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.
Winter 2025 session begins January 5, 2025.
Winter 2025 Class Registration Opens 9am Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
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 Theatre. (Limit 12)
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Grades: 3-5
Meets: Saturdays, 11am-12pm
Begins: Sat., Jan. 11 Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Maura Reiff Parissi
$90/$80 OI members
Audition 101- NEW!
Students will focus on preparing for college-level theater programs and building a polished audition set. Through monologue and scene work, they’ll refine their acting techniques while learning how to select and prepare pieces that showcase their strengths. The class will also cover audition tips, resume building, and how to confidently present themselves in a professional setting. Held at Towngate Theatre. (Limit 12)
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Grades: 8-12
Meets: Saturdays, Noon-1pm
Begins: Sat., Jan. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Maura Reiff Parissi
$90/$80 OI members
Scene Study for Adults
Continue to learn about the craft of acting and hone skills. In this class, students will be assigned scenes from plays, prepare and memorize scenes, and research the characters. Held at Towngate Theatre. (Limit 12)
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Ages: 18 & up
Meets: Saturdays, 1-2pm
Begins: Sat., Jan. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(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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Grades: 6-9
Meets: Saturdays, Noon-1pm
Begins: Sat., Jan. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Cassandra Majetich
$90/$80 OI members
The Playwrights Lab!- NEW!
Have you ever thought, “I have a great idea for a play!”? Come put the pen to paper! In this course, participants will explore different genres, dramatic styles, and create dialogue through a variety of short scenes exercises. The course will culminate in the writing of your own 10-minute plays. Held at Towngate Theatre. (Limit 12)
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Ages: 18 & up
Meets: Saturdays, 11am-noon
Begins: Sat., Jan. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Cassandra Majetich
$90/$80 OI members
Puppet Masters
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.
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Grades: K-2
Meets: Saturdays,10-10:50 am
Begins: Sat., Jan. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Cassandra Majetich
$90/$80 OI members
Musical Theatre II (Grades 9-12)
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.
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Grades: 9-12
Meets: Saturdays, 1-2pm
Begins: Sat., Jan. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Erin Bond
$90/$80 OI members
Theatre Can Be Fun- NEW!
Students will explore different aspects of theater each week, including acting, props, makeup, and musical theater. This class encourages creativity, teamwork, and confidence as students discover the exciting world of theater. Held at Towngate Theatre. (Limit 12)
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Grades: K-2
Meets: Saturdays 9-9:50am
Begins: Sat., Jan. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Maura Reiff Parissi
$90/$80 OI members