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.
Spring session begins March 22, 2026.
Spring 2026 Class Registration Opens 9am, Thursday February 19, 2026.
Acting is Believing
Explore the basics of acting. Exercises in trust, teamwork, focus, voice, movement, and character help students find truthfulness in their acting. Held at Towngate. (Limit 14)
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Ages: Grades 3-5
Meets: Saturdays 11:00 a.m. – Noon
Begins: Sat., March 28
Duration: 6 weeks
Instructor: Tim Thompson
$70/$60 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)
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Ages: Grades 3-6
Meets: Saturdays Noon – 1:00 pm
Begins: Sat., March 28
Duration: 6 weeks
Instructor: Cassandra Majetich
$70/$60 OI members
Musical Theatre I
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)
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Musical Theatre I
Ages: Grades 4-8
Meets: Saturdays 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Begins: Sat., March 28
Duration: 6 weeks
Instructor: Erin Bond
$70/$60 OI members
Middle School Private 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)
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Ages: Grades 6-8
Meets: Arranged
Begins: TBD
Duration: (8) 45-minute sessions
Instructor: Tim Thompson
$150 (Call Tim Thompson at 304-233-1394 to make arrangements.)
High School Private Acting Classes
Learn to take your acting to the next level with one-on-one lessons! Whether you are preparing for a big audition or to tackle a role in a show, students will learn more about how an actor prepares at the high school and pre-college level. Students learn warm-up, relaxation exercises and character analysis to advance their acting skills. Students can customize their lessons to include monologues, audition techniques, musical theatre, film prep, and so much more! Call Cassandra Majetich at 304-906-8828 to arrange the day and time. Held at Towngate Theatre. (Limit 3)
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Ages: Grades 9-12
Meets: Arranged
Begins: TBD
Duration: (8) 45-minute sessions
Instructor: Cassandra Majetich
$150 (Call Cassandra at 304-906-8828 to make arrangements.)
