for younger dancers to come spend the afternoon with our dancers while parents are free to spend the afternoon Christmas shopping or whatever other errands they need to get done. During this time, we will teach a dance and do other fun activities with the kids. It will be a great time!
East Location - Evangel Church
1414 E 103rd St,
Kansas City, MO 64131
Mondays 6:00-8:00 PM
Teacher: Carlye Stone (Dance), Meghan Reeb (Acting)
The stage is so much better when you can share it with someone. This class will focus solely on partner work both through dance and acting. Students will learn all about partner dancing while learning combinations from popular Broadway musicals and then take that partner work into scenes from great American stage classics. During this class students will switch partners to learn how to work with different people.
Teacher: Carlye Stone (Dance), Meghan Reeb (Acting)
Every great performer needs a solid foundation BUT we also believe that performing should be FUN! In this class students will divide their class time between Acting and Dance. Students will learn the fundamentals of dance while learning fun routines to some upbeat music from the Broadway stage. In acting students will explore improv and acting basics and learn how to create characters and tell a story through words and movement.
Teacher: Tyler MacSweeney
Travel around the world and explore forgotten myths and unusual legends in eight fast-paced and hilarious tales! Guided by a band of players, the audience is transported from the ancient Far East, where a hero must kill a giant centipede to save a dragon king, to the Russian countryside, where a poor orphan must defeat three witches who stole his grandfather’s eyes. Always quirky, and sometimes bizarre, these eight tales are filled with magic, mystery, and morals.
During regular class time students will audition, journey through the casting process, rehearse, and use the material from the production class show to dive into the world of acting and receive invaluable technical training. Since our main focus is on training students in their performance skills, Production Class shows will be produced with limited production elements. There will be a parent watch performance during the last class of the session. These classes are perfect for students of all ability levels and all students will be cast in the production class show.
West Location -
Kaw Prairie Community Church
9421 Meadow View Dr,
Lenexa, KS 66227
Thursdays 6:00-8:00 PM
Teacher: Becky Ochoa (Acting) , Elizabeth Phillips (Voice)
Not all great musical theatre is dance based, sometimes a piece can be just as captivating when the focus is put on characters and their journey. This class will combine vocal and acting techniques it takes to bring to life the songs from Dear Evan Hansen, Hadestown, Come From Away, and Waitress.
Combo classes will be split into two 60-minute classes focusing on one discipline. Ages 7 through 18 are eligible to register and the class will be split into two groups based on age and/or experience level.
Teacher: Minnie Beechner-Holmes
A celebrity interviewer has a dream line-up for tonight’s episode of the World Wide Window: a veritable litterful of felines whose internet antics have catapulted them to fame. In this fast-paced series of hilarious interviews, Ian uncovers the story behind Tuffy’s first dramatic foray into a cardboard box, learns just what makes Nelson the Grouchy Cat so very, very grouchy, contends with the diva-like antics of Kitty Boo Boo and her entourage, and so much more. So, stay tuned! Things are bound to get a little…hairy.
During regular class time students will audition, journey through the casting process, rehearse, and use the material from the production class show to dive into the world of acting and receive invaluable technical training. Since our main focus is on training students in their performance skills, Production Class shows will be produced with limited production elements. There will be a parent watch performance during the last class of the session. These classes are perfect for students of all ability levels and all students will be cast in the production class show.
Teacher: Andrew Milbourn
This class is for members of the First Act Improv Troupe and will serve as both training and rehearsal for the team and all included members.
First Act Studio (Studio Hour) 6800 W 153rd St. Overland Park, KS 66223
Sundays 3:00-4:00 PM, 4:30-5:30 PM (Studio Hours)
Various Locations (Private Lessons)
Various Times (Private Lessons)
Teacher: Hillary Talken, Lindsay James, Bethany Glendenning
The First Act Vocal Studio is excited to offer an opportunity for students to take private voice lessons with one of our highly trained instructors! Each student will take private lessons over a 14-week semester, with a total of 7 hours of private vocal instruction. In addition, these students will meet 7 times at the First Act Studios to have “Studio Hour.” In this time, each student will have the opportunity to perform a lesson piece for the combined studio. After their “Studio Hour” performance, each student will receive feedback and constructive criticism from an instructor other than their normally assigned instructor. This time will allow learning from each other as a group and from multiple instructors. At the end of the semester, each student will perform one of their lesson pieces in a recital.
This class is recommended for ages 12-18. If students are just beginning their musical journey, we highly recommend they take one of our combo vocal classes first.
Vocal Recital will be on April 16th at 4:00 PM. Call Time is 3:00 PM. Location is TBD.
Note: First Act Credits CANNOT be used on Private Studio Classes.
Teacher: Andrew Milbourn, Jana Latchaw Milbourn
The First Act Acting Studio is excited to offer an opportunity for students to take private acting lessons with one of our highly trained instructors! Each student will take private lessons over a 14-week semester, with a total of 7 hours of private acting instruction. In addition, these students will meet 7 times at the First Act Studios to have “Studio Hour.” In this time, each student will have the opportunity to participate in a combined class setting. This time will allow learning from each other as a group and from multiple instructors. At the end of the semester, each student will perform in a showcase.
This class is recommended for ages 12-18. If students are just beginning their acting journey, we highly recommend they take one of our combo acting or Production classes first.
Acting Showcase will be on April 16th at 4:00 PM. Call Time is 3:00 PM. Location is TBD.
Note: First Act Credits CANNOT be used on Private Studio Classes.
First Act Dance Studio Location - 6800 West 153rd Street, Overland Park, KS 66223
***Discounts for Dance Studio are as follows: 2 dance classes – $40 off total; 3 dance classes – $90 off total; 4 dance classes – $150 off total. The multiple class dance discount is per person; it cannot be used as a sibling discount. You will need to call the First Act office (913-681-3318) for your discount voucher if taking more than one dance class. Note: Because we are offering a larger tiered discount for dance, this discount may not be used alongside the Early Bird Discount. The Early Bird Discount will still apply for those taking single dance classes.
***While we think our tuition is a great value, we understand that it can be a daunting amount, especially for families that have multiple children in the program. We do not want to prohibit anyone from being part of a First Act. If you would like to discuss special arrangements/payment plan options, please contact the First Act office at (913) 681-3318.
Teacher: Amy Carson
Students will learn basic dance positions and movements as well as play dance/movement games. Students will dance alongside a parent/adult and learn to move to the music. Some basic ballet/dance terminology will be taught, and dancers will get to use their imagination while dancing. Register for each date individually. If you register for four classes at the same time, call the office for your $10 discount voucher!
Class Dates: 1/30, 2/27, 3/27, 4/17
Teacher: Carlye Stone
Our combo classes are great for our younger students and designed to introduce students a combination of basic ballet, jazz, and tap. Percussion and other methods are used to teach rhythm and musical awareness. Etiquette, posture and grace are accented, while keeping dance a fun and creative experience. Specifically designed for children ages 3-5 each class evolves with the child’s educational development, teaching how to be expressive through artistic means.
Teacher: Becca Graham
Musical Theatre Dance is not just a single type of dance, it is a combination of multiple forms of dances rooted in Broadway musicals. Because of this, the class will focus on learning choreography and dance for the theater! If you have ever wanted to know what a choreographer is looking for when planning dances for a show, this is a great class to learn!
Teacher: Caroline Shackelford
This advanced Musical Theatre class will focus on learning choreography and technique from well known Broadway shows through the decades and will focus on the intricacies of various forms of dance required for the stage!
*Suggested Prerequisite: At least 2 years in a jazz, contemporary, or ballet class.*
Teacher: Madison Phipps
Dancers will learn to develop strength, flexibility and coordination while continuing to work toward more complex dance and performance skills. Emphasis will be placed on proper technique, stamina, jazz styles, musicality, and performance within Musical Theatre.
Teacher: Caroline Shackelford
Dancers will learn to develop strength, flexibility and coordination while continuing to work toward more complex dance and performance skills. Emphasis will be placed on proper technique, stamina, jazz styles, musicality, and performance within Musical Theatre.
Teacher: Amy Carson
Jazz Dance is based on the techniques of ballet, modern, and is always fun for any dancer at any level! Dancers will continue to develop strength, flexibility and coordination with each level of our jazz classes while continuing to work toward more complex dance and performance skills. Emphasis will be placed on proper technique, stamina, jazz styles, musicality, and performance. With each level, classes will move at a faster pace with more content added to their repertoire than the level prior.
Level II-V: Requires placement.
Teacher: Amy Carson
Jazz Dance is based on the techniques of ballet, modern, and is always fun for any dancer at any level! Dancers will continue to develop strength, flexibility and coordination with each level of our jazz classes while continuing to work toward more complex dance and performance skills. Emphasis will be placed on proper technique, stamina, jazz styles, musicality, and performance. With each level, classes will move at a faster pace with more content added to their repertoire than the level prior.
Level II-V: Requires placement.
Teacher: April Okken
Jazz Dance is based on the techniques of ballet, modern, and is always fun for any dancer at any level! Dancers will continue to develop strength, flexibility and coordination with each level of our jazz classes while continuing to work toward more complex dance and performance skills. Emphasis will be placed on proper technique, stamina, jazz styles, musicality, and performance. With each level, classes will move at a faster pace with more content added to their repertoire than the level prior.
Level II-V: Requires placement.
Teacher: April Okken
Jazz Dance is based on the techniques of ballet, modern, and is always fun for any dancer at any level! Dancers will continue to develop strength, flexibility and coordination with each level of our jazz classes while continuing to work toward more complex dance and performance skills. Emphasis will be placed on proper technique, stamina, jazz styles, musicality, and performance. With each level, classes will move at a faster pace with more content added to their repertoire than the level prior.
Level II-V: Requires placement.
Teacher: April Okken
Jazz Dance is based on the techniques of ballet, modern, and is always fun for any dancer at any level! Dancers will continue to develop strength, flexibility and coordination with each level of our jazz classes while continuing to work toward more complex dance and performance skills. Emphasis will be placed on proper technique, stamina, jazz styles, musicality, and performance. With each level, classes will move at a faster pace with more content added to their repertoire than the level prior.
Level II-V: Requires placement.
Teacher: Madison Phipps
This is a beginning to intermediate level class that is designed to continue with more complex tap skills and performance value. The focus will be endurance, skill, core, and tap technique. This class will be working on combinations and short dance pieces to enhance performance skills as well as characterization that fits with Musical Theatre tap.
Teacher: Caroline Shackelford
This is a beginning to intermediate level class that is designed to continue with more complex tap skills and performance value. The focus will be endurance, skill, core, and tap technique. This class will be working on combinations and short dance pieces to enhance performance skills as well as characterization that fits with Musical Theatre tap.
Teacher: Amy Carson
This fun and challenging form of dance promotes a combination of rhythm, timing, and coordination. Dancers will continue to develop strength, flexibility and coordination at an appropriate level working on more complex dance skills. Students will develop musicality through various exercises and combinations. All of our tap classes emphasize proper technique, stamina, tap styles, performance, clear taps, and appropriate speed. With each level, classes will move at a faster pace with more content added to their repertoire than the level prior.
Level II-V: Requires placement.
Teacher: April Okken
This fun and challenging form of dance promotes a combination of rhythm, timing, and coordination. Dancers will continue to develop strength, flexibility and coordination at an appropriate level working on more complex dance skills. Students will develop musicality through various exercises and combinations. All of our tap classes emphasize proper technique, stamina, tap styles, performance, clear taps, and appropriate speed. With each level, classes will move at a faster pace with more content added to their repertoire than the level prior.
Level II-V: Requires placement.
Teacher: April Okken
This fun and challenging form of dance promotes a combination of rhythm, timing, and coordination. Dancers will continue to develop strength, flexibility and coordination at an appropriate level working on more complex dance skills. Students will develop musicality through various exercises and combinations. All of our tap classes emphasize proper technique, stamina, tap styles, performance, clear taps, and appropriate speed. With each level, classes will move at a faster pace with more content added to their repertoire than the level prior.
Level II-V: Requires placement.
Teacher: April Okken
This fun and challenging form of dance promotes a combination of rhythm, timing, and coordination. Dancers will continue to develop strength, flexibility and coordination at an appropriate level working on more complex dance skills. Students will develop musicality through various exercises and combinations. All of our tap classes emphasize proper technique, stamina, tap styles, performance, clear taps, and appropriate speed. With each level, classes will move at a faster pace with more content added to their repertoire than the level prior.
Level II-V: Requires placement.
Teacher: Elizabeth Phillips
This class is a level 1 class that will focus on level 2 techniques and positions. Ballet is the foundation of all dance and at First Act Dance Studio, we have fun with ballet! Dancers will learn classical ballet technique in the traditional class format while learning how to apply this technique in all types of dance. Focuses will include proper alignment, turn out, increasing flexibility, developing a proper pointe, muscle control, positions of feet and arms, balance, ballet vocabulary and French terminology.
Teacher: Hope Williams
Dancers are encouraged to be enrolled in at least one other dance class as well to broaden the knowledge of dance technique. Ballet is the foundation of all dance and at First Act Dance Studio, we have fun with ballet! Dancers will learn classical ballet technique in the traditional class format while learning how to apply this technique in all types of dance. Focuses will include proper alignment, turn out, increasing flexibility, developing a proper pointe, muscle control, positions of feet and arms, balance, ballet vocabulary and French terminology. With each level, classes will move at a faster pace with more content added to their repertoire than the level prior.
Level II-V: Requires placement.
Teacher: Hope Williams
Dancers are encouraged to be enrolled in at least one other dance class as well to broaden the knowledge of dance technique. Ballet is the foundation of all dance and at First Act Dance Studio, we have fun with ballet! Dancers will learn classical ballet technique in the traditional class format while learning how to apply this technique in all types of dance. Focuses will include proper alignment, turn out, increasing flexibility, developing a proper pointe, muscle control, positions of feet and arms, balance, ballet vocabulary and French terminology. With each level, classes will move at a faster pace with more content added to their repertoire than the level prior.
Level II-V: Requires placement.
Teacher: Kelly Edgar
Dancers are encouraged to be enrolled in at least one other dance class as well to broaden the knowledge of dance technique. Ballet is the foundation of all dance and at First Act Dance Studio, we have fun with ballet! Dancers will learn classical ballet technique in the traditional class format while learning how to apply this technique in all types of dance. Focuses will include proper alignment, turn out, increasing flexibility, developing a proper pointe, muscle control, positions of feet and arms, balance, ballet vocabulary and French terminology. With each level, classes will move at a faster pace with more content added to their repertoire than the level prior.
Level II-V: Requires placement.
Teacher: Kelly Edgar
This is a placement class only. This class is used in addition to your current leveled Ballet class, it is not a replacement. Prepointe is an important element to working toward Pointe. Students will develop technique and work toward goals that will continue their technique within the world of ballet. Students are required and continue to work on have proper spine alignment, ankle strength, proper foot-pointing technique, ability to hold turn-out from the hips, a well-elevated releve on demi pointe with straight knees, and correct distribution of body weight both on two legs and on one leg. Prepointe will include exercises in demi pointe to strengthen calf muscles, ankles, and arches of the feet. Exercises will begin at the barre for safety and stability in this class to progress toward the goal of pointe in the future.
Teacher: Liz Watkins
Swing dance is a group of dances that developed with the swing style jazz music in the 1920’s – 1940’s. This class will focus on learning East Coast Swing as well as the 20s Charleston throughout the semester. There will be lots of partner work, musicality, dips, and tricks! It will be a swingin’ good time!
Teacher: Liz Watkins
In this advanced level swing class, students will continue to focus on East Coast Swing while also beginning to learn other forms of swing such as West Coast Swing and Lindy Hop. You must have permission from the teacher to join this class.
*Prerequisite: Swing 1*
Teacher: Hope Williams
This beginner level class will encourage dancers to express emotion through a free-flowing, interpretive style. Jazz, ballet as well as modern technique will be important components in this class. Students will learn and practice the basics of Modern Dance as well as introduction to Improvisational Dance.
Teacher: Hope Williams
This intermediate to advanced level class will encourage dancers to express emotion through a free-flowing, interpretive style. Jazz, ballet as well as modern technique will be important components in this class. Students will learn and practice the basics of Modern Dance as well as introduction to Improvisational Dance.
*Prerequisite: Modern 1*
Teacher: Becca Graham
Moving at a faster pace than most classes, this class will continue to encourage dancers to express emotion through a free-flowing, interpretive style similar to lyrical. Contemporary dance incorporates not only fundamental and essential ballet techniques but also dance and jazz technique as well. Students are encouraged to be enrolled in a ballet class while taking this class as well.
*Placement or prior approval from teacher is required for this class.
*Suggested Prerequisite: At least 1 year in a jazz, contemporary, or ballet class.*
Teacher: Becca Graham
Lyrical dance is a dance style that blends elements of ballet and jazz dance. In this class you will work on warm ups that get your body flowing with the music and some progressions across the floor to work to find emotional expression.
Teachers: April Okken, Amy Carson
First Act offers adult workshops on the last Friday of each month during the 14 week session. You can sign up for these individually at $20 per workshop. All of these workshops are open level with no previous experience required!
First Act Theatre Arts is pleased to offer an exclusive rate for students currently enrolled in the HEART program. We believe that being part of a production is an integral part of building lifelong skills and want to encourage participation consistently through the year. Beginning with our spring enrollment, a student enrolled in the HEART program will be able to choose the “HEART Production Package” option at a rate of $275. This will enable a student in the HEART program to participate in a production without signing up for a class. Classes remain as a full inclusion option for all students and are encouraged as a means of continued growth in the performing arts.
The HEART Production Package will be presented as an option for each session. Registration will include: Winter HEART Production Package $275; Spring HEART Production Package $275. Selection of one or both of these packages will let us know that your student is planning on auditioning for one of the respective shows but will not be taking a class. When auditions are completed and your student is cast, you will NOT be charged the extra production fee of $198. If your student is not cast, your fee will be refunded.
New families to the HEART program will need to contact heartcoordinator@firstactkc to determine eligibility for this option. Scholarships for classes or camps are available for first time families.
First Act Dance Studio Location - 6800 West 153rd Street, Overland Park, KS 66223
Daytime performing arts training for homeschool, virtual, or alternative learning students.
First Act Theatre Arts is developing a Daytime Academy and we want YOU to be a part of our pilot season. We are looking for 20-25 homeschool, virtual, and/or alternative learning students ages 5 through 5th grade that have an interest in musical theatre. This class will journey through the foundations and fundamentals of musical theatre: acting, singing, and dance during a 12-week period and be taught by our AMAZING first Act faculty. The class will culminate in a showcase for Family and Friends and the end of the session.
Because we are in the developmental stages of this program, families that register for this pilot program will be communicated with by the First Act Education Director throughout the session to take surveys and have group conversations to help First Act make sure that we are developing this program into one that students and families will be want to be a part of for years to come!
Students ages 8 through 5th grade that register for this program will be eligible to audition for one of First Act’s winter or spring auditions if they wish.
Spring 2023 Pilot Program Dates
Thursdays 9:30-11:00am
January 19, 26
February 2, 9, 16, 23
March 2, 9,23, 30
April 6, 13,
Showcase on April 13th from 11:00am -12:00pm
Workshops are a great way to receive additional training in specific performing arts areas. Please note that registering for a workshop ONLY will not meet the class enrollment requirement for our productions audition process. You must be enrolled in one of our classes listed above to meet that requirement.
First Act Studio - 6800 W 153rd St. Overland Park, KS 66223
INSTRUCTOR: Andrew Milbourn
Learn the basics of theatrical stage combat in a safe and encouraging environment. Instructor Andrew Milbourn will lead students safely through unarmed stage combat techniques. Students will cover a variety of techniques, including how to incorporate character into your fights.
INSTRUCTOR: Hillary Talken
Popular music is the foundation for modern musicals like Hamilton, Six, Waitress and more! In this workshop, explore how to approach registration, diction and tone for pop styles. Discover a variety of genres and how they influence modern musical theatre!
Learn. Create. Inspire. Believe.