With winter fast approaching and chilly days around the corner, why not warm up your child’s imagination by introducing them to the performing arts? Independent studies and research have demonstrated that a background in performing arts can help children and teens develop valuable communication and critical thinking skills, increase self-confidence, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness. Local theatres like Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts offer a variety of winter classes and programs for all skill levels, giving children (and adults too!) a chance to shine on and off stage. High-quality family-friendly productions like Scrooge! The Musical in December (pictured left) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in February promise to delight audiences of all ages.
Whether your child is an aspiring performer or a beginner discovering their talents, Matthews Playhouse offers countless ways for them to shine this winter. Here are some programs designed for children of all ages and skill levels:
Weekly Classes
Weekly classes at Matthews Playhouse are led by highly qualified instructors who challenge students to sharpen their performance skills, enhance stage presence, and build confidence.
Designed to build on material from week to week, these classes may also require some outside work to ensure steady progress and skill development.
- School of Theatre Classes- Matthews Playhouse invites young performers in grades TK-12 to unleash their creativity and build performance skills in a fun, safe, and supportive atmosphere, culminating in an end-of-session presentation for family and friends. Students who complete the School of Theatre classes this year are eligible to audition for the popular 2025 Spring School of Theatre Productions—don’t miss this chance to shine on stage! Winter School of Theatre Classes Start in December 2024!
- Homeschool Classes- Join us every Tuesday at Matthews Playhouse for an engaging Homeschool experience that serves as your one-stop destination for artistic exploration. Tailored specifically for homeschool students, these dynamic classes are designed to foster creativity, skill development, and a love for the performing arts in a supportive and inspiring environment. Winter Homeschool Classes Start in December 2024!
- Private Vocal Lessons - Matthews Playhouse proudly offers Private Voice Lessons with highly qualified instructors dedicated to helping students master breath control, pitch matching, harmony, audition preparation, and musical production coaching. Each lesson is personalized to meet individual needs, with instructors recommending materials as necessary to support progress. Private Voice Lessons are available in December, January, February, and March - must register in advance.
One-Day Workshops & Mini-Camps
Not ready to commit to weekly lessons? No problem. Here are some options to consider this winter for your child.
- Mini Camps- Matthews Playhouse One Day Mini Camps for grades K-3 and 4-6 coincide with select teacher workdays and holidays on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Union County school calendars. Each camp features themed activities focused on theater, including singing, dancing, acting, and crafting.
- NEW! Matthews Playhouse Studio Series - Introducing a new series of one-day workshops and masterclasses designed to inspire and elevate young performers in the arts. Led by industry professionals, these dynamic sessions cover diverse dance styles, acting techniques, and performance strategies, offering an enriching experience for all skill levels.
- NEW! Kids Night Out - Introducing Kids Night Out at Matthews Playhouse—a fun-filled, single-evening program for children in grades 1-5, running alongside the Friday & Saturday night performances of Scrooge! The Musical (December 2024) and Brightstar (January 2025). With dinner, PJ parties, themed activities, movies, and art, Kids Night Out provides the perfect opportunity for parents to enjoy a worry-free evening of dinner and theatre.
Winter Programs for Transitional Kindergarten & Elementary School Kids
All Winter School of Theatre & Homeschool Classes Start in early December 2024!
- Broadway Babes for TK-K Students (Meets weekly on Thursdays)
- Broadway Kids for Grades 1st -2nd (Meets weekly on Tuesdays OR Thursdays)
- Broadway Bound for Grades 3rd-5th (Meets weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, OR Thursdays)
- Musical Theatre Homeschool Classes for ages 4-6 (Meets weekly on Tuesdays)
- Art Homeschool Classes for ages 4-6 (Meets weekly on Tuesdays)
- Musical Theatre Homeschool Classes for ages 7-10 (Meets weekly on Tuesdays)
- Art, Drawing & Painting Homeschool Classes for ages 7-10 (Meets weekly on Tuesdays)
- Foundational and Advanced Voice Lessons for ages 8 and up.
- NEW! Kids Night Out for Grades 1st - 5th.
- NEW! Matthews Playhouse Studio Series - Musical Theatre Dance Workshop with Special Guest for Ages 8-12 (Monday, January 20, 2025)
- "Wizard World” Mini-Camp for Grades K - 3rd and 4th - 6th (Friday, January 24, 2025)
- “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory” Mini-Camp for Grades K - 3rd and 4th - 6th (Monday, February 17, 2025)
- “Just Dance!” Mini-Camp for Grades K - 3rd and 4th - 6th (Monday, March 31, 2025)
Winter Theatre Programs for Middle School Students
- Musical Theatre Classes for Grades 6th- 8th (Meets weekly on Tuesdays OR Thursdays).
- Acting Classes for Grades 6th- 8th (Meets weekly on Wednesdays)
- Foundational and Advanced Voice Lessons
- Musical Theatre Homeschool Classes for ages 11-15 (Meets weekly on Tuesdays)
- Art Technique Homeschool Classes for ages 11-15 (Meets weekly on Tuesdays)
- NEW! Matthews Playhouse Studio Series - Musical Theatre Dance Workshop With a VERY Special Guest (Monday, January 20, 2025)
Winter Theatre Programs for High School Students
- Acting 102 - Beginner Scene Study and Acting Techniques for Grades 9th-12th (Meets weekly on Wednesdays)
- Acting 202 - Advanced Acting Methods for Grades 10th - 12th (Meets weekly on Wednesdays)
- Musical Theatre 102- Intermediate Musical Theatre Performance for Grades 9th-12th (Meets weekly on Tuesdays)
- Musical Theatre 202 - Masterclass in Musical Theatre Performance for Grades 10th-12th (Meets weekly on Thursdays)
- Technical Theatre Stage Management & Costumes for Grades 9th-12th Grade (Meets weekly on Mondays)
- Technical Theatre - Scenic Construction & Lighting for Grades 9th-12th (Meets weekly on Wednesdays)
- Intermediate Dance Classes for 9th-12th Grade (Meets weekly on Mondays)
- Foundational and Advanced Voice Lessons
- Pre-Professional Voice Lessons
- Musical Theatre Homeschool Classes for ages 11-15 (Meets weekly on Tuesdays)
- Art Technique Homeschool Classes for ages 11-15 (Meets weekly on Tuesdays)
- NEW! Matthews Playhouse Studio Series - Musical Theatre Dance Workshop With a VERY Special Guest (Monday, January 20, 2025)
With programs for all ages, Matthews Playhouse creates a vibrant, creative community where young talents can shine, grow, and explore the world of theatre in an inspiring and supportive environment. This winter, whether through youth productions or confidence-boosting workshops, there is something for everyone to experience the magic of live performance. With classes in acting, dance, and technical theatre, Matthews Playhouse offers opportunities for every skill level—whether your child is an aspiring performer or a beginner discovering their passion for the arts. Ignite their curiosity and let their journey begin!
