Oglebay Institute’s Performing Arts Department offers a series of youth theater classes each semester. Classes explore character development, stage presence & movement and voice control in a grade level based progressive format. The youth theater program is the perfect supplement to classroom teaching, allowing young thespians to hone their skills outside of school in a real theater environment.
Performing Arts Winter 2026 classes are supported in part by The Dr. David G. Edwards and Linda S. Edwards Private Foundation.
Fall session begins Sept. 13, 2026.
Fall 2026 Class Registration Opens 9am, Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
Acting is Believing
Explore the basics of acting. Exercises in improvisation, character development, focus, voice, and movement help students find truthfulness in their acting. Held at Towngate. (Limit 12)
Ages: Grades 3-5
Meets: Saturdays 11:00 a.m. – Noon
Begins: Sat., Sept. 19
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Erin Bond
$90/$80 OI members
Improv!
Learn the basics of how-to-improv and then put your skills to task learning and playing several short form improv games. At the end of the course, you will perform a live improv show for family and friends. Held at Towngate. (Limit 12)
Ages: Grades 6-9
Meets: Saturdays 11am – Noon Begins: Sat., Sept. 19
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Tim Thompson
$90/$80 OI members
Improv for Kids!
Learn how to make up a scene from a simple suggestion. Students will learn the basic method of how-to improv, learn and play improv games, and gain skills in listening, reacting, trust, and teamwork. Held at Towngate. (Limit 12)
Ages: Grades 3-5
Meets: Saturdays Noon – 1:00 pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 19
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Erin Bond
$90/$80 OI members
Musical Theatre
Turn your performance into flair and pizzazz! Learn to “act a melody” and make it seem natural. And of course, singing and dancing take center stage! This class will be lots of fun! Held at Towngate Theatre. (Limit 12)
Ages: Grades 4-8
Meets: Saturdays 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 19
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Erin Bond
$90/$80 OI members
Private Acting Classes
For the young thespian who wishes to learn more about how an actor prepares and how to create a believable character. Students learn warm-up, relaxation exercises and character analysis tips, as well as ways to overcome stage fright. Call Tim Thompson at 304-233-1394 to arrange the day and time. Held at Towngate Theatre. (Limit 3)
Ages: Grades 7-12
Meets: Arranged
Begins: TBD
Duration: (8) 45-minute sessions
Instructor: Tim Thompson
$150 (Call Tim Thompson at 304-233-1394 to make arrangements.)
Puppetry
Discover the world of puppetry and mask work! Students will be building puppets of all shapes and sizes and best of all, making them come to life. Held at Towngate Theatre. (Limit 10)
Ages: Grades 1-2
Meets: Saturdays 10:00 – 10:50 am
Begins: Sat., Sept. 19
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Dave Henderson
$90/$80 OI members
Respect for Acting
Students will learn how to break down characters, find objectives, and think on their feet as new actors. Also, they will be working on scene study from plays and learn how to create a character analysis. Held at Towngate Theatre. (Limit 12)
Ages: Grades 6-9
Meets: Saturdays noon-1pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 19
Duration: 6 weeks
Instructor: Elena Alexandratos
$70/$60 OI members
Acting for Adults
The class will focus on continuing actor training in combination with scene work. Held at Towngate Theatre. (Limit 8)
Ages: 18 & up
Meets: Saturdays 2-3pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 19
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Dennis Fox
$90/$80 OI members
Directing for Adults
Class will focus on script analysis and pre-production work, audition and rehearsal procedures and the mechanics of standing up a play. Held at Towngate Theatre. (Limit 6)
Ages: 18 & up
Meets: Saturdays 1-2pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 19
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Dennis Fox
$90/$80 OI members
Walking and Talking on Stage – New
In these Tuesday night classes, the adults will focus on movement, language, and finding the musicality of the monologues and or scenes from classic plays. Held at Towngate Theatre. (Limit 8)
Ages: 18 & up
Meets: Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm
Begins: Tues., Sept. 15
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Elena Alexandratos
$90/$80 OI members
