• Behind the Scenes – Prop Shop Adventures
  • Prop Shop Adventures is a new class that blends the excitement of theatre with the imaginative world of arts and crafts! Students will explore the diverse world of theatrical props and discover how these objects contribute to storytelling. They will learn fundamental prop-making techniques, including sculpting, painting, gluing, and assembling, all while working on actual props for the upcoming Youth Theatre production of Elf Jr.! This hands-on experience is a fantastic way for young learners to develop problem-solving skills, cultivate teamwork, and express their creativity.

  • 8–12
  • Wednesday
  • 5:15pm-6:15pm
  • Meagan Golden
  • Broadway Mania!
  • This class will introduce students to the world of musical theatre. Learn singing, dancing, and acting techniques with a spotlight on musical comedy and comedic timing. Perfect for young performers who like to make people laugh and make believe!

  • 6-8
  • Tuesday
  • 4:00pm-5:00pm
  • Kathy Enlow
  • Colorful Characters
  • Have you ever been told your young one is “quite the character”? If so, this storybook drama class might be just the right fit for you. This class will let your child explore, examine, and create characters both silly and serious. Through creative drama techniques and play we will take a deeper look into some favorite characters from well-known and beloved children’s stories. This is a great introductory class for curious kids with large personalities. Students do not need to be readers to enjoy this class.

  • 5-8
  • Wednesday
  • 4:15pm - 5:00pm
  • Blake Carter
  • Creative Drama
  • Creative Drama classes provide acting training for our young artists with focus on storytelling, character development, movement, and confidence in a low-stress, high-fun environment! Students learn the basics of acting while creating characters and bringing them to life. These classes promote self-confidence, active listening, and teamwork.

  • 8–12
  • Thursday
  • 5:05pm - 6:05pm
  • Reilly Callaghan
  • Disney Mash-Up
  • A fun introduction to performing onstage; singing, dancing, acting, and stage presence. Students will work with their favorite Disney songs and characters to learn the fundamentals of performance technique with a final showcase for friends and family.

  • 6–10
  • Tuesday
  • 4:00pm-5:00pm
  • Lilly Goddard
  • Fundamentals of Acting Stage and Screen
  • Get ready for your close-up kids!! This class will be introduced to concepts and activities that support confidence with stage acting and being on camera! Through situational improvisations, the monologue audition process, and being comfortable on front of the camera as well as being on stage, the class will learn to approach each acting situation with certainty and creativity. This class will work as a group as well as individually. A minimum of 8 students is required for this class. If the minimum is not met, the class will be canceled, and any payments will be refunded or transferred to another class.

     

  • 11 & Up
  • Wednesday
  • 5:00pm-6:00pm
  • Denise Bass Williford
  • Musical Comedy & Characters!
  • Learn musically & physically the fundamentals of musical comedy, comedic timing, emotional responses of people & character behaviors.  Perfect for those who like to make people laugh & pretend to be different characters with over-the-top style.  Most movies & musicals have very few leading roles, however comedic character actors have endless opportunities!

     

  • 9 & Up
  • Tuesday
  • 5:15pm-6:15pm
  • Kathy Enlow
  • Rising Stars
  • Get ready to sing, dance, and shine on stage! In this class, we’ll dive into everything that makes musical theatre so magical, from stage presence and acting games to script reading and show-stopping dance numbers. Whether you’re preparing for an audition, growing your love of musical theatre, or looking to build confidence, this class offers a fun and supportive space to shine!

  • 6–10
  • Thursday
  • 4:00pm-5:00pm
  • Itzelle Heinberg
  • Star Power!
  • You know the ones – always singing, dancing, and making people laugh! This is a fabulous performance, dancing, and singing experience that allows children to expand their creative ambitions, be confident, and learn new skills. Always an Academy favorite!

  • 6–10
  • Thursday
  • 4:00pm-5:00pm
  • Lilly Goddard
  • TACT Tots
  • Where imagination & creativity take center stage! This program is a great introductory music & expression experience that allows children to explore and develop music skills. New activities in each class allow children to gain confidence whole having loads of fun!

  • 3–5
  • Wednesday
  • 4:15pm - 5:00pm
  • Susie Lukens
  • Take the Lead: Intro to Directing
  • Ever wondered what it’s like to direct a show? This fun, hands-on workshop is perfect for those curious about what it takes to be a director. You’ll get to choose a short scene, hold auditions, cast your actors, and guide them through rehearsals—all while learning the basics of directing in a supportive environment. Plus, you’ll step into an actor’s shoes by performing in your classmates’ scenes, experiencing different directing styles along the way. No experience needed—just bring your creativity and love for theatre!  A minimum of 8 students is required for this class. If the minimum is not met, the class will be canceled, and any payments will be refunded or transferred to another class.

     

     

  • 10 & Up
  • Tuesday
  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm
  • Samantha Chappell
  • Triple Threat
  • This class will allow students to take the next step in building acting, singing, and dance technique. We will focus on how to better approach material, sharpen audition & performance skills, understand direction and adjustments, make strong choices, relax, and have confidence. This class is designed to help unlock imagination and overcome inhibitions.

  • 10 & Up
  • Monday
  • 6:00pm-7:00pm
  • Amy Carter

 

Spring 2026 TACT Academy – Register Now

February 2 – May 1, 2026

No Class March 30 – April 10, 2026

Showcases May 4 & 5, 2026

Tuition: $165/ session plus $10 registration fee (scholarships and discounts available) For More Information Call 910-251-1788

$25 Early Bird Discount through January 16, 2026

Classes will be held at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center

Online Registration Open Now!

Spring 2026 Printable Schedule

Scholarship Application

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available for TACT Academy programs. Scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis and applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received. Classes that do not fill are subject to cancellation. Email the application to Stacie Smith ssmith@thalian.org.

Please DO NOT CALL with any questions regarding the status of your application and note that all communication regarding scholarships will take place via email.

Youth Academy Instructors

Amy Carter
Youth Academy Instructor

Blake Carter
Youth Academy Instructor

Denise Bass Williford
Youth Academy Instructor

Itzelle Heinberg
Youth Academy Instructor

Kathy Enlow
Youth Academy Instructor

Lilly Goddard
Youth Academy Instructor

Meagan Golden
Youth Academy Instructor

Reilly Callaghan
Youth Academy Instructor

Samantha Chappell
Youth Academy Instructor

Susie Lukens
Youth Academy Instructor