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Classes for Youth

Youth classes are offered in four 6-week sessions, with classes meeting once a week.

2026-2027 Youth Classes

Youth classes are offered in four 6-week sessions, with classes meeting once a week.

The planned session dates for the 2026-2027 school year are:

Class Registration

Registration opens Wednesday, July 1st.

>> Please CLICK HERE to bookmark our class registration website! <<

Middle School Year Long Class

“Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the world of theatre! This year-long ensemble course takes middle school students on a creative adventure—building performance skills, gaining stage confidence, and exploring every corner of the theatrical map. From acting and movement to voice and technical theatre, students will chart their course through hands-on, dynamic instruction.

Along the way, they’ll prepare for future auditions and discover their unique artistic voice. Families can conveniently enroll for the full year, following the regular session schedule. The journey concludes with a final destination worth celebrating: a fully staged, one-act play that showcases the talent and growth of every young performer.

Because when you travel a year to play… every stop is a chance to shine.”

Middle School Ensemble (grades 6 – 8)
Saturdays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
This course will give students performance experience and prepare students with the skills and confidence to audition for future show opportunities.  Students will learn about acting, movement, directing, and technical theatre throughout the year that will culminate in a full-length one-act play.   

Registration fee: $740 (non-refundable $50 deposit and option to pay in installments)

Join the year long class starting November 1st for $555 (non-refundable $50 deposit and an option to pay in installments until December 31st)

Session 1
September 9 – October 17

Story Drama Together (age 2 – pre K + caregiver): Imagination Station
Saturdays, 9:30 am – 10:15 am
Students step into the story as they become the characters from picture books related to the theme of imagination. Students engage the actor’s tools of body, voice and imagination to become different characters and act out stories together.

Registration fee: $100

Playmakers (grades K-2): Stories the Get Silly
Wednesdays, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Thursdays, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm, or Saturdays, 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Bring your ideas and imaginations and get ready to create an original story with your classmates! In this session, students will engage with comedy through stories that bring out our silly sides with characters and situations that make us laugh. They will collaborate to create and tell an original story and play characters that they create.

Registration fee: $135

Actor’s Toolbox (grades 3-5): Acting 101
Wednesdays, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm, Thursdays, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm, or Saturdays, 9:30 am – 10:45 am
This class is a great first stop for beginning students, and welcomes students of all experience levels. Students will engage the actor’s tools of body, voice and imagination through collaborative games and activities. Students will grow their skills in improvisation, storytelling and creating characters through different theatre activities each week.

Registration fee: $155

Middle School Ensemble (grades 6-8): Improv: Yes, And !
Saturdays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
“Get ready to think fast, laugh loud, and act on your feet! In this high-energy class, middle school students will dive into the fundamentals of improvisation—learning to create characters, scenes, and stories without a script. Through fun and fast-paced games, students will build confidence, boost creativity, and strengthen their communication and collaboration skills.

Whether they’re creating wild scenarios or reacting in the moment, students will learn the power of saying “yes, and…” as they become better performers and teammates. Perfect for beginners and budding comedians alike, this class is all about quick thinking and big fun!”

Registration fee: $185

High School Performance Skills (grades 9-12): Perfecting your 16 Bars
Saturdays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Explore and sharpen your musical theatre audition skills and make a strong impression–in just 16 bars. Students will learn how to choose the right audition cut, interpret lyrics with clarity and emotion, and deliver polished, confident performances. With focused coaching on vocal technique, acting through song, and audition preparation, this class helps students fine-tune their audition material and walk into any audition room ready to shine.

Registration fee: $185

Session 2
October 28 – December 12
(No class on November 25 – 29)

Story Drama (age 4 – Pre K): Storybook Adventures
Saturdays, 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Students explore learning key acting skills and practice the art of storytelling. Using communication skills, collaboration, and creativity, students will work as a team to create their own story based on various storybooks read in class.

Registration fee: $135

Playmakers (grades K-2): Singing Stars
Wednesdays, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Thursdays, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm, or Saturdays, 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Calling all young stars! In this fun and energetic class, students in grades K-2 will explore the joy of singing and moving together. Through lively songs, simple movement, and creative theatre activities, children will build rhythm, coordination, and confidence in a playful, supportive setting. This class is a wonderful way for young performers to discover their love for music and move while having a magical time on their feet!

Registration fee: $135

Actor’s Toolbox (grades 3-5): Broadway in Training
Wednesdays, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm, Thursdays, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm, or Saturdays, 9:30 am – 10:45 am
Step into the spotlight and let your creativity shine! In this foundational theatre class for grades 3–5, students will develop essential performance skills through focused work in singing, dancing, and imaginative storytelling. With age-appropriate instruction, young actors will learn vocal technique, basic choreography, and how to use body and voice to express character.

Emphasis is placed on skill development, creative collaboration, and building confidence on stage. By the end of the week, students will apply what they’ve learned in a final showcase that highlights their growth as young performers.

Registration fee: $155

Middle School Ensemble (grades 6-8): Broadway Bound
Saturdays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
“Get ready to sing, dance, and shine in Broadway in Training! This introduces our youngest performers to the magic of musical theater through imaginative play, movement, music, and storytelling. Campers will explore favorite songs, learn simple choreography, and play theatre games.

No previous theater experience is needed. Just bring your imagination and get ready for an adventure on the path to Broadway!”

Registration fee: $185

High School Performance Skills (grades 9-12): Scene Work: Getting the Part
Saturdays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
“Ready to elevate your acting? This high-energy class takes high school performers on a deep dive into the art of scene work. Students will sharpen their performance skills through character development, script analysis, and collaborative, partner-based scenes.

From mastering comedic timing to building dramatic tension, students will learn to listen, react authentically, and make bold, informed choices on stage. Perfect for those preparing for auditions or looking to deepen their craft, this class is all about bringing powerful scenes to life with confidence and creativity.

The spotlight’s waiting—cue the drama!”

Registration fee: $185

Session 3
January 13 – February 20

Story Drama Together (age 2 – Pre K + caregiver): Rhythms and Tales
Saturdays, 9:30 am – 10:15 am
In this lively and imaginative class, students will explore the magic of storytelling through music, rhythm, and movement. Young learners will dive into stories using their bodies, voices, songs, and DIY instruments they help create. Through beats, creative play, and collaborative exploration, students will build early drama skills, strengthen coordination and listening, and discover the joy of bringing tales to life in a playful, rhythm-filled environment where imagination takes center stage.

Registration fee: $100

Playmakers (grades K-2): Courageous Characters
Wednesdays, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Thursdays, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm, or Saturdays, 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Students will be focused on learning key acting skills and practicing the art of storytelling. Using communication skills, collaboration, and creativity, students will create their own story as an ensemble around the theme of courageous characters.

Registration fee: $135

Actor’s Toolbox (grades 3-5): Telling Tales with Puppets
Wednesdays, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm, Thursdays, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm, or Saturdays, 9:30 am – 10:45 am
Students will engage in the art of puppetry through creating different types of puppets and learning basic puppet manipulation skills. Part making, part performance, this class will engage students in creating specific characters through puppetry.

Registration fee: $155

Middle School Ensemble (grades 6-8): Creating a Play 
Saturdays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Students will learn and explore the elements of playwriting. They will use creative writing prompts and various playwriting exercises to brainstorm ideas and create captivating stories that will be the basis for their own original play.

Registration fee: $185

Stage Combat: Art of the Fight (grades 7-12)
Saturdays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Enter the world of swashbuckling stage combat! In this fun, high-energy class, students will learn the fundamentals of theatrical fighting using both the single sword—the most common weapon in stage combat—and unarmed techniques, such as punches, slaps, falls, and more. Through safe, choreographed fights, students will build skills in footwork, timing, and storytelling through movement.

Registration fee: $185

Session 4
March 10 – April 24
(No Class on March 31 – April 4)

Story Drama (age 4 – Pre K): Giggles and Grooves!
Saturdays, 9:30 am – 10:30 am
In this high-energy, joy-filled theatre class, this class is designed especially for young performers in a playful and supportive setting. Students will explore music, movement, and storytelling through games, rhythm activities, and imaginative play.

Each class encourages creativity, confidence, and teamwork as students sing, dance, and act their way through fun weekly adventures. With plenty of laughter along the way, children will build early performance skills while discovering the joy of expressing themselves on stage. In Giggles & Grooves, every giggle leads to a groove, and every groove tells a story.

Registration fee: $135

Playmakers (grades K-2): Quests and Heroes
Wednesdays, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Thursdays, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm, or Saturdays, 9:30 am – 10:30 am
“Calling all little heroes and their trusty sidekicks! This playful and imaginative drama class invites youth to step into the exciting world of superheroes, where teamwork, kindness, and creativity save the day. Through fun stories, movement, role-play, and simple dramatic activities, children will explore what it means to be a hero’s helper—using their imaginations to solve problems, work together, and build confidence. This joyful experience nurtures social skills, early communication, and creative expression in a warm, supportive environment. Perfect for curious students ready to unleash their superpowers of friendship and fun!”

Registration fee: $135

Actor’s Toolbox (grades 3-5): Page to Stage
Wednesdays, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm, Thursdays, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm, or Saturdays, 9:30 am – 10:45 am
Students will develop skills in text analysis, character development, staging a scene, and memorization. They will work collaboratively with a scene partner to bring a scene to life on stage.

Registration fee: $155

Middle School Ensemble (grades 6-8): Scene Study
Saturdays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
In this engaging and collaborative class, students will explore the fundamentals of acting through scene work. They’ll learn key skills such as text analysis, character development, blocking (staging), and memorization. Working in pairs, students will bring scenes from contemporary plays to life, building confidence, creativity, and teamwork along the way. The course culminates in a classroom performance where students showcase their work.

Registration fee: $185

High School Performance Skills (grades 9-12):Actor’s Studio
Saturdays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Students will use scenes and/or monologues to develop an approach for developing a detailed, multi-faceted character as an actor. Students will explore different ways into creating a character from the initial steps of text analysis all the way through fully embodying the character on stage.

Registration fee: $185

If you have any questions regarding setting up an account or using our registration system, please email Education@nullRaleighLittleTheatre.org. 

Scholarships

Financial assistance is available for all youth classes. Whether your household would benefit from full tuition coverage or partial assistance, we want you to have what you need. Visit our Scholarships page to learn more about the application process!

If you’d like to make a donation to our education scholarship fund, click here to donate online, designating it for the RLT Scholarship Fund.

Accessibility & Inclusion

RLT is committed to making our education programs accessible and engaging for all students. Please note any specific accommodations your student needs on the registration form when signing them up for class. RLT staff will then follow up to discuss your student’s needs and our capacity for support. Accommodations that we have experience providing include: wheelchair accessible class spaces, large print materials, setting up a visit to RLT before class begins, making fidgets available to support student listening, supporting students to take a break when needed and designing activities to accommodate sensory sensitivities or needs. If students work with a 1:1 aide, the aide is welcome to attend class alongside your student. If there is something that would make a difference for our teaching artists to know ahead of time regarding engagement and support for your student, please share it with us before class begins.

Please contact us at 919-821-4579 x 245 with any questions or concerns regarding accessibility or to discuss other ways we can ensure a positive, engaging experience for your student.

Refund Policy for Classes

All classes must be paid in full at registration.  There is a $2.49 non refundable Course Storm fee per registration. There is a refund fee of 7.75% of registration.  Refunds minus the fees ($2.49 + 7.75%), will only be made if the student officially withdraws 2 weeks before the start of a class.

Spring Break & Summer camps have a $50 deposit and $2.49 Course Storm fee per registration that are not refundable at any time.  There is a refund fee of 7.75% of registration.  Refunds, minus the $50 deposit and Course Storm fee, will only be made if the student officially withdraws 2 weeks before the start of class.  

To officially withdraw from a class or camp, please email Education@nullRaleighLittleTheatre.org.

 If you withdraw from class less than 2 weeks prior to a class or camp, there are no refunds.  But you can transfer your registration to another class or receive a credit.  This credit is in the amount of the registration fee that can be applied to a future class within a year.

If a class is canceled due to low enrollment, you will have the option to switch into another class or receive a full refund.

Open Class Visits (for Ages 2 – Pre K)

Classes for students aged 4 to Grade 2 will offer parents the opportunity to observe either the 4th or 5th class of the session to get a first-hand idea of what is going on in your child’s class. We offer an open classroom over a “performance” experience so that our youngest students can focus on the process of theatre, rather than a finished product.

End of Session Class Sharings (for Grades K-12)

Classes for Grades 3-12 end with an informal sharing of student work for family and friends. Students attend the last class at the usual time, and then we invite families to join us for the last portion of class to see their work and hear their reflections on what they’ve learned. The sharing is an opportunity for students to practice the skill of performing in front of an audience. Class sharings vary depending on the class grade and topics, and often include a showcase of favorite theatre skill building games, short scenes or monologues, or an original performance created by the students.

COVID-19 Health and Safety

You can read more about our class safety procedures here.

Masks will be optional for students, teaching artists, and teaching assistants for both indoor and outdoor classes. Masks will remain optional unless COVID-19 case numbers rise to put Wake County in the red (high) level, as defined by the CDC.  Students, teaching artists, and teaching assistants will be notified upon arrival if masks are required. Regardless of mask requirements, the refund policy still applies.

RLT’s Youth Education Program is supported by the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, as well as the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.