Welcome to Jr. Civic!
Greetings! We are excited to be bringing another season of high-quality theatre education to Central Indiana - something Civic Theatre has been doing for over 80 years! Here you’ll find classroom and performance opportunities for students of all levels. Whether you are learning about our programs for the first time or have taken a Jr. Civic class before, we hope you will take time to check out the fun and creative options we offer year-round at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
After you’ve perused these pages, be sure to check out our website –civictheatre.org – for frequently updated information on classes, instructors, enrollment options, mainstage and theatre for young audiences productions, auditions and much more. Conveniently, the titles and headers in this digital brochure will link you directly to the corresponding page on the website! Also be sure to follow us on our social media platforms and join the Jr. Civic Facebook page to keep up with the latest happenings in our classrooms and at the theatre.
All of our classes are taught by local, working theatre and education professionals Curriculum is designed to strengthen and build confidence, advance creative thinking, develop interpersonal skills, create opportunities to connect with others and to foster a life-long love of live theatre and the arts. But, most of all – it’s FUN!
I hope to see you at the theatre soon!
Brent E. Marty Director of Music and Education
Levels & Schedules
Levels of Difficulty
Beginner
Our beginner-level classes are for students who do not have experience and want to learn more about theatre!
Intermediate
Intermediate classes are for students who have experience but would like to learn more and expand their skills. At least two sessions of any beginner level class or musical theatre summer camp (or equivalent) is strongly encouraged before taking an intermediate level class.
Advanced
Advanced Level students are required to have previous Jr. Civic class or production experience (or equivalent) and will be held to a high standard of discipline and preparedness. Students new to Jr. Civic will be required to submit a résumé or comprehensive listing of previous theatre experience.
Session Schedules
Fall Classes
Acting I
| Grades 1-8 | 60 minutes | $200
Learn basics of technique and develop creative thinking through theatre games and scripts designed to improve interpersonal skills and promote collaboration.
Grades 1-3: Tuesdays | 9/10-11/5 | 4:30-5:30PM
Grades 4-8: Tuesdays | 9/10-11/5 | 4:30-6PM
Fall Classes
Creative Stages
| Ages 5-6 | 45 minutes | $200
Kindergarten students explore story structure and character in a unique theatre-based environment that promotes social
rehearsal culminate in a final presentation for family and friends.
Learn the basic components of tap dance in this challenging introductory level class.
Grades 4-8 Saturdays | 9/14-11/16 | 10-11AM
Tap II
| Grades 4-8 | 60 minutes | $225
Continue building those “hoofer” skills in this Intermediate class for serious musical theatre students needing to improve this important skill.
Grades 4-8 Saturdays | 9/14-11/16 | 11:30AM-12:30PM
Winter Classes
Audition Lab
| Ages 8-14 | 90 minutes | $140
This 5-week “express” course offers students a chance to be professionally prepared for their next audition. Focus is on formatting a headshot and résumé, preparing a 16-bar cut of an audition song, cold-reading and monologue prep, and techniques to nail a dance audition.
Grades 3-5:
Grades 6-8:
Creative Stages
| Ages 5-6 | 45 minutes | $140
Kindergarten students explore story structure and character
DramaKids
| Grades 1-8 | 60 minutes | $140
Similar to our Acting I class, this 5-week “express” course teaches basics of technique and nurtures creative thinking through theatre games and scripts designed to develop voice, body and mind.
Grades 1-3:
Grades 4-5:
Grades 6-8: Tuesdays | 1/14-2/11 | 4:30-5:30PM OR Tuesdays | 2/18-3/18 | 4:30-5:30PM Saturdays | 2/22-3/22 | 11AM-12PM Wednesdays | 1/15-2/12 | 4:30-5:30PM OR Wednesdays | 2/19-3/19 | 4:30-5:30PM Thursdays | 1/16-2/13 | 4:30-5:30PM OR Thursdays | 2/20-3/20 | 4:30-5:30PM
Musical Theatre III
| Grades 4-8 | 2 hours | $350
Advanced musical theatre students will learn exciting songs and dance combinations in this 10-week class that focuses on continuing development of technique and a general understanding of what it takes to be a “triple threat”!
Grades 4-8: Saturdays | 1/11-3/22 | 10AM-12PM
Winter Classes
Musical Theatre Dance Styles I
| Grades 4-8 | 60 minutes | $140
Students will learn basic dance steps that feature throughout many musical theatre dance styles (ballet, jazz, hip hop, etc.). A new combination will be taught each week.
Grades 4-8: Mondays | 1/13-2/10 | 4:30-5:30PM OR Mondays | 2/24-3/17 | 4:30-5:30PM
Production Workshop
| Grades 4-8 | 90 minutes | $300
This class provides students with a sampling of the work that goes into producing a piece of theatre. Through an exploration of design (scenic, costuming, props, sound, video) and tutoring on casting, directing and script analysis, young artists will come out of this class with a fully cast and thoroughly imagined production and an appreciation for what goes on behind the scenes!
Grades 4-8: Thursdays | 1/16-3/20 | 4:30-6PM
Song & Dance
| Grades 1-8 | 60 minutes | $160
Similar to Musical Theatre I, this 5-week express course strengthens the essential components of singing, dancing and acting through curriculum designed to refine skills and encourage discipline.
Grades 1-3:
Grades 4-5: Grades 6-8: Saturdays | 1/11-2/8 | 11AM-12PM OR Tuesdays | 1/14-2/11 | 5:45-6:45PM OR Tuesdays | 2/18-3/18 | 5:45-6:45PM Wednesdays | 1/15-2/12 | 5:45-6:45PM OR Wednesdays | 2/19-3/19 | 5:45-6:45PM Thursdays | 1/16-2/13 | 5:45-6:45PM OR Thursdays | 2/20-3/20 | 5:45-6:45PM
Spring Classes
Jr. Civic is excited to announce NEW programming for our 2025 spring session of classes. We are offering three themed 6-week sessions for students grades 1-8. Each themed session will focus on our tried-and-true methods of teaching technique and developing creative skills while using songs and other materials related to the theme.
Fins & Tales!
Grades 1-3 | 60 minutes
Acting: $200 | Musical Theatre: $225
Get it? Tales? Fins and Tails, but Tales! This theme will bring the magic of the animal kingdom to the Jr. Civic classroom in dramatic fashion! Whether in flight, under the sea or on dry land, our young artists will love learning songs and dances related to all things wild!
Monsters & Ogres & Wizards, Oh My!
Grades 4-5 | 60 minutes
Acting: $200 | Musical Theatre: $225
Enter the world of magic and mystery with characters and fantastical stories from across the literary spectrum. Will it be Might versus Right? Comedy versus Tragedy? Wands versus Wonder? Enroll in this exciting enchanted session and find out!
Acting:
Musical Theatre:
Thursdays | 4/25-5/29 | 4:30-5:30PM
Thursdays | 4/25-5/29 | 5:45-6:45PM
Favorite Villains
Grades 6-8 | 60 minutes
Acting: $200 | Musical Theatre: $225
Take on the persona of your favorite villain from any media as we delve into the songs and scenes that made them famous! (Or infamous?) From Cruella de Vil to The Joker, this session will delve deep into those stories to find out what makes these bad guys & gals tick.
Acting:
Musical Theatre: Saturdays | 4/19-5/31 | 10-11AM
Saturdays | 4/19-5/31 | 11:15AM-12:15PM
Summer Camps
Jr. Civic Musical Theatre Camp
Ages 8-14 | July 7-11 OR 14-18 | 9:30AM-4:30PM | $500
This EXCITING day-camp features a top-notch faculty and will immerse students age 8-14 in a high-energy, week-long learning experience consisting of instruction in acting, singing, and dancing and culminating in a performance on the stage.
Both one-week camps include the same curriculum. We recommend registering for only one of these weeks, not both. The final day for both camps will include a performance on the Tarkington stage at 6PM.
View Pictures from Jr. Civic Musical Theatre Camp 2024
Little Stages: Whoville Edition
Ages 4-5 | June 16-19 | 10-11:30AM | $225
Dr. Seuss tells us, “A person’s a person, no matter how small!” We couldn’t agree more! Themed to coincide with the annual Jr. Civic Mainstage Musical, 4-5 year-old campers can join us in Solla Sollew as they jump into the complex world of fun characters and dramatic storytelling. Employing music, art, and theatrical activities prepared just for them, we’ll add props and costumes to create a unique, tactile experience that would impress any elephant!
View Pictures from Jr. Civic Musical Theatre Camp 2024
Musical Theatre Mini Camp
Ages 6-7 | June 16-19 | 12:30-3PM | $275
This mini day camp for young triple-threats delivers all the fun of our larger Musical Theatre Camp in a compact package perfect for aspiring actor/singer/dancers, ages 6 & 7! This camp concludes with a final presentation that parents will be able to attend as well. This camp will end with a performance on the Tarkington stage at 2:30PM.
Pictures from Jr. Civic Musical Theatre Camp 2024
Musical Theatre Intensive
Ages 10-14 | June 10-13 | 9:30AM-2PM | $450
This camp is for the experienced student who is looking for nextlevel training in a fun and educational day-camp setting. Using a curriculum designed to enhance existing skills and accelerate technique, campers will be challenged in the three core disciplines of musical theatre – acting, singing & dancing. Skills developed in this intensive can then be applied to other classes, auditions for productions and colleges, etc. This camp will end with a final performance on June 13 on the Tarkington stage at 6PM. Students must submit an application to enroll in this camp.
View Pictures from Jr. Civic Musical Theatre Camp 2024
View
For Civic’s most advanced students, Jr. Civic Company offers student actors a chance to hone their skills and expand the scope of their repertoire in a safe, professional and supportive setting. The Jr. Civic Company is dedicated to the development of good technique regardless of performance opportunity. Company members act as outstanding representatives for Jr. Civic and Civic Theatre in the community-at-large.
Age
Ages 10-14
Rehearsal Schedule
September-June
2024-25 Auditions
August 21 & 22
Cost
$300 per session
View Pictures from the JCC’s 2024 Showcase
Jr. Civic Musical
Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!
Auditions
April 14 & 15, 2025
Performance Dates
June 20, 7PM
June 21, 2PM & 5PM
June 22, 2PM
Audition Prep Sessions
TBD
June 23, 10 AM & 1PM
June 24, 10AM & 1PM
June 25, 10AM & 1PM
Mainstage Auditions
January 6 & 7
There are many roles for children available in the children’s choruses of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT!
Learn More about Auditions
After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife.
While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled, Elvis-inspired, Pharaoh. Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him to Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his family.
Other Programs Backstage Pass
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how a theatre works! A sound and light demonstration, a visit to the stage, a backstage tour of the theatre and an abbreviated acting class are also included. Email education@civictheatre.org to arrange for a Backstage Pass field trip. Maximum 30 participants.
Learn More about Backstage Pass
Young Artists Program for Grades 9-12
Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program (YAP) is a year-round series of workshops and seminars designed for high school students interested in improving their skills in a professional setting and looking to prepare for college auditions and beyond. All workshops are taught by performers and instructors with extensive experience locally, regionally and nationally. YAP presents two performances each summer, REVUE! and a full-scale musical.
Learn More about YAP
Meet Our Instructors
From teaching theatre at Ball State to performing in the national tour of ALADDIN, our
Jr. Civic Policies
Attire
Students must wear appropriate attire for all classes: comfortable clothing that allows for movement. Appropriate footwear is mandatory – athletic shoes or dance shoes (optional). No boots, hard-soled shoes, crocs, flip flops or sandals!
Some classes have a specific dress code that will be outlined in orientation and must be adhered to for participation in the class.
Attendance
Students are expected to arrive at least five minutes early, ready to work at the start of class/ rehearsal. We ask for 24 hours notice of any absences, when possible. Please email education@ civictheatre.org.
Participation in the final class presentation may be limited, at the instructors discretion, for students with more than two absences (excused or unexcused) in any given session.
Orientation/Final Day
Parents or guardians are expected to attend a brief orientation at the start of class on the first day of all classes.
Families and friends of students are welcome to attend the last 30 minutes of the final day of class for a presentation of classroom activities and learned material.
Behavior
Jr. Civic reserves the right to dismiss a student, without refund, whose conduct or influence, in the opinion of the Program Directors, is not in the best interests of the program. Children under 12 cannot be left unattended in the waiting area.
Medical Policy
Civic Theatre staff are not permitted to administer medication of any kind. Please alert our staff to any conditions we should be aware of and be prepared to have the student, a parent or other authorized person administer medication. For student safety, First Aid kits are stocked and available in or near every classroom/rehearsal area.
Refund Policy
Based on our standard refund policy, all refund requests must be made two weeks prior to the first class. Cancellations up to two weeks prior to the start of the workshop will be refunded 50%. No refunds will be made after this time. If Civic Theatre cancels a class due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class will be fully refunded. Participants will not receive refunds or prorated fees for
Use of Images
Jr. Civic and Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre reserve the right to photograph or film classes and performances for teaching, publicity and social media purposes. Any family wishing to “opt out” of use of their child’s image can do so at time of enrollment.