A C T O U T T H E A T R E G R O U P LLC
is primarily a workshop-based youth/children's theatre focusing on theatre education and encouraging creativity, teamwork and self esteem.
ARTS & EDUCATION CENTER
We love creating theatre magic with our performers and bringing that magic to the community. Now, we are excited to broaden our offerings by adding classes and other opportunities for area children, teens and adults. Currently, we are registering students for group and private classes and lessons. Please browse through our offerings to see what might interest you.
If you have any specific questions about classes/lessons please email Dan Pittman, artistic director, at info@actouttheatre.com.
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cURRENT Class offerings
Current class dates:
Our next session of classes begins on Thursday, Sept. 21. The last day to register for classes is Wednesday, Sept.20. Classes run weekly for six weeks. Discounts are available for multiple classes or siblings.
ACT OUT LOUD
Our Act Out Loud Classes are designed especially for our youngest participants and are a great way to let children explore music and sound in a safe space.
Children are encouraged to ‘make noise’ and create movement as they learn through play in an open environment. Participants will be introduced to – and allowed to play – various instruments as they express their creativity. These activities will help teach and/or reaffirm listening skills, turn-taking, basic directions and opposites.
These classes are unique every session and may be repeated.
Ages 3 to 6 (parents of those children not yet potty-trained are asked to stay in the lobby)
Offered Sundays from 4:30 to 5 p.m.
Begins Sept. 24
Instructor: Kalen Churcher
$125 per 6-week session.
Contact the theatre at info@actouttheatre.com for more information or to register.
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STORYTELLING
Do you know someone who loves to be the center of attention or who dreams of being on stage? Maybe you know someone who's a little shy and reluctant to get involved. This may just be the class for them!
We consider this the intro-to-theatre class BEFORE the intro to theatre class. Little ones will become familiarized with the stages and parts of a theatre. They'll help to develop a character and then we'll work together to create a story, make a costume and (at the end of six weeks) perform for family and friends.
Ages 3 to 7
Offered Wednesdays from 5:10 to 5:40 p.m.
Begins Sept. 24
Instructor: Kalen Churcher
$125 per 6-week session.
Contact the theatre at info@actouttheatre.com for more information or to register
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CREATIVE WRITING FOR KIDS
Creative Writing for Kids is designed to encourage children and early teens to explore their creative side using their own words. This is a great opportunity for kiddos with vivid imaginations or for those who enjoy writing. It's also a great opportunity for young ones to practice their writing and reading skills. Our instructor has been teaching writing for more than a decade, and is eager to work with your child. **If there is something specific parents would like for us to work on, please let us know!
At the end of the six weeks, we'll put our stories together in something the kiddos can take home with them and have forever.
These classes are unique every session and are designed to be repeated.
Ages 9 to 13 (**Only six spots are available for this class)
Offered Sundays from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.
Begins Sept. 24
Instructor: Kalen Churcher
$125 per 6-week session.
Contact the theatre at info@actouttheatre.com for more information or to register
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DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
Ever look at what your director is doing and think to yourself, "I could do that!?"
Well, now is your chance!
Act Out's Director's Chair workshop first teaches what goes into directing a show and then helps you direct your own scene. Participants will learn the fundamentals of directing, including casting, set design and basic costuming. At the conclusion of the workshop, scenes will be performed.
Ages 13 through high school senior
Offered Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Begins Sept. 24
Instructor: Dan Pittman
$125 per 6-week session
Contact the theatre at info@actouttheatre.com for more information or to register.
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BASIC DRAG CAMP
Led by JUSTICE and featuring some of the area's favorite drag performers, participants will be led through song selection, make up, performance and stage presence. the six-week session culminates in a drag performance. Spots are limited! This class is for BEGINNERS and costs $175 (which includes a basic makeup kit). Camp is $125 for those repeating with their kit.
These classes are unique every session and are designed to be repeated. Students must receive approval before moving onto advanced classes.
Ages 12 through high school senior
Offered Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Begins Sept. 21
Instructor: JUSTICE
$175 per 6-week session ($125 who have already participated once and have their kit).
Contact the theatre at info@actouttheatre.com for more information or to register.
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ADVANCED DRAG CAMP
Participants must have "graduated" from Drag Camp before being allowed to register for the advanced workshop. Performers will work to improve their stage presence, build their own costumes, choreograph numbers and mix music. The workshop will also include impromptu in-class performances to encourage creativity and self-confidence.
The six-week session culminates in a drag performance. Spots are limited! This class is for ADVANCED students only.
These classes are unique every session and are designed to be repeated.
Ages 12 through high school senior
Offered Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Begins Sept. 21
Instructor: JUSTICE
$125 per 6-week session
Contact the theatre at info@actouttheatre.com for more information or to register.
PRIVATE LESSONS
In addition to group classes, we currently offer private lessons in:
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Dance
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Theatre
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Audition Prep
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Music
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Vocal Performance
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...and more!
Contact the theatre at info@actouttheatre.com for more information.
WHO WE ARE
DAN PITTMAN is the owner and artistic director of Act Out Theatre Group LLC. He has a bachelor's degree in musical theatre from DeSales University, and is a NEPTA nominated choreographer and accomplished director, and performer. He has worked at a number of community theatres throughout Luzerne and Lackawanna counties and has also served as a substitute teacher in Luzerne, Franklin and New Cumberland counties.
Although Dan spends most of his time directing and choreographing, he appeared as Santa in Act Out Theatre Group's production of The Land of Forgotten Toys in 2022. In Summer 2019, he was an ensemble/dance ensemble member of Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre's production of Beauty and the Beast. He also ran the 2017 and 2019 children and teen summer workshops at the Music Box Dinner Playhouse in Swoyersville. His 2019 workshops at the Music Box were both nominated for NEPTA awards. In summer 2023, he, along with Kalen Churcher, costumed The Wizard of Oz for the Little Theater of Wilkes-Barre's summer youth program.
At Act Out, Dan is currently directing Mean Girls, High School Edition. He is a former recipient of the NEPA Business Journal's 20 Under 40 and was also a nominee for Cultural Ambassador of the Year in 2020 and 2022. He was named a 2023 by the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce.
KALEN CHURCHER has been active in community theatre since 2014 as an actor and production staff. She is the primary costumer for Act Out Theatre Group LLC. and can most often be found directing the theatre's youngest actors and actresses.
When she is not part of the production staff, Kalen enjoys performing, and is currently rehearsing for the mystery, Murder Can Be Habit Forming, at Act Out Theatre Group. She performed as Madam de la Grande Bouche (aka the operatic Wardrobe) in Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre's 2019 production of Beauty and the Beast. She also ran Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre's summer theatre workshop in 2017 and 2019, as well as its online workshop in 2020 and 2021. Both 2017 and 2019 workshops were nominated for NEPTAs. In summer 2023, she, along with Dan Pittman costumed The Wizard of Oz for the Little Theater of Wilkes-Barre's summer youth program.
Kalenis currently directing Finding Nemo Kids and music directing Mean Girls, High School Edition. She received her PhD in mass communications from Penn State University. Kalen is a professor at Wilkes University and teaches courses in public speaking, multimedia journalism, public relations, media law and cultural studies. She also coordinates Act Out Theatre Group's educational classes.
JUSTICE is a non binary drag king currently residing in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Justice is best known for their obsession with glitter, over the top costumes, quirky numbers and live vocals. They are the 2019/2020 MR NEPA. PRIDEFEST, Mr. Pottsville Pride 2021, Lebanon Grand Divo 2021, and Mr. Queen of Beauty Pennsylvania 2021, and Mr. Act Out 2022.
When not performing, they can be found costume designing and doing photography. Outside of drag, They sit on the NEPA PRIDE scholarship committee and are the arts and entertainment co-chair for QUEER NEPA.
At Act Out, Justice most recently appeared as Havarti in Wine, Cheese and Murder in January 2022.