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.
Spring 2024 session begins March 17, 2024.
Spring 2024 Class Registration Opens 9am Wednesday, February 21.
Acting Is Believing
Explore the basics of acting. Exercises in improvisation, character development, voice & movement help students find truthfulness in acting. Held at Towngate Theatre.
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Ages: Grades 3-5
Meets: Saturdays, 11am-Noon
Begins: Sat. March 23
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructors(s): Tim Thompson
$90/$80 OI members
Acting for Adults
Learn about the craft of acting or hone your skills. Great for both beginners and those with experience. Held at Towngate Theatre.
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Ages: 18 and up
Meets: Saturdays, Noon-1pm
Begins: Sat. March 23
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructors(s): Dennis Fox
$90/$80 OI members
Becoming the Character
An introductory look at methods of acting in order to properly develop characters for the stage. The ideal class for beginning actors who want to take their craft to the next level and truly become one with the role they are portraying. Held at Towngate Theatre.
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Ages: grades 6-9
Meets: Saturdays, 12-1pm
Begins: Sat., March 23
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructors(s): Maura Reiff
$90/$80 OI members
Improvisation
Learn to make up an entire scene from a one-word suggestion. Students will learn the basic method of how to improv, learn and play several improv games, and gain skills in listening, reacting, trust, and teamwork. They will perform a short show on the final class day. Held at Towngate Theatre.
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Ages: grades 6-9
Meets: Saturdays, 1-2pm
Begins: Sat., March 23
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructors(s): Tim Thompson
$90/$80 OI members
Private Acting Classes
This class is for middle and high school thespians who are passionate and serious about acting. Students will work on monologues as they get one-on-one instruction about how an actor prepares, rehearses, and performs for the stage. Held at Towngate Theatre.
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Ages: Grades 6-12
Meets: BY ARRANGEMENT ONLY – call Tim Thompson at 304-233-1394
Begins: Mon. March 18
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Tim Thompson
$150 for (8) 45-minute sessions
Theatrical Play
Begin to explore the natural creativity, unique talents and potential children possess in an exciting and challenging form of play. Held at Towngate Theatre.
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Ages: Grades K-2
Meets: Saturdays, 10-10:50am
Begins: Sat., March 23
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructors(s): Maura Reiff
$90/$80 OI members
