VACT Spring 2025 Drama and Music Classes!
Registration Now Open!
SPRING DRAMA AND MUSIC CLASSES
Registration Now Open!
VACT is excited to once again offer a variety of theater classes for kindergarten through eighth grade. In these semester long classes, students will have the opportunity to learn about the art of theater and build their skills and self confidence.
Classes are by grade level, based on student’s grade in 2024-25 school year (no exceptions).
Classes meet once a week.
Class size limited to 15 students.
Classes run the week of January 6th through the week of March 10th.
All classes are held at the Verona Area Community Theater Building, 103 Lincoln Street, Verona.
There will be a final sharing during classes the week of March 10th, during the last class of the semester.
Please see our camp and classes policies page HERE for additional class policies.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ALL CLASSES!
Questions? Email VACT Education Director Justin McDermott at education@vact.org
Gr. K-2 Classes
K-2 Drama Games
Tuesdays, 4:15-4:45
January 7-March 11
Price: $100
For students currently in grades K-2, in this dynamic, high-energy class, students will collaborate with their peers to explore the exciting world of theater and performance. Through a series of engaging, game-based activities, they’ll develop essential skills in storytelling, character creation, and performance techniques. Each session is designed to ignite their imaginations, boost their creativity, and enhance their confidence on stage. Ideal for students eager to discover the fundamentals of theater, this class offers a fun and supportive environment where they can grow both personally and artistically.
K-2 Three Little Pigs
Wednesdays, 4:50-5:20
January 8-March 12
Price: $100
For students currently in grades K-2, we’ll dive into the classic story of The Three Little Pigs and explore all the different ways it can be told! Kids will get to act out the pigs, the Big Bad Wolf, and other fun characters, using their imagination to create new twists on the story. We’ll try out different settings, silly surprises, and even make up new endings! Whether it’s the original tale or a modern version, each pig’s adventure will be full of fun and excitement. This class is perfect for young performers who love fairytales and want to explore new, creative ideas!
K-2 Fairy Tale Fun
Wednesdays, 5:25-5:55
January 8-March 12
Price: $100
For students currently in grades K-2, we’ll focus on the "bad guys" of fairy tales—like the Big Bad Wolf, the Wicked Witch, and other famous villains! Kids will get to play these characters and learn what makes them so tricky. Through acting and imagination, we’ll explore why these villains do what they do and what makes them fun to play on stage. It’s a great class for young performers who love pretending to be the “bad guy” and want to have fun bringing these exciting characters to life!
K-2 Intro to Music and Singing
Thursdays, 3:40-4:10
January 9-March 13
Price: $100
For students currently in grades K-2, this class will be based on exploring music through song and movement. It will also cover the following topics: Musical expression, matching pitch, beginner music vocabulary, singing in a group, developing healthy vocal technique, and beginning performing skills.
Gr. 3-5 Classes
Gr. 3-5 Drama Games
Tuesdays, 4:50-5:20PM
January 7-March 11
Price: $100
Designed for students in grades 3-5, this class offers a fun and engaging introduction to key aspects of the dramatic arts, including expressiveness, collaboration, confidence, and imagination. Whether students are looking to build confidence, explore the basics of acting, or refine specific drama skills, this class provides the perfect opportunity to grow. Through a variety of interactive games and activities, students will develop valuable skills that will benefit them both on stage and in everyday life, all while fostering creativity and teamwork.
Gr. 3-5 Skits and Scenes
Wednesdays, 6:00-6:30PM
January 8-March 12
Price: $100
For students currently in grades 3-5, we’ll bring imagination to life through skits and short scenes! Students will work together to create, perform, and explore fun characters and stories. From wacky comedy to dramatic moments, we’ll dive into the world of skits—learning how to build scenes, use voices and body language, and work as a team. Each class will focus on different themes and ideas, helping students develop their acting skills and creativity. It’s a perfect way for 3rd to 5th graders to have fun while learning how to bring their imaginations to the stage with action and energy!
Gr. 3-5 Beginning Vocal and Music
Thursdays, 4:15-4:45PM
January 9-March 13
Price: $100
For students currently in grades 3-5, this class will be based on exploring music through song and movement. It will also cover the following topics: The basics of learning how to read a vocal score, developing musical expression, matching pitch and singing in tune, developing healthy vocal technique, music vocabulary, and performing skills. Students will also prepare and work towards a final sharing for family and friends on the last day of class.
Gr. 6-8 Classes
Gr. 6-8 Acting: Character Lab
Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30PM
January 7-March 11
Price: $150
In this dynamic drama class for 6th-8th graders, students will dive into the art of acting through a variety of exciting projects! Character Lab will help you build unique and memorable characters, using voice, movement, and emotion to bring them to life. Mystery on Stage will challenge you to solve a fun, interactive story while playing different roles, creating suspense and surprises along the way. In Monologue Studies, you'll learn how to perform powerful monologues, developing your solo acting skills and gaining confidence in front of an audience. Lastly, we'll explore the world of Radio Plays, where students will use only their voices to tell a story, perfecting timing, sound effects, and expression. This class is designed to spark creativity, improve performance skills, and have tons of fun while exploring different acting styles and techniques!
Gr. 6-8 Musical Theater Solo Studies
Thursdays, 4:50-5:20PM
January 7-March 11
Price: $150
For students currently in grades 6-8, this class will be focused on the ability to work on musical theater songs individually and build vocal and acting skills for musical theater. The class will also cover the following topics: Learning how to read a vocal score, matching pitch and developing a sense of intonation, developing healthy vocal technique, and acting through song.
Justin McDermott - Education Director
Justin is thrilled to be stepping into the role of Education Director at Verona Area Community Theater for the 2024-2025 season! His passion lies in empowering young individuals through the art of theater, music, and dance. In this role, Justin is looking forward to leading and collaborating with the talented team at VACT by creating impactful and enriching experiences for all students. He is eager to embark on this new journey and contribute to the vibrant community at VACT!
Maya Buffomante
Maya is currently in her senior year completing her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre/Drama as an Honors Acting Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison alongside a double major in Psychology and a minor in Educational Policies and Services. She has previously worked at BAM Theatre Company in her home state Illinois, as well as Children's Theatre of Madison as an emerging teaching artist. Maya has worked on 30+ theatrical productions both educationally and professionally. She is thrilled to use her passion for the performing arts to inspire and support the next generation of artists!
Aria Johnson
Aria is ecstatic to teach this year at VACT! She is a junior at Verona Area High School and has been with VACT for over a decade, having appeared onstage in more than 25 productions, as well as working as staff on multiple youth productions and backstage as an assistant stage manager. Aria cannot wait to teach students all the amazing skills she has learned in her time at VACT.
Janelle McGhee
Janelle McGhee has been working with students of all ages for most of her life and has taught a wide variety of classes including ballet, tap, jazz, creative movement, and theater. She has worked with students from preschool to adults and everything in between. Janelle has her BS in Elementary Education from University in Pennsylvania. Soon after graduating, she moved to Madison and was introduced to VACT and the opportunity to help with the K-2 musicals as a choreographer and camp co-teacher. After a handful of years away from Madison, she is happy to be back and teaching VACT classes again!