The Fort Wayne Civic Theatre Conservatory is a new initiative designed to nurture and develop the next generation of passionate performers. Offering a comprehensive curriculum led and taught by local industry professionals, the Conservatory provides dedicated students with the tools, techniques, and opportunities to refine their craft and pursue a path in theater. With a focus on both foundational skills and advanced performance techniques, students will work to develop their voices, movement, and stage presence.
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The Conservatory is committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where aspiring actors, singers, and dancers can hone their talents through hands-on experience in a variety of theatre disciplines. The Conservatory is the perfect place for serious teens and young adults looking to take the next step in their artistic journey and prepare for a successful career in the arts.
FALL 2025 CLASSES
All classes will be held at the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre located at
1940 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809
Scene into Song: A Musical Theatre Performance Class
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Ages 13-17​
​8-week course: Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 PM
Sept. 9 - Oct. 28, 2025
​$120 per student
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Step into the spotlight in Scene into Song, a dynamic musical theatre class where young performers develop their acting and vocal skills while bringing scenes to life through song. Each week, students will explore the art of character creation, stage presence, and emotional storytelling as they rehearse and perform scenes that transition seamlessly into musical numbers from Broadway and beyond.
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Through engaging exercises, group collaboration, and personalized coaching, students will strengthen their ability to connect with their characters, interpret lyrics with authenticity, and confidently deliver performances that blend acting and singing. Whether you're a seasoned performer or new to musical theatre, Scene into Song is the perfect space to refine your skills, build confidence, and have fun in a supportive and creative environment.
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Join us for an exciting journey where every scene tells a story, and every song brings it to life!
Instructor: Caleb Curtis
Cold Read: Scenes & Songs: Audition Prep Class
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Ages 18+
​8-week course: Thursdays 5:30-6:30 PM
Sept. 11 - Oct. 30, 2025
$120 per student
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Sharpen your audition skills and boost your confidence in Cold Read, a community theatre class focused on cold reading and auditioning for musical theatre. Designed for adult performers, this class will help you tackle the challenge of bringing scenes and songs to life with little to no preparation, just like in a real audition!
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Each week, participants will build their audition book, practice auditioning, practice cold reading techniques, character development, and vocal interpretation while working with scenes and songs from a variety of musicals. With personalized feedback and practical coaching, you'll learn how to make strong acting choices on the spot, connect emotionally to the material, and deliver a compelling performance under pressure.
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Whether you're a seasoned performer looking to refine your audition approach or new to the process and eager to gain confidence, Cold Read provides a supportive space to develop your skills, take risks, and have fun. Step up, take the script, and own the audition room!
Instructor: Gavin Thomas Drew
Step into the Spotlight!:
A Musical Theatre Dance & Movement Class
Ages 13-17
​8-week course: Fridays 5:30-6:30 PM
Sept. 12 - Oct. 31, 2025
$120 per student
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Bring your performances to life with movement in Step into the Spotlight!, a high-energy musical theatre dance and staging class designed for young performers! In this class, students will learn how to integrate choreography, stage movement, and character-driven physicality into musical numbers, just like in a real production.
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Each week, participants will be staged and choreographed into songs from Broadway and beyond, developing their ability to move with confidence, tell a story through dance, and work as part of an ensemble. With a focus on musicality, expression, and stage presence, students will gain the skills to make their performances more dynamic and engaging.
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Whether you’re an experienced dancer or new to musical theatre movement, Step into the Spotlight! is the perfect place to grow, learn, and shine on stage!
Instructor: Caroline Creutz
CENTERSTAGE INTENSIVE
Mean Girls JR. Intensive
June 15-19, 2026
Registration opens April 2026
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The Centerstage Intensive is an immersive, week-long theatre experience designed for students who are eager to dive deep into the world of musical theatre. This unique program offers participants the chance to rehearse and perform a "final rehearsal hall" performance of Mean Girls JR., all in the span of one week. Throughout each day of the intensive, students will be fully immersed in the rehearsal process, learning not only their individual roles but also the essential skills of character development, stagecraft, teamwork and professionalism.
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Under the direction of local theatre artists Isabella Geller (Director/Choreographer) and Gavin Thomas Drew (Assistant Director/Music Director), students will experience the collaborative nature of putting together a staged and choreographed production. From vocal rehearsals to blocking, choreography, and character exploration, the intensive provides a comprehensive overview of what it takes to bring a musical to life on stage.
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Ages 13-17
Cost: $225
Performance Saturday June 20th at 2:00 PM
Arts United center Rehearsal Hall
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Participants will be cast in Mean Girls JR., and receive a show t-shirt, a professional headshot, and a personalized script to help them prepare. At the end of the week, students will showcase their hard work in a free, fully-staged final rehearsal performance for their friends and family—an exciting opportunity to celebrate the progress they've made throughout the intensive. Students must pack a lunch.
SHREK JR. Intensive: July 6th-10th, 2026
Registration opens April 2026
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The Centerstage Intensive is an immersive, week-long theatre experience designed for students who are eager to dive deep into the world of musical theatre. This unique program offers participants the chance to rehearse and perform a "final rehearsal hall" performance of SHREK JR., all in the span of one week. Throughout each day of the intensive, students will be fully immersed in the rehearsal process, learning not only their individual roles but also the essential skills of character development, stagecraft, teamwork and professionalism.
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Under the direction of local theatre artists Gavin Thomas Drew (Director/ Music Director) and Isabella Geller (Assistant Director/Choreographer), students will experience the collaborative nature of putting together a fully staged and choreographed production. From vocal rehearsals to blocking, choreography, and character exploration, the intensive provides a comprehensive overview of what it takes to bring a musical to life on stage.
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Ages 13-17
Cost: $225
Performance Saturday July 11th at 2:00 PM
Arts United Center Rehearsal Hall
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Participants will be cast in SHREK JR., and receive a show t-shirt, a professional headshot, and a personalized script to help them prepare. At the end of the week, students will showcase their hard work in a free, fully-staged final rehearsal performance for their friends and family—an exciting opportunity to celebrate the progress they've made throughout the intensive. Students must pack a lunch.