These are classes we have offered in the recent past. NOT ALL THESE CLASSES ARE CURRENTLY OFFERED! The only classes currently being offered are those listed on the class sign-up page.

• Acting Basics Through Creative Movement.   An actor's primary tool is the body. This class will combine basic mime expression and dance movements to help young students gain control of that tool. They will also practice the basics essential to participating in a play, such as rehearsal etiquette, taking turns and group participation. Ages 4-7.
• Acting Fun.   Learn basic acting skills without even knowing that you are learning. Through story dramatization, creative movement and theater games inexperienced students will be introduced to the basics of acting skills and experienced students will have the opportunity to expand their skills. Ages 4-7. (Homeschooler class.)
• Creative Dramatics.   Learn about acting in a fun and painless way. No lines to memorize. No movement to learn. No long hours spent waiting backstage. Just loads of acting fun. Basics of acting--such as creating a character through body shape, movement and voice; staying in character; speaking clearly and loudly; et cetera--are experienced during this class. Each term offers different stories. Ages 4-7.
• Drama and Masks.   Story Drama: Hear a story and act it out. A fun and painless way to learn the basics of acting. No lines to memorize. No movement to learn. No long hours spent waiting backstage. Just loads of acting fun! Creating a character through body shape, movement and voice; staying in character; speaking clearly and loudly; et cetera -- all are experienced during this class. Each class day uses a different story. Character Masks: Pick a character from each story and create a mask. Some masks are for wearing and some are for holding. Each mask project uses different techniques. Ages 4-7.
• Munchkin Movement.   Would you like to learn to move like an animal or tell a story without making a sound? You learn these things and more in the Munchkin Movement class! We go over everything from mime to dance to characterizations during the class. Please wear sneakers and clothing in which you can move easily. Ages 4-7.
• Story Fun (with a coloring book).   Learn the basics of acting the fun way. This class is informal dramatic play; nothing to memorize and parts are traded around each time a story is played. Acting basics such as use of voice and body to create character and the portrayal of emotion will be taught in such a way that the student will not even know it is happening. They will only know that they are having fun! At the end of each class the students will color a set of pictures designed to help them remember the story done on that day. There is a sharing time on the last day of class. Ages 4-6.
• Movement for Actors.   This is not a dance class. An actor's primary tool is the body. To be a valuable asset to any production, each actor must learn how to use the body to convey emotion and motivation to an audience. Students learn this as well as explore how they can convey a large variety of characters through their physical presence. There is a sharing time on the last day of class. Ages 8-ll.
• Drama Camp.   (Summer term only.) An integrated set of drama-related activities lasting from 8:30-noon, Monday through Thursday, for two weeks. Each child participates in all activities, experiencing an hour each of art, drama and movement each day. Meets 8:30-noon for two weeks, Monday-Thursday. Ages 6-14.
• How to Audition for Musical Theatre.   Auditions can be fun if you are prepared! This workshop teaches you what to expect at auditions and how to have fun with the experience. We cover everything from pre-audition to opening night. You learn how to get ready to audition, from choosing the right audition song to learning some basic musical theater and dance steps. Learn how to audition with confidence! Ages 8-11.
• Introduction to Acting.   Explore the mysteries of the craft called acting. This class introduces you to the basic principles of acting and creating a character. The focus is on using body language, voice articulation and gestures to express emotions and create characters. Students work on scenes during the class that are presented to family and friends on the last day. Ages 8-11.
• Play Production I.   Explore the mysteries of the craft called acting. This class introduces you to the basic principles of acting and creating a character. The focus is on using body language, voice articulation and gestures to express emotions and create characters. Students work on a short play during the class that is presented to family and friends on the last day. Ages 8-11.
• Creating with Movement.   In this fun and energetic class you use creative dance basics to learn combinations that explore unique characters and folk dances from around the world. Ages 8-11.
• Basic Stage Makeup.   Four 2-hour classes in theater makeup, taught by the person who supervises stage makeup at All-of-us Express. The four classes take the student through all the basic skills used in our mainstage productions. Ages 10-15.
• Acting Fun.   Learn basic acting skills without even knowing that you are learning. Through story dramatization, creative movement and theater games inexperienced students will be introduced to the basics of acting skills and experienced students will have the opportunity to expand their skills. Ages 4-7. (Homeschooler class.)
• Advanced Acting.   Development and exploration of character through a variety of acting techniques including: basics of plot, good story telling, French Mask technique, Method Technique and at least one session on First Folio Shakespeare Technique. Ages 12-18.
• Analyze This!   Have you ever wanted to really dig into a play? Have you ever wondered what was behind the reason for the actions on the part of some of your favorite characters in a play? Did you ever figure out what the playwright was trying to tell you long before the play was over? If the answer to any or all of these questions is yes, then this class on looking at plays inside and out is just for you! Students work together to become detectives (of a sort) and have rich discussions that could lead to a better understanding of how to develop characters, or how to write a play, or perhaps even how to direct a play yourself in the future! Ages 12-18.
• Introduction to Directing.   One of the most important roles in the building of a play is that of the Director. If you are interested in learning how directing is like being the captain of a successful team, then this class is for you! Come learn a lot and have fun finding out what being a director involves, which includes; how to select a play, pull together your production crew, do your pre-audition planning, run an audition, have successful rehearsals, and have the curtain go up for your play. Students work together by doing theater activities and games, share experiences, discuss what needs to be done, pick a short play, work with a cast and put on your short play. Ages 12-18.
• Intro to Improv.   Ever wonder how the folks on Whose Line Is It Anyway? do what they do? Learn the ins and outs of improvisation from one of the members of the comedy group called Mixed Vegetables. Try your hand at making funny things happen on the fly! Ages 12-18.
• Character Development.   Professional actors spend months researching their roles to be able to accurately portray their character. Learn how to read between the lines of who and what your character is and how to convey this to the audience. Section I ages 8-11, Section II ages 12-18.
• Clowning.   The basics of clowning: design and learn to apply a clown makeup, design and make your costume, learn basic clown skills such as juggling, face painting, and performing skits. Ages 12-18.
• Dance for the Stage.   When the director says do you know how to waltz, are you able to say yes? If the script calls for a simple folk dance would you be able to hop right in or would you be fumbling along on two left feet? In this fun and highly energetic class you learn dance basics so you are ready no matter what comes your way. Ages 12-18.
• Let there be Lights!   Imagine a play without lighting! How dull, dark and hard to see. You can learn how to brighten up the show. Explore different tools of the trade, how to 'see' lighting when reading a script, how to put your lighting vision down on paper, how to translate thoughts into the real thing. This class is a great idea for anyone who wants to progress beyond "lights up / lights down!" Ages 12-18.
• Script Writing Workshop.   You may work on your own, or as part of a group; everyone reads work in progress and make comments. We choose a story or theme, discuss and create characters, rough out the action, write, read, rewrite, read, rewrite (repeat as needed), then add blocking, costume, props and set suggestions. The goal is to create one or more scripts to be used in a future Express Production class. On the final Saturday you do an open reading of the results. Ages 12-18.
• Stage Combat.   Ever wondered how actors on a stage can fall, fight, brawl, wrestle or battle with swords and come out unharmed after the show is over? There is a safe way to do this and these are skills that every actor needs. Genesis Garza and Brett Eckhart, members of Soul Synergy (a multi-faceted performing arts company), are trained and experienced stage combatants, and introduce students to the safe way to do stage combat. Some highlights include long sword, quarterstaff, hand-to-hand techniques, rapier and much more. The showcase finale is a demonstration of techniques learned within this class. Ages 12-18.
• StoryBook Story Theatre Head Start.   This program is our head start on this summer's return of Storybook Story Theatre (SBST). Students use their improvisational skills to work out the scripts that make up this summer's show, celebrating the 200th birthday of Hans Christian Andersen. As part of this course, students learn some of the acting techniques that we use to tell ten stories with a very small box of props and just an oversized book for a set. Please note that participation in this class does not guarantee or require participation in the troupe this summer. Ages 12-18.
• Advanced Stage Makeup.   Individual study in makeup practice and technique with the person who supervises stage makeup at All-of-us Express. Possible areas of exploration include age and distress techniques; working with wax, latex and adhesives; laying a crepe wool beard; designing character and animal makeups. Ages 12 up (basic makeup experience required).
• Animal & Fantasy Makeup.   Learn how to apply and design animal faces and fantasy makeups. In four sessions you apply one animal face and one fantasy makeup as a group to learn techniques, then choose individual animal faces and fantasy designs for further practice. $10 materials fee. Ages 12 up (basic makeup experience suggested).
• Voice and Theater Games.   Do you want to be heard? Do you want to have fun and play games? Learn how to use your voice and theater games to create and build a character. This course focuses on exercises that develop vocal flexibility, diction and projection, along with games to explore self-awareness, teamwork and to just have fun. Come dressed to roll on the floor, laugh, play, work hard and have fun! Ages 12-18.
• Midsummer Camp.   (Summer term only.) 9:00-noon, Monday through Thursday. For the experienced and inexperienced actor alike. Join Tom Sheerin of Mixed Vegetables for a fun and easy way to expand your acting skills. Tom uses skill-building games to guide participants through the wonders of improvisation. Ages 12-18.

If you are interested in taking a class we are not currently offering, please let us know! Your expressed interest makes it much more likely that such a class will be offered in the near future.

It is the mission of All-of-us Express Children's Theatre to provide young people with an opportunity to produce plays of a professional quality, and to provide the community with an opportunity to enjoy live family-oriented dramatic activities.

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