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!
ANNOUNCING: NEW Musical Theater Dance classes with Wagon Wheel favorite, Michael Pacholski!
See details below:
Classes will take place at the Wagon Wheel Conservatory and the Wagon Wheel Rehearsal Room. Classes range from $80 to $100 for the session and meet one night a week. Sign up for more than one class per session and receive a $10 discount on each additional class of equal or lesser value! (Must be the same student attending more than one class per session. Discount not applicable to classes in different sessions). In order to take advantage of this discount, you must enroll on the phone through the Box Office: 574-267-8041. Scholarships are available! Please email kira@wagonwheelcenter.org to receive a scholarship application.
Session One runs five weeks from Tuesday, February 14th to Saturday, March 18th with a showcase rehearsal from 1:00pm-2:30pm and a showcase performance on the Wagon Wheel stage at 3:00pm on Sunday, March 19th.
Session Two runs six weeks from Monday, March 20th to Saturday, May 6th (No classes during Warsaw Spring Break, April 3rd-8th) with a showcase rehearsal 1:00pm-2:30pm and a showcase performance on the Wagon Wheel stage at 3:00pm on Sunday, May 7th.
If the session isn’t specified in the description, the class is offered both sessions.
Please email Kira Lace Hawkins with questions:
Class offerings:
(Spring Session Only) Mondays:
(Spring Session Only) Musical Theater Dance: (Grade 8-Adult) Mondays, 7:00pm-8:30pm
An introduction to the world of dance for the Musical Theater! Taught by Wagon Wheel favorite Michael Pacholski (Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, Jud Fry in Oklahoma!), this class will meet you at your current skill level to build technique and get you dancing in character. There will be a full-group showcase performance for family and friends. Dance shoes are not provided and may or may not be required for students. Taught by Michael Pacholski.
Tuesdays:
Theater Adventures A: (Grades 2-4) Tuesdays, 5:00pm-6:15pm
This class is an introduction to the adventurous world of theater! Whether you’ve taken an acting class with us before or you’re brand new to acting, this class will either introduce or further develop vocal and physical techniques to bring text and characters to life. Through acting games, exercises, and a short dynamic script, students will work collaboratively to rehearse a final showcase performance for family and friends. Taught by Kira Lace Hawkins.
Acting Studio: (Grade 8-Adult) Tuesdays, 7:00pm-8:30pm
This class will give participants the vocabulary, tools, and techniques necessary to act on stage. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or this is your very first class, this studio class will meet you where you are to further develop your vocal techniques, physical expression, and ability to fully develop character while living truthfully on stage moment to moment. Through exercises, scene studies, and a devised theater experience, we will rehearse as we learn to create a final showcase for family and friends. Taught by Kira Lace Hawkins.
(Spring Session Only) Wednesdays:
(Spring Session Only) Beginning Tap: (Grade 8-Adult) Wednesdays, 7:00pm-8:15pm
Ever dreamed of making music with your feet? This class is for you! Taught by Wagon Wheel favorite Michael Pacholski (Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, Jud Fry in Oklahoma!), this class will give novices and experts alike the chance to hone their skills and tap in character. There will be a full-group showcase performance for family and friends. Tap shoes are not provided and will be required for students. Taught by Michael Pacholski.
Thursdays:
Drama Time A: (Grades 5-7) Thursdays, 5:00pm-6:15pm
This class brings all the drama to the stage! Whether you’ve taken an acting class with us before or you’re brand new to acting, this class will further develop your vocal and physical techniques to bring text and characters to life. Through exercises, scene studies, and a short dynamic script, students will work collaboratively to rehearse a final showcase performance for family and friends. Taught by Kira Lace Hawkins.
Improv: No Scripts Allowed: (Grades 6-12) Thursdays, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Looking for a creative space in which to PLAY? This class is for you! Jump out of your comfort zone and into the exciting world of the unplanned. This class will help students build the techniques necessary to create spontaneous comedic moments on stage. Through games, exercises, and reading activities we will build an ensemble, develop comedic and improvisational skill, and learn best practices while preparing to perform a short improv show in a final showcase for family and friends. Taught by Kira Lace Hawkins.
Saturdays:
Theater Adventures B: (Grades 2-4) Saturdays, 10:00am-11:15am
This class is an introduction to the adventurous world of theater! Whether you’ve taken an acting class with us before or you’re brand new to acting, this class will either introduce or further develop vocal and physical techniques to bring text and characters to life. Through acting games, exercises, and a short dynamic script, students will work collaboratively to rehearse a final showcase performance for family and friends. Taught by Kira Lace Hawkins.
(Spring Session Only) Musical Theater Dance: (Grades 5-7) Saturdays, 10:00am-11:15am
An introduction to the world of dance for the Musical Theater! Taught by Wagon Wheel favorite Michael Pacholski (Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, Jud Fry in Oklahoma!), this class will meet you at your current skill level to build technique and get you dancing in character. There will be a full-group showcase performance for family and friends. Dance shoes are not provided and may or may not be required for students. Taught by Michael Pacholski.
Drama Time B: (Grades 5-7) Saturdays, 11:45am-1:00pm
This class brings all the drama to the stage! Whether you’ve taken an acting class with us before or you’re brand new to acting, this class will further develop your vocal and physical techniques to bring text and characters to life. Through exercises, scene studies, and a short dynamic script, students will work collaboratively to rehearse a final showcase performance for family and friends. Taught by Kira Lace Hawkins.
(Winter Session Only) Let’s Move!: (Grades 2-5) Saturdays, 11:45pm-12:45pm
This class will get you moving! Taught by Wagon Wheel favorite Michael Pacholski (Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, Jud Fry in Oklahoma!), this class will introduce students to telling a story through dance. There will be a full-group showcase performance for family and friends. Dance shoes are not provided and may or may not be required for students. Taught by Michael Pacholski.
(Spring Session Only) Musical Theater Dance: (Grades 2-4) Saturdays, 11:45pm-12:45pm
An introduction to the world of dance for the Musical Theater! Taught by Wagon Wheel favorite Michael Pacholski (Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, Jud Fry in Oklahoma!), this class will meet you at your current skill level to build technique and get you dancing in character. There will be a full-group showcase performance for family and friends. Dance shoes are not provided and may or may not be required for students. Taught by Michael Pacholski.
Musical Theater Triple Threat Studio: (Grades 6-12) Saturdays, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Work on your status as a Triple Threat in this studio class that will train your acting, singing, and dancing! Whether you’re brand new to musical theater or your pirouettes are already as sharp as your acting choices, this class will meet you where you are to further develop your ability to act, sing, and dance truthfully in character to serve the story. Through scenes, solos, duets, and group numbers, we will rehearse as we learn to create a final showcase for family and friends. Dance shoes are not provided and may or may not be required for students. This class will be team-taught by Thomas Hall, Michael Pacholski, and Kira Lace Hawkins.
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 Kira Lace Hawkins, Education Director, (kira@wagonwheelcenter.org).
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.
Michael Pacholski
Dance Instructor
Bio
Michael has been dancing for as long as he can remember. When he was just 2 years old he’d sit outside of the classroom his older sister was taking ballet class in and follow along with the instructor, so, the following year his parents signed him up for his first tap class. He was a competitive dancer throughout High School and trained in Tap, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Ballet. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 2018 with a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance, where he continued his dance training. He has been working as a professional actor, singer, dancer, and choreographer since; performing in 5 summer seasons at Wagon Wheel, as well as at other theaters around the country such as Flint Repertory Theatre, Encore Musical Theatre, and the Virginia Children’s Theatre. He continues to love dancing to this day, and is excited to share what he has learned with everyone in this community.
Lawrence Evans
Assistant Instructor
Bio
Lawrence Evans is thrilled to be back in Warsaw! After graduating from WCHS in 2007, Lawrence attended IU for Musical Theatre, then ventured to New York City for a whirlwind career in Off-Broadway cabaret before joining the US Army Band. As an Army musician, event producer and live show director, Lawrence has had the chance to work with top talent in the industry including Gene Simmons, Jennifer Nettles, Corbin Bleu, and others. Most recently, Lawrence spent the last three years working in Los Angeles, CA as a live show producer while attending The Los Angeles Film School.
Thomas Hall
Voice 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.
Wagon Wheel Conservatory 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.
- 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, June 6th-June 10th
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, June 6th – Friday, June 10th from 10:00am-12:30pm
- Where: Wagon Wheel Conservatory
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: $200
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 18th-July 22nd
This five-day workshop will take students through acting and movement exercises that will build confidence and provide further 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 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, July 18th – Friday, July 22nd from 10:00am-1:00pm
- Where: Wagon Wheel Conservatory
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: $200
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 20th-June 25th
This six-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 6-day workshop that will culminate in a performance showcasing the talents of the students.
- When: Monday, June 20th – Saturday, June 25th from 10am-2pm
- Where: Wagon Wheel Conservatory
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: $200
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: Something Rotten!
Grades 8-12 June 29th-July 9th
Now in its 17th 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, Les Miserables, and 2021’s Once Upon a Mattress is back to put on the fantastic Broadway smash Something Rotten! Campers will experience the thrill of a Wagon Wheel summer as they mount a full-length Broadway musical in eleven days.
This year we are thrilled to announce our Guest Director, Matthew Baker! Matthew also performed the lead role William Shakespeare in the 2018 tour of Something Rotten! Coming back to Choreograph is Wagon Wheel alum Ashlyn Maddox who you may remember as Dorothy in Wizard of Oz at the Wheel. Students enrolled in this workshop will get training in acting, singing, and dancing while rehearsing a final production on the Wagon Wheel stage for friends and family. Memories and friends made at this intensive workshop will last for years to come.
- What: 11-day workshop that culminates in a fully realized production of Something Rotten!
- When: Wednesday, June 29th – Saturday, July 9th 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, July 9th
- Where: Wagon Wheel Conservatory
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 30
individuals) - Cost: $300
Something Rotten synopsis (from mtishows.com)
Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz. Something Rotten features large song and dance numbers, and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters, each given his or her own special moment in the show to shine.
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
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Parker Irwin
Education Intern
Bio
Parker Irwin is thrilled to return to the Wagon Wheel for his 11th summer season in an entire new role as a member of the Conservatory Staff. Parker has performed in over 15 Wagon Wheel productions, most recently playing such roles as Mack in Peter and the Starcatcher, Michael Wormwood in Matilda the Musical, and an Ensemble Member in Singing In The Rain. Favorite local credits include Willy Wonka as Charlie Bucket and Anything Goes as Billy Croker. He looks forward to working with the Wagon Wheel cast and crew to make this another great season! Parker would like to dedicate his work this season to the life of his loving grandmother, Gigi (Karen Calengor).
Matthew Baker
Director – Musical Theater Workshop (Something Rotten!)
Bio
Matthew trained at Bird College in London and achieved a BFA in Musical Theatre. He has worked with many gifted and talented choreographers and directors during his career. He performed regionally in and around London; productions including Sweeney Todd, Hair and Jack The Ripper in Concert . Since moving to the States Matthew appeared as ‘Tony’ in the U.S and Canada National Tour of Saturday Night Fever, ‘Northbrook’ in Mary Poppins at the John W. Engeman theatre and the opening cast of the newly imagined Beauty and the Beast with Disney Cruise Line. Most recently Matthew performed in the US and International tour of Something Rotten! as ‘Shakespeare’. Additionally Matthew has worked with prestigious casting teams in NYC for The Walt Disney Company. Matthew is “egg-static” to be directing this production of Something Rotten! at the Wagon Wheel.
Ashlyn Maddox
Director – Theater Workshop; Choreographer – Musical Theater Workshop
Bio
Ashlyn is a recent Texas State University graduate and is thrilled to be back at the Wheel in a new capacity. You may have seen her as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, Zaneeta in The Music Man and in many other shows in both the 2021 and 2018 seasons. She has served as a director and assistant director at Texas State University (The Crooked Cross and Guys and Dolls, respectively) and is excited to make her choreographic debut this summer. Other performing credits include Jane Doe in Ride the Cyclone at the McCarter Theatre Center and Jerome Robbins’ Broadway at Theatre Under the Stars. She would like to thank her family, her Wagon Wheel family, and all of her lifelong friends for their love and support. Eat em up!
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.
Sorry, no posts matched your criteria.
Parker Irwin
Education Intern
Bio
Parker Irwin is thrilled to return to the Wagon Wheel for his 11th summer season in an entire new role as a member of the Conservatory Staff. Parker has performed in over 15 Wagon Wheel productions, most recently playing such roles as Mack in Peter and the Starcatcher, Michael Wormwood in Matilda the Musical, and an Ensemble Member in Singing In The Rain. Favorite local credits include Willy Wonka as Charlie Bucket and Anything Goes as Billy Croker. He looks forward to working with the Wagon Wheel cast and crew to make this another great season! Parker would like to dedicate his work this season to the life of his loving grandmother, Gigi (Karen Calengor).
Matthew Baker
Director – Musical Theater Workshop (Something Rotten!)
Bio
Matthew trained at Bird College in London and achieved a BFA in Musical Theatre. He has worked with many gifted and talented choreographers and directors during his career. He performed regionally in and around London; productions including Sweeney Todd, Hair and Jack The Ripper in Concert . Since moving to the States Matthew appeared as ‘Tony’ in the U.S and Canada National Tour of Saturday Night Fever, ‘Northbrook’ in Mary Poppins at the John W. Engeman theatre and the opening cast of the newly imagined Beauty and the Beast with Disney Cruise Line. Most recently Matthew performed in the US and International tour of Something Rotten! as ‘Shakespeare’. Additionally Matthew has worked with prestigious casting teams in NYC for The Walt Disney Company. Matthew is “egg-static” to be directing this production of Something Rotten! at the Wagon Wheel.
Ashlyn Maddox
Director – Theater Workshop; Choreographer – Musical Theater Workshop
Bio
Ashlyn is a recent Texas State University graduate and is thrilled to be back at the Wheel in a new capacity. You may have seen her as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, Zaneeta in The Music Man and in many other shows in both the 2021 and 2018 seasons. She has served as a director and assistant director at Texas State University (The Crooked Cross and Guys and Dolls, respectively) and is excited to make her choreographic debut this summer. Other performing credits include Jane Doe in Ride the Cyclone at the McCarter Theatre Center and Jerome Robbins’ Broadway at Theatre Under the Stars. She would like to thank her family, her Wagon Wheel family, and all of her lifelong friends for their love and support. Eat em up!
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.