Welcome to Chara’s NEW Theatre program! Young performers will discover the joy of storytelling, gain the confidence to shine, and the discipline of professional artistic training in an uplifting community. Through our conservatory-style approach to musical theatre, and the culture of Chara Christian Dance Academy has become known for in its 20 years, students receive comprehensive instruction in acting, singing, and dance while developing creativity, character, teamwork, and stage presence. Both our technique classes and our annual production focused Companies, are designed to inspire excellence, cultivate a lifelong love for the performing arts, and equip students with the skills to perform with confidence in order to reach their personal performance goals.

Theatre Companies
Musical Stars | Ages 4-6
Young performers discover and explore the magic of musical theatre through storytelling, music, movement, and imagination. Students build confidence, creativity, and stage presence in a fun, encouraging environment while preparing for two seasonal showcases.
Broadway Company | Ages 7-11
Students build a strong foundation in musical theatre through acting, singing, and dance. Broadway Company focuses on creating a solid approach to professional musical theatre. Including audition and performance skills culminating in a fully staged production where every student shines.
*Meets TWICE a week*
Studio Company | Ages 12 & Up
Designed for dedicated teen performers, students refine their acting. musical theatre dance, and singing skills. Studio Company focuses on creating the whole performer. This includes audition and performance skills culminating in a fully staged production while building confidence and professionalism.
*Meets TWICE a week*
Technique Classes
Musical Theatre Foundations | Ages 10 & Up
Build confidence in acting, singing, and movement while learning the core skills of musical theatre. Perfect for beginners or performers looking to strengthen their stage presence.
Musical Theatre Dance | Ages 10 & Up
Learn the dance styles of Broadway while improving technique, musicality, and storytelling through movement. Explore choreography inspired by both classic and contemporary musicals.
Acting & Improv | Ages 10 & Up
Develop acting skills through character work, scene study, storytelling, and improvisation. Students build confidence, creativity, and communication skills while learning to perform with authenticity.
Production Arts | Ages 12 & Up
Explore the world behind the curtain! Students gain hands-on experience with lighting, sound, props, costumes, set design, stage management, and backstage operations while discovering how every role brings a production to life.
Enroll Today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Chara’s theatre program is a school year-long, holistic company theatre training program. Weekly technique classes are offered and open to all students. Students can also choose to be a part of the company for their age group. Broadway and Studio Company students will participate in a preview during the winter and work towards a full Broadway-style production for the spring. Musical Stars Company will have two performances, once in winter and once at the end of the season. This school year-long format allows students to produce a higher quality stage product. Weekly technique classes are offered and open to all students, even if not in a company. These weekly technique classes are highly encouraged for company members to take advantage of the full benefits of the intentionally designed, comprehensive program.
Company classes are designed to combine technique, audition preparation, performance training, and the creation of professional audition materials while preparing students for production. All other classes listed are technique-only classes, specifically on that topic, that can be taken à la carte or in addition to being in a Company.
Beyond the stage lights, students who participate in theatre develop confidence, stage presence, valuable communication skills, creativity, teamwork, discipline, and memorization skills. The benefits of theatre are benefits that will be drawn upon for the rest of a student’s life.
Chara Christian Dance Academy’s theatre directors have reimagined the typical model found in local kids’ theatre training.
While we love producing great performances, we believe great performers are built through intentional training, not just rehearsing a show. Our goal is for students to gain more than stage experience; they’ll develop the confidence and foundational skills to grow as performers.
Beyond blocking and choreography, students will receive age-appropriate training in storytelling, character development, vocal technique, healthy breath support, dance technique, stage presence, and professional rehearsal etiquette. Every class is designed to strengthen the performer behind the role.
Coming Soon! It will be great!!
Our Musical Theatre Stars will take the stage twice during the year, performing in both our Fall Showcase and our Spring Showcase. These performances are a fun way for our youngest performers to build confidence, celebrate their hard work, and shine on stage!
August and September are the ideal time to enroll! If a student chooses to participate in a Company, auditions for roles in the spring Broadway-style production will be conducted the first week of October. Students may still enroll October through January, as chorus or other cast positions are available. New or company member students can enroll in the technique classes throughout the school year, as space is available. Don’t wait!
Yes! We love hearing about the excitement our students have for theatre and the opportunities they’re pursuing. Our hope is for Chara to be your family’s home for musical theatre training, while also encouraging each student’s personal growth and celebrating the experiences that help them become well-rounded performers.
Students are welcome to participate in other theatre programs as long as rehearsals and performance dates do not conflict. If your child is currently in a local production and is looking for additional training, our technique classes are a great way to continue building their skills. Please email alyssab@charadance.com to compare your current commitments to Chara’s Theatre Company’s schedule.
Yes! Trials for Company classes are only open in August through December because students begin focusing on a casted production specifically after that. Technique classes are open for trials year-round. Please contact the studio to schedule your trial!
- What are the tuition and costume/production fees? In addition to monthly tuition, Company students are responsible for Chara’s annual membership fee, annual production fee, and the required class dress code. The production fee includes scripts and costumes for the spring production. Monthly tuition covers weekly classes and instruction. Chara’s annual membership fee and production fee are billed separately. The production fee includes scripts, costumes, and production materials.
- Are there any extra ticket fees?
Yes. While the Fall Showcase is free to all guest, the Spring Broadway Production will have tickets available for purchase.
- What is the weekly time commitment? Technique Classes: 1 hour per week. Broadway Company (Ages 8–12): 3 hours per week (two 90-minute classes). Studio Company (Ages 12–18): 3 hours per week (two 90-minute classes)
- What is the attendance policy for rehearsals, especially as the spring production approaches? Consistent attendance is one of the biggest factors in a student’s success. Every class builds on the previous week, helping students develop their skills and confidence. Once the spring production has been cast, students should attend every rehearsal whenever possible. Missing rehearsals means missing important blocking, choreography, music, and character development. If your child will be absent, please notify their teacher or director as soon as possible. After casting has been announced, students may not miss more than three rehearsals. This policy helps ensure the success of the entire cast and allows everyone to feel prepared and confident for performances.
- What should my child expect during the October auditions?
Yes! Students in our Broadway Company and Studio Company will audition during the first week of October, and every student who auditions will be cast in the spring production. Throughout September, students will prepare in class by learning a short song, a monologue, and a short dance combination, so there is nothing to prepare in advance. Students will also create their first theatre résumé and have a professional headshot taken as part of the audition process. Auditions are designed to be a positive, encouraging learning experience, and students are welcome to practice at home if they wish. Musical Stars (ages 4–7) do not audition and will participate in a spring showcase performance. - Is everyone guaranteed a role? Yes! Every Broadway and Studio Company student who auditions will be cast in the production. Every student will have the opportunity to sing, dance, and speak on stage. Some roles will be featured characters, while others may perform as part of an ensemble. Every role is valuable and contributes to telling the story.
- What are the age breakdowns for the different companies (Broadway, Studio, and Musical Stars)?.
Musical Stars: Ages 4–7
Broadway Company: Ages 8–12
Studio Company: Ages 12–18 - Are there any prerequisites or prior experience required to join a company?
We welcome students of all experience levels who have a love for performing and a willingness to learn. Whether your child is stepping on stage for the first time or has years of experience, our goal is to meet each student where they are and help them grow as confident performers and storytellers.
Students should arrive to every class dressed and ready to move. The required dress code includes a plain black T-shirt or Chara shirt, black leggings or black jazz pants, and black leather jazz shoes or black leather jazz boots. Costumes for the spring production are included in the annual production fee and will be provided by Chara (excluding shoes needed for the show).
Interested in becoming a Chara Theatre Program sponsor?
We’d love to partner with businesses and individuals who are passionate about supporting the arts. Email jamie@charadance.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
