Cincinnati Playhouse to Offer Winter Acting Classes for Young Performers

The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park's winter acting class schedule, for young performers ages 3 to 14, offers adventures with imaginative sea creatures, wizards, zombies and contemporary musicals to engage young imaginations in creative and confidence-building ways. Designed to strengthen communication skills and develop a sense of community, the classes will focus on individual and collective skill development in a fun, supportive environment.

Children from age 3 through third grade will dive into a world of wonder with Under the Sea Adventures. Using storytelling and movement, they'll stretch their imaginations to transform into real and imagined sea creatures and discover new habitats. They'll make friends while working on motor skills, collaboration and group endeavors. Under the Sea Adventures will be offered on Saturdays from Jan. 14 through March 11 (no class Feb. 25): at 10 a.m. for ages 3 and 4 (30-minute sessions, $95); at 10:30 a.m. for kindergarten and first graders (45-minute sessions, $140); and at 11:15 a.m. for second and third graders (45-minute sessions, $140).

Fourth and fifth graders will conjure up the potions, spells and tricks that make up the magic of acting in Wizarding School, which will be offered in two different sessions. The 55-minute classes will be held at 4 p.m. Mondays from Jan. 9 through March 13 (no classes Jan. 16 or Feb. 20) and also - just added - at 9 a.m. Saturdays from Jan. 14 through March 11 (no class Feb. 25). Young performers will learn to use their voices, bodies and imaginations to cast a spell over audiences. Through improvisation and introductory acting techniques they'll discover that they have the power to transform themselves and the world around them. Cost is $160 for either session.

Zombie Apocalypse arrives for middle schoolers (grades six through eight) at 5 p.m. Mondays from Jan. 9 through March 13 (no classes Jan. 16 or Feb. 20). Students will create a fun and terrifying vision of the undead future through the use of stage makeup and combat to shape-shift into the unique inner zombies they are meant to be. The fee for the 55-minute Zombie Apocalypse sessions is $160.

The Art of Musical Theatre, geared to fifth through eighth graders, takes on Contemporary Musicals in 55-minute classes at 6 p.m. Mondays from Jan. 9 through March 13 (no classes Jan. 16 or Feb. 20; $160). Budding musical theatre students will learn introductory dance and vocal techniques that add polish and pizzazz to the catchy, can't-get-them-out-of-your-head songs from Hamilton, Matilda and Catch Me If You Can.

All classes will take place at The Playhouse, and the final day of each class will include a sharing of student work with families. To register, visit cincyplay.com or call the Box Office at 513-421-3888. Additional details and class schedules for the entire season can be found on The Playhouse website.