Theatre Classes for Kids and Teens in Akron, Bath & Richfield
Looking for a summer camp or theatre class near Bath, Richfield, or Akron, Ohio that builds confidence, creativity, and stage skills? Western Reserve Playhouse offers engaging theatre and performance based classes for kids and teens in Summit County.
Our theatre classes combine acting, singing, movement, and performance in a supportive environment designed to help young performers grow — whether they’re brand new to the stage or already love performing.
Welcome to the Western Reserve Playhouse Education Program!
Led by our dynamic Education Director, Emma Figge, our program offers engaging and comprehensive theatre education for learners of all ages and experience levels. Emma brings a wealth of expertise as a talented director, choreographer, and performer with a passion for inspiring young artists. Our workshops, classes, and summer camps explore acting, choreography, stagecraft, and more, providing hands-on opportunities to learn from industry professionals. Whether you're a seasoned performer or stepping onto the stage for the first time, our programs nurture creativity, build confidence, and celebrate the magic of live theatre. Join us and let your artistic journey begin!
FAQ
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Step into the Wonderful World of Oz with our Fall Play! The Oz Series will present three youth productions in August, September, and November 2026. Join us for one or join us for all three and learn aside WRPs MainStage production team. Learn more here.
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Camp is over for the 2026 season. Stay tuned for 2027 dates!
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Emma Figge is thrilled to be back at Western Reserve Playhouse working on this production with a wonderful team of young people. Emma is originally from Quincy, IL and studied Music Theatre and Dance at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. Emma is a freelance director and choreographer in the greater Cleveland area, with recent choreography and directorial credits including All Shook Up and Shrek Jr!(French Creek Theatre); Seussical Jr., Finding Nemo Jr., Legally Blonde, and Newsies (West Geauga Schools). In addition to working behind the scenes, Emma continues to perform, with favorite past onstage credits including Percy Talbot (The Spitfire Grill), Charity Valentine (Sweet Charity), and Suzy (The Marvelous Wonderettes). Emma is a company member and on Executive Staff at Northeast Ohio Creatives.
Young Artists' Theatre Presents:
The Oz Series
Three Theatrical Adventures Through the Magical World of Oz
Step into the world of Oz through a series of fully staged theatrical adventures designed specifically for young performers.
About the Program
The Oz Series combines theatre education with the excitement of creating a real production. Participants rehearse Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4:00 PM–6:00 PM, working with the Western Reserve Playhouse artistic team to develop acting, storytelling, collaboration, and performance skills.
The first rehearsals focus on ensemble building, script analysis, character development, and theatrical technique. Students then apply those skills through the rehearsal process, culminating in two public performances for live audiences.
About the Series
L. Frank Baum's Oz books contain far more adventures than the story most audiences know. The Young Artists' Theatre Oz Series explores the wider world of Oz through three original theatrical adaptations inspired by Baum's beloved stories.
Each production plays approximately 60 minutes and stands on its own while contributing to a larger journey through the magical world of Oz.
Oz Series I
Dorothy and the Wonderful Wizard
Enrollment Deadline: August 1, 2026
Rehearsals:
August 3–28, 2026
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
4:00 PM–6:00 PM
Performances:
- August 29, 2026 at 7:00 PM
- August 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Oz Series II
The Patchwork Girl and the Lost Princess
Enrollment Deadline: September 11, 2026
Rehearsals:
September 14–October 14, 2026
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
4:00 PM–6:00 PM
Performances:
- October 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM
- October 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Oz Series III
The Road to the Magic of Oz
Enrollment Deadline: November 1, 2026
Rehearsals:
November 2–December 9, 2026
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
4:00 PM–6:00 PM
Performances:
- December 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM
- December 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Enrollment Information
Enrollment is $100 per production.
Participants may enroll in one, two, or all three productions. Each story stands on its own while contributing to a larger journey through the magical world of Oz.
Working titles and story concepts are subject to development as the series continues to evolve.
Ready to Follow the Yellow Brick Road?
Enroll in one production or join us for the full Oz Series adventure.
Enroll Now