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.
Spring 2026 Classes
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Acting Through Song and Genres
Ages 18+
8-week course: Mondays 5:30-6:30 PM
April 6 – May 25
$125 per student
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This adult masterclass focuses on strengthening performance through song using a coached, workshop-style format. Participants will perform selections and receive individualized feedback in front of the group, creating a collaborative learning experience for performers as they sing and observe others. The class explores acting through song across a variety of musical theatre genres, examining how style influences character, storytelling, and vocal choices. Emphasis is placed on clear intention, emotional connection, and truthful performance.
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Rolin Mains will serve as music director and collaborative pianist, working alongside participants to support musical interpretation and genre-specific approach.
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Instructors
Rolin Mains
Gavin Thomas Drew
Movement & Choreography for Musical Theatre
Ages 18+
8-week course: Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 PM
April 8 – May 27
$125 per student
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This adult movement and choreography class is designed to help performers build confidence and speed in learning choreography.
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Taught by Eric Smead and Capri Parrish Williams, who are both choreographing in the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre’s 99th season, the class focuses on picking up movement quickly while exploring a variety of musical theatre styles and songs from the upcoming season and beyond. Participants will work on musicality, clarity, adaptability, and performance quality in a supportive, fast-paced environment that mirrors the audition room. This class is an excellent opportunity to refine movement skills, stay audition-ready, and get valuable face time with choreographers you may work with during the season. Perfect for performers of all movement backgrounds who want to sharpen their skills and feel more prepared walking into auditions.
Instructors
Capri Parrish Williams
Eric Smead
Beginner Tap for Musical Theatre
Ages 13-17
8-week course: Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm
April 9 – May 28
$125 per student
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This class is a friendly, low-pressure introduction to tap specifically designed for musical theatre students who have never tapped before. Students will learn basic tap steps, rhythms, and vocabulary at an approachable pace. The focus is on musicality, coordination, and building confidence while connecting tap skills to performance and storytelling onstage. Each class includes a warm-up, simple rhythm exercises, and short combinations inspired by Broadway shows. This class is ideal for students who want to try tap for the first time and begin building their musical theatre skill set.
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*Each student will need to provide their own tap shoes. Any tap shoes will do, preferably not heels*
Instructor
Elle Mettert
CENTERSTAGE INTENSIVES
Mean Girls JR. Intensive
June 15-19, 2026
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 6-10, 2026​
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.