CPH Theatre Academy

For more than eight decades, Cleveland Play House has offered educational programming as varied as the stories on its stages. Motivated by a community of spirited, inquisitive, and creative theatre makers, CPH Theatre Academy provides opportunities for engagement on a variety of levels. Classes welcome working adult professionals, preschool children with big imaginations, and everyone in between. Faculty from Tony Award recipient CPH excite creative potential, fortify aptitude, and nurture the passion necessary for artistic excellence.

All classes take place at the CPH rehearsal halls and classrooms located in downtown Cleveland. The courses span ages three through adult and provide all levels theatre training. No prior experience is necessary. Fall, spring, summer, and year-long programs are available.

YOUTH OPEN DIVISION
These courses are for youth and teens who are passionate about drama and would love to learn more. Professional theatre educators and artists provide high-quality and developmentally-appropriate theatre instruction to students at all age levels.

YOUTH PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION
These courses are geared toward youth and teens wanting to pursue a career in the performing arts. Professional theatre educators and artists provide high quality, year-long instruction in theatre, while guiding students in a complete rehearsal and performance experience.

ADULT OPEN DIVISION
Whether you are looking to hone your communication skills, audition for that community theatre role, or simply make theatre, our artistic and educational staff will engage and immerse adult learners in the love of theatre, while developing skills needed to enhance vocal and physical abilities.

ADULT PROFESSIONAL DIVISION
For those already practicing their craft, Cleveland Play House artistic, education, and guest artists provide opportunities for professional theatre artists to sharpen their existing skills, while building a network of artists. Teachers include actors and directors from our mainstage season.

SUMMER ACADEMY

June 1 - July 17, 2020
All tuition prices below include a $25 registration fee. Pro-rated tuition and payment plans are available. Questions? Contact: academy@clevelandplayhouse.com

AGES 4-7
To Infinity and Beyond!
This week-long trek into outer space will be a blast! Young performers will entertain stories set among shooting stars, black holes, and the Milky Way. Families will be invited to celebrate their out-of-this-world performance pieces during the final session of the course.
June 1–5 / 9am–noon / $125

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AGES 4-7
Zip, Zap, Zonk! A Celebration of Superheroes
In this delightful introduction to acting and storytelling, young performers will dive into the worlds of their favorite superheroes and tap into their own superpower: creativity! Parents and friends will be invited to a special performance at the end of the course!
Option 1: June 8-12 / 9am–noon / $125

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Option 2: July 6–10 / 9am–noon / $125

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AGES 4-7
We’ve Got Magic to Do!
Abracadabra! Students will stretch their imaginations and join characters from various works of literature on magical journeys through the land of make-believe! They will share their own interpretations of those tales with friends and family on the final day!
Option 1: June 15-19 / 9am–noon / $125

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Option 2: July 13-17 / 9am–noon / $125

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AGES 4-7
Under the Sea!
In this one-week camp, young performers will be able to dive into deep sea adventures in storytelling, while letting their imaginations soar! A special performance will be presented for friends and family on the final day so that everyone can join in the fun!
June 22-26 / 9am–noon / $125

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AGES 8-12
Musical Theatre Intensive
A fun and highly interactive offering where participants will immerse themselves into the amazing world of musical theatre! Learn the music and choreography from this time-honored genre while building confidence. The end of this two-week intensive culminates in a final presentation for family and friends!
June 1-12 / 9am–3pm / $500

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AGES 8-12
Front and Center!
This class is for the younger performer who is starting out. Participants will gain an appreciation for the world of theatre and gain invaluable training in characterization, focus, and ensemble-building all in a safe, fun-filled atmosphere. The young actors will showcase their new acting skills for friends and family on the last day of class!
June 15–26 / 9am–3pm / $500

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AGES 8-12
Who Needs A Script?
Improvisation is a tremendous skill to have as a performer at any age! It builds self-assurance and team-building and improves listening and observation skills—plus it’s a whole lot of fun! Participants will be able to demonstrate their improvisation skills in a final presentation for friends and family!
Option 1: July 6–10 / 9am–noon / $125

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Option 2: July 13–17 / 9am–noon / $125

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AGES 13-18
Teen Scene
The possibilities for stage roles abound for students in Northeast Ohio, and film and television opportunities are on the rise. Teen Scene participants gain valuable experience working on stage and on camera in a variety of exercises, including scenes from film and television, as well as commercials. Students will share a demo reel of camera work, as well as live performances, with friends and family on the final day!
June 1–12 / 9am–3pm / $500

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AGES 13-18
Musical Theatre Intensive
For the experienced musical performer, this session gives teens an opportunity to delve more deeply into the musical theatre songbook, perform solos, and learn choreography of full-scale dance numbers. This fun and collaborative experience will culminate in a presentation of the students’ work on the last day of class.
June 17–28 / 9am–3pm / $500

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Aftercare, where students will engage in fun, enriching activities, is available 3–5pm for $10/hour.

THEATRE ACADEMY: SPRING SESSION

SPRING: January 13 - May 2, 2020 (17 weeks)
Our Spring Classes are currently being held remotely. Currently enrolled students should have received an invitation to participate. Should you have any questions, please contact Academy and Curriculum Manager Nicole Sumlin at nsumlin@clevelandplayhouse.com.

YOUTH OPEN DIVISION

AGES 3-5
Songs, Stories and Me
Young participants will engage in head-to-toe learning through a gentle exploration of acting and song that will explore emotions and theatrical techniques such as movement, voice, and storytelling as they adapt beloved stories and fairytales.
Saturdays / 10-10:45am
$272

AGES 6-7
Creative Drama
Theatre is a collaborative effort! In this fun offering, participants will use short scripted scenes that will encourage the students to listen to their peers, to share ideas, and to work as a team. This process will also introduce vocal and movement skills to the young actors who will begin a journey of developing their own characters and stories. Families enjoy watching their young performers participate in a showcase in their classroom space at the end of the session.
Saturdays / 11-11:45am
$272

AGES 8-11
Musical Theatre I
Students will dive into the world of musical theatre and build vocal technique for singing and speech while gaining confidence in dance technique that helps tell a story. Students will share a classroom performance with friends and family at the end of the semester.
Tuesdays / 6-8pm
Spring: $503.37

CROCKER PARK WILL HOST MUSICAL THEATRE I FOR 10 WEEKS!

In addition to Tuesday sessions at our downtown location, Musical Theatre I for students 8-11 will run on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm beginning February 5, 2020 through April 8, 2020 at Market Square at Crocker Park in Westlake.

AGES 8-11
Musical Theatre I
Market Square at Crocker Park • Westlake
Wednesdays / 6:30-8:30pm
$325

AGES 8-9
Acting I
In this class for pre-teen performers, participants will discover and develop basic acting fundamentals like listening, responding, collaboration, and characterization through a 10-minute project.  Basic design elements such as props and costumes will be utilized in rehearsal and performance. Families will watch their performers participate in a classroom performance at the end of the session.
Saturdays / 1-2:30pm
$382.50

AGES 10-11
Acting II
“Tween” actors will enhance their acting and develop the essential skills of focus and concentration as they learn to be a part of the collaborative process. The session culminates in the presentation of a 10-minute scripted play. Basic design elements such props, costumes, and sound will be utilized in rehearsal and performance.  Families will watch their performers participate in a classroom performance at the end of the session.
Tuesdays / 6-7:30pm
$382.50

AGES 12+
Acting III
Teen actors take the next step and begin to develop authentic characters through scene study and exploration using theatrical techniques such as vocal, physical, and psychological choices. Props and costumes will be integrated into the rehearsal and final performance. Families will watch their performers participate in a classroom performance at the end of the session.
Wednesdays / 6-7:30pm
$382.50

YOUTH PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION

AGES 8-13
Advanced Curtain Pullers
Pre-teen actors who wish to hone their performance skills in preparation for the professional stage will be cast in a play that allows them to explore advanced script analysis, to create characters through body and voice work, and to build ensemble skills. Students will present a spring studio performance (Date TBA) and attend additional rehearsals during the week of the performance.
Saturdays / Jan 18 - May 2 / Noon-2:30pm
4 monthly payments of $133.88

AGES 12+
Musical Theatre Ensemble
Students will dive into the world of musical theatre and build vocal technique for singing and speech while gaining confidence in dance that helps tell a story. Participants will be cast in a musical that will highlight each of the ensemble member’s specific strengths and skill sets. Ensemble members will work with a director, choreographer, and music director. Students will present a spring studio performance (Date TBA) and attend additional rehearsals during the week of the performance.
Saturdays / Jan 18 - May 2 / 2:30-5:30pm
4 monthly payments of $173.19

AGES 14+
Teen Performance Ensemble
During this year-long process, The Teen Performance Ensemble actors will be cast in a play and challenged to develop and refine techniques of advanced script analysis, to create honest characters, and to present successful solo, partner, and ensemble work. Students will present a spring studio performance (Date TBA) and attend additional rehearsals during the week of the performance.
Saturdays / Jan 18 - May 2 / 2:30-5:30pm
4 monthly payments of $161.33

ADULT OPEN DIVISION

Courses are designed for students to complete multiple semesters of each course, per instructor recommendation.

Step Right Up: Intro to Acting and Scene Work
This class will cover the basics of acting technique and will provide a solid foundation for adults interested in pursuing the craft of acting. The class will give actors an opportunity to learn through a variety of exercises, games, improvisation activities, and scene work. Actors will participate in a showcase for friends and family.
Tuesdays / 7–9pm
$442 

ADULT PROFESSIONAL DIVISION

Scene Study: Contemporary Works
The next step for the serious actor, this course will provide the participants with a number of scenes to explore from contemporary texts.  This course will both challenge and empower the students as they develop and refine their approach to the craft. Please send your resume to nsumlin@clevelandplayhouse.com.
Thursdays / 7–9pm
$442