Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts offers classes for all ages! If you or someone you know are interested in the performing arts, these classes in everything from acting, to dance, to improv comedy are a great place to begin. Check below for upcoming education opportunities.
Classes
To get the most up-to-date announcements about class enrollment, auditions, and other youth opportunities, please contact wagonwheeljr.kids@gmail.com and you will be added to our email database. Please use subject ADD in the email.
Wagon Wheel Conservatory Winter and Spring Class Schedule
Come learn with us at the Wagon Wheel Conservatory!
See details below (Sign up will begin soon!)
Acting Classes
Classes are limited to 15 students each. Students will be required to wear masks. All classes will take place at the Wagon Wheel Conservatory, 2517 E Center St.
Each class offering costs $75 for the session and meets one night a week.
- Winter Session runs five weeks from February 15th to March 17th.
- Spring Session runs six weeks from March 29th to May 5th. There is a showcase performance after the Spring Session on Saturday, May 7th at Wagon Wheel Theatre.
Class offerings:
Tuesdays:
Acting: (Grades 5-8) Tuesdays, 5:00pm-6:00pm
Learn voice, movement, and acting techniques through beginning scene work and improvisation. Students will practice creating characters by making specific choices to support the text in this introduction to the formal study of acting.
Acting: (Grades 9-Adult) Tuesdays, 6:30pm-8:00pm
This class covers everything from audition techniques to performance. Actors will engage in intensive scene work using scenes from contemporary and classic plays to explore the actor’s world of analysis and character interpretation.
Please email Kira Lace Hawkins with questions:
Wednesdays:
Acting: (Grades 1-2) Wednesdays, 5:00pm-6:00pm
An introduction to the world of theater! Each class will bring a new adventuresome scene to life as the students learn basic principles of acting. Students will gain confidence and creative experience through storytelling, games, and creative dramatization.
Improvisation: (Grades 6-12) Wednesdays, 6:30pm-8:00pm
This class is for fans of Improv Theater! Every class will be filled with Improv games and exercises. By the end of each session we will be ready to perform as a troupe. This class will be filled with creativity and bold choices!
Please email Kira Lace Hawkins with questions:
Thursdays:
Acting: (Grades 3-4) Thursdays, 5:00pm-6:00pm
Learn voice, movement, and acting techniques through beginning scene work and improvisation. Students will practice creating characters by making specific choices to support the text in this introduction to the formal study of acting.
Musical Theater Scenes and Songs: (Grades 6-12) Thursdays, 6:30pm-8:00pm
This class is for students who have taken at least one of our acting classes in the past. We will build on the techniques previously taught and add singing instruction, along with some music theory. An accompanist will be present during this class.
Please email Kira Lace Hawkins with questions:
Private Lessons
Voice lessons:
Voice lessons at the Wagon Wheel will help to develop a reliable, balanced, and performance ready singing voice across multiple musical genres. Lessons are structured to help students develop healthy vocal production, and properly implement those skills across the various genres that are present in the current musical theatre landscape. There will be a firm foundation in classical voice, and the development of a balanced musical theatre speech-mix and belt.
Lessons are available for 30-minute sessions. If you would like a 60-minute session, please sign up for 2 consecutive 30-minute time slots. Click the button below to enroll now!
Please email Thomas Hall with questions: thomas@wagonwheelcenter.org
Piano lessons:
Piano lessons through the Wagon Wheel will focus on developing the piano skills needed for solo piano performance with a movement towards collaboration and accompanying.
Piano lessons are offered in 30-minute sessions. Upon completion of your registration, you will be contacted to set up your lesson time. Click the respective button below to enroll now!
Please email Thomas Hall with questions: thomas@wagonwheelcenter.org
Summer Tykes:
Grades 1-2, July 12th – July 16th
This five-day workshop is built around story-theater, fun crafts, and a final performance that will take place on the Wagon Wheel stage for family and friends.
Requirements: Memorization of lines will be expected as the students perform before their friends and family on the last day of the workshop. Bring snacks for breaks each day.
- What: A 5-day workshop that will culminate in a performance showcasing the talents of the
students. - When: Monday, July 12th – Friday, July 16th from 9:30am-12:30pm
- Where: Wagon Wheel Education Center
2517 E. Center St.
Warsaw, IN 46580
(574) 267- 8041 - Who: Young actors who have just completed grades 1 and 2 are welcome. An ability to read at grade level is essential. (Enrollment limited to 25 individuals)
Cost: $150
How do I sign up? Follow the link below to pay for the workshop and complete registration. You will receive a confirmation email shortly. All questions for the summer workshops should be directed to kira@wagonwheelcenter.org
Theater Workshop:
Grades 5-7, June 7th – June 11th
This five-day workshop will take students through acting, voice, and movement exercises that will culminate in a dynamic final performance on the Wagon Wheel stage. The student actors will be challenged throughout the week to deepen their understanding of the craft of acting and strengthen important life-skills.
Requirements: Memorization of lines will be expected as the students perform before their friends and family on the last day of the workshop. Bring your lunch for each day along with a snack for breaks.
- What: A 5-day workshop that will culminate in a performance showcasing the talents of the students.
- When: Monday, June 7th – Friday, June 11th from 9am-1pm
- Where: Wagon Wheel Education Center
2517 E. Center St.
Warsaw, IN 46580
(574) 267- 8041 - Who: Young actors who have just completed grades 5-7 are welcome. (Enrollment limited to 25 individuals)
- Cost: $175
How do I sign up? Follow the link below to pay for the workshop and complete registration. You will receive a confirmation email shortly. All questions for the summer workshops should be directed to kira@wagonwheelcenter.org
Summer Play:
Grades 3-4, July 19th – July 23rd
This five-day workshop will take students through acting and movement exercises that will build confidence and further the students’ knowledge of acting technique. A final performance will take place on the Wagon Wheel stage for family and friends.
Requirements: Memorization of lines will be expected as the students perform before their friends and family on the last day of the workshop. Bring snacks for breaks each day.
- What: A 5-day workshop that will culminate in a performance showcasing the talents of the students.
- When: Monday, July 19th – Friday, July 23rd from 9:30am-12:30pm
- Where: Wagon Wheel Education Center
2517 E. Center St.
Warsaw, IN 46580
(574) 267- 8041 - Who: Young actors who have just completed grades 3 and 4 are welcome. (Enrollment limited to 25 individuals)
- Cost: $150
How do I sign up? Follow the link below to pay for the workshop and complete registration. You will receive a confirmation email shortly. All questions for the summer workshops should be directed to kira@wagonwheelcenter.org
Musical Theater Workshop: Once Upon a Mattress
Grades 8-12 June 16th – June 26th
Now in its 16th year of producing the highest quality student productions on our very own Wagon Wheel stage, the camp that brought to life such amazing shows as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Pirates of Penzance, HONK!, Kiss Me, Kate, and 2019’s Les Miserables, is back! Students will experience the thrill of a Wagon Wheel summer as they mount a full-length Broadway musical in eleven days. Working alongside industry professionals, students enrolled in this workshop will get training in acting, singing, and dancing while working towards a final production on the Wagon Wheel stage for friends and family. Memories and friends made at this intensive will last for years to come.
- What: 11-day workshop that culminates in a fully realized production of Once Upon a Mattress
- When: Wednesday, June 16th – Saturday, June 26th from 9:30am to 4:30pm every day but Sunday when we’ll have an evening rehearsal. Students should bring lunch and snacks each day.
● Auditions for specific roles will be held on the first day of camp.
● Performance will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, June 26th. - Where: Wagon Wheel Education Center
2517 E. Center St.
Warsaw, IN 46580
(574) 267- 8041 - Who: Young actors who have just completed grades 8-12 are welcome. (Enrollment limited to 25
individuals) - Cost: $250
How do I sign up? Follow the link below to pay for the workshop and complete registration. You will receive a confirmation email shortly. All questions for the summer workshops should be directed to kira@wagonwheelcenter.org
Scholarships:
Scholarships are available for all programs. Wagon Wheel Theatre believes that every child should have an opportunity to experience live theatre first-hand regardless of ability to pay. To request consideration for a scholarship, please complete the scholarship application form and bring it to the box office. You may also submit it directly to Holly Lantz, Chief Operating Officer, (holly@wagonwheelcenter.org).
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Meet the Teachers
Kira Lace Hawkins
Education Director
Bio
Kira has performed in over 40 Wagon Wheel productions playing such roles as Miss Hannigan in Annie, Donna in Mamma Mia!, and Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins. Kira has an MFA in Acting from Penn State University and loves teaching students of all ages. She has served on the theater and music faculty of St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and Manchester University in North Manchester.
Thomas Hall
Voice/Piano Instructor
Bio
Thomas Hall holds a M.M. in Voice Performance from DePaul University in Chicago, IL. He has maintained a private voice studio since 2003, taught five years at Warsaw Community High School, music directed over 30 productions, worked as a Graduate Assistant in Voice and Opera at Ball State University. He has recently joined the Wagon Wheel Family as the music director for many Wagon Wheel Junior Productions, the music director for the latest production of Always, Patsy Cline, and he looks forward to working as a music director this upcoming summer season.
Kira Lace Hawkins
Education Director
Bio
Kira has performed in over 40 Wagon Wheel productions playing such roles as Miss Hannigan in Annie, Donna in Mamma Mia!, and Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins. Kira has an MFA in Acting from Penn State University and loves teaching students of all ages. She has served on the theater and music faculty of St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and Manchester University in North Manchester.
Thomas Hall
Voice/Piano Instructor
Bio
Thomas Hall holds a M.M. in Voice Performance from DePaul University in Chicago, IL. He has maintained a private voice studio since 2003, taught five years at Warsaw Community High School, music directed over 30 productions, worked as a Graduate Assistant in Voice and Opera at Ball State University. He has recently joined the Wagon Wheel Family as the music director for many Wagon Wheel Junior Productions, the music director for the latest production of Always, Patsy Cline, and he looks forward to working as a music director this upcoming summer season.
Andy Robinson
Instructor
Bio
Andy Robinson has worked with Ben Dicke on the Wagon Wheel Theatre Youth Programs since 2005. He holds a Masters from NYU in Educational Theatre and has taught theatre to grades 1-12 for over fifteen years in both New York City and Chicago. He is currently Chair of the Department of Musical Theatre at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. A long time Wagon Wheel actor, his favorite roles include the 2nd Gangster in Kiss Me, Kate, Captain Hook in Peter Pan, and the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. Along with Ben Dicke, he directed Brighton Beach Memoirs, The Importance of Being Earnest, Blithe Spirit, The Crucible, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the Wagon Wheel main-stage. He loves collaborating with Ben and Emily on making theatre with young actors!
Ben Dicke
Instructor
Bio
Ben Dicke began working at the Wagon Wheel in 2004. Favorite roles on that stage include Henry Higgins in last summer’s My Fair Lady, Dr. Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein, Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, Moonface Martin in Anything Goes, Applegate in Damn Yankees, and Cliff in Cabaret, among many others. Ben helped develop the Wagon Wheel’s Summer Youth Programming alongside Andy Robinson in the summer of 2005. In addition to their directing work with the students of Warsaw and the surrounding areas, Ben and Andy have collaborated as directors for the professional company on a number of projects including Brighton Beach Memoirs, Blithe Spirit, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, among others. Ben is excited to, once again, collaborate with Andy Robinson as co-directors for Peter and the Starcatcher. Ben is currently the Chair of the Theatre Department at The Chicago Academy for the Arts.
Jennifer Dow
Bio
This marks Jennifer Dow’s 21st year at the Wagon Wheel as a performer, her 11th year as the wig designer, and her 8th year as a wearer of many hats including organizer of the Wagon Wheel Jr. program. After receiving her BFA in Music Theatre from Millikin University, Jennifer’s favorite place to work quickly became the Wagon Wheel Theatre. Her most memorable roles on the Wagon Wheel stage are A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck), Always, Patsy Cline (Louise), Young Frankenstein (Frau Blucher), Marvelous Wonderettes (Suzy), Guys and Dolls (Adelaide), Seussical (Gertrude), South Pacific (Nellie). Other regional credits include Cats (Rumpleteaser) at the Marriott Lincolnshire, Grand Hotel at Drury Lane Water Tower, Jekyll & Hyde (Emma) at Pheasant Run, and performing as a singer with the Rockettes for 3 seasons in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
Emily Ann Luhrs
Summer Songs and Scenes/ Summer Musical Theatre Workshop
Bio
Emily Ann Luhrs is a Chicago theatre artist whose exploits include writing, performing, directing, and puppetry. Favorite roles include Sophie in Mamma Mia (Arvada Center Theatre), Lizzie in Baby (Cherry Creek Theatre), and Emily in A Christmas Carol with Richard White (Arvada Center) among others. Recent directing credits include The Wolves and Seussical at the Chicago Academy for the Arts She also designed a five-headed dragon puppet for the Theatre department’s play: She Kills Monsters. Emily also worked for five years as a teaching artist at the Denver Center Theatre Academy. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from the University of Oklahoma.
Scott Michaels
Dance Classes
Bio
Prior to Scott’s 11 years as the Wagon Wheel’s Artistic Director, he spent 12 seasons as resident Choreographer/Director on nearly 100 productions. During that time, he spent 4 years as the resident Director/Choreographer at the Armory Theatre in Janesville, Wisconsin. In his free time, he continues to work with high schools and colleges all over the Midwest directing, choreographing, and running countless workshops and master classes. Scott’s work on Cats at Arrowhead H.S. in Hartland, Wisconsin won USA Today’s award for Best High School Musical in the country for 2008. Scott spent 2 years as an adjunct faculty member at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL as the Musical Theatre Dance Teacher. He has over 25 years of performing experience from Chicago to Regional theatre. Scott has performed all over the country and Japan and enjoyed a 2 year tour as a back-up singer for Perry Como.
Auditions for Youth, ages 9 -18
Please visit our audition page for the latest auditions for Youth/Teens.
Please click button below for more information.
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