Alban Arts Academy
Future Artists & Performers
Several students of the Alban Arts Academy have gone on to perform locally and professionally, and have continued their arts education at the Governor’s School for the Arts and on into college as well. All of our students however, leave with a better understanding of the artform that they study and a greater appreciation and understanding of the people and world around them.
Nurturing Creativity, Building Skills
The Alban Arts Academy is a twice-yearly extra-curricular academy that has provided artistic education to the greater-metro area since 2010.
Academy classes include Acting, Improv, Musical Theatre and much more. All classes are taught by local artists, and over 1,000 students from 7 counties have traveled to St. Albans for their arts education needs.
The Alban Arts Academy Building is located at 2121 Kanawha Terrace. Conveniently situated directly across the street from St. Albans High School. The Alban Arts Center purchased this building in 2020 in an effort to grow the Alban Arts Academy and all it can offer. The Alban Arts Academy Building now houses all of classes, provides us with a working scene shop, and holds several productions each season as well.
Spring 2026 Schedule of Classes
Classes begin the week of February 23rd and meet weekly for 12 weeks.
Each class has a $25 non-refundable registration fee which is subtracted from the total tuition.
All classes cost $250 (A few have additional supply fees) and all students will receive a free Spring 26 Academy shirt if registering on or before February 22nd. T-shirts will be available to those registering after February 22nd for $20.
All registrations that are not paid in full by the first week of class will be invoiced via email. Complete payment must be made by May 1st.
There is a 10% discount when registering for 2 or more classes within the same household.
When registering you must pay the $25 non-refundable registration fee, but you can choose to pay more of your tuition by “donating” your additional chosen amount before checking out. Any remaining balance will be invoiced to you via email once the semester begins. The additional amount paid is not a donation, but is counted as payment on your tuition balance.
The final week of the semester (May 11th-14th) is the final week of Academy and all classes will have a final performance on the same night their regular class is scheduled, however class times may change to prepare for the final performance. Friends and family will be invited to attend this final performance. These performances will be free, but a suggested donation of $5 is encouraged.
- monday
- 4:30 - 5:15pm
Musical theatre is one of the most fun and popular forms of theatre today! In this class, students will learn skills that apply to all areas of musical theatre with focus on vocal technique, acting through song, and basic principles of stage performance. This course will use both modern and classical musicals to teach students to have fun on stage and feel confident in musical performances!
- monday
- 5:30 - 6:30pm
Musical theatre is one of the most fun and popular forms of theatre today! In this class, students will learn skills that apply to all areas of musical theatre with focus on vocal technique, acting through song, and basic principles of stage performance. This course will use both modern and classical musicals to teach students to have fun on stage and feel confident in musical performances!
- monday
- 6:45 – 7:45pm
Musical theatre is one of the most fun and popular forms of theatre today! In this class, students will learn skills that apply to all areas of musical theatre with focus on vocal technique, acting through song, and basic principles of stage performance. This course will use both modern and classical musicals to teach students to have fun on stage and feel confident in musical performances!
- monday
- 6:45 – 7:45pm
(6th grade – Adult) This hands-on course introduces students to the art of props design for stage productions. Learn the basics of creating, sourcing, and adapting props to support storytelling in theater. Topics include prop construction techniques, materials, safety, collaboration with directors and designers, and how to bring a script to life through objects. No prior experience needed—ideal for anyone curious about the creative world behind the scenes.
- monday
- 8:00 - 9:00pm
This class explores musical styles for students wanting to learn vocal performance to improve technique, character, and confidence. Students will create a performance-ready songbook, featuring their chosen songs and assigned pieces. The semester will culminate in a showcase performance. The vocal class aims to increase students’ confidence and passion for singing on stage.
- TUESDAY
- 5:30 - 6:30PM
Looking to develop your acting skills without a script? Our Improv 6th-12th class is designed to help students of all levels become quick-thinking, confident performers. In this class, we focus on short-form improv, where you’ll create scenes on the spot, all while learning the fundamentals of improvisation.
Through fun games, engaging activities, and group discussions, you’ll discover how and why improv works, helping you build the skills needed to think on your feet and perform confidently. Not only will you learn a valuable new skill, but you’ll also feel more comfortable in front of an audience—whether on stage or in everyday life.
Perfect for anyone looking to boost their creativity, teamwork, and stage presence, this class is a great way to have fun while building lifelong skills. Join us and start your improv journey today!
- TUESDAY
- 6:45 - 7:45PM
Whether you’re just getting started or returning to acting after a break, our Acting 9th-12th class is perfect for beginners through intermediate students. This comprehensive course covers all the stage basics and performance techniques you’ll need to succeed.
In this class, you’ll explore key aspects of acting, including movement, memorization, character development, and more. Through hands-on exercises and guided instruction, you’ll build a strong foundation in acting, improve your performance skills, and gain confidence both on and off stage.
Ideal for students who are continuing their education or looking to take the next step in their acting journey, this class offers something for everyone. Start your path to becoming a more skilled and confident actor today!
- TUESDAY
- 8:00 – 9:00pm
This class will focus on puppetry from the ground up, from concept to creation to a final performance. Students will learn not only how to bring puppet characters to life through voice and physicality, but also different methods of construction, control, and character development.
$50 SUPPLY FEE
- WEDNESDAY
- 5:30 - 6:15pm
A beginning course that introduces young artists to many different avenues of theatre including but not limited to; acting, directing, playwriting, and costuming.
- WEDNESDAY
- 5:30 – 6:30pm
Students will learn how to safely and effectively apply makeup to themselves and others. The class will begin with the basics of application, shadow, highlight, color etc. and then will progress into more advanced techniques like old age, fantasy, cuts and bruises, beard creation and more. (Supply Fee covers makeup kit that students keep).
**Additional $100
makeup supply fee**
- WEDNESDAY
- 6:45 - 7:45pm
All the world’s a stage, but how did we get there? From the tragedies of Euripides to the Comedies of Wilde and all the Shakespeare in between, we’re going to cover the Classics. Here you’ll learn what you need to understand and perform Classical Theatre (typically pre-1800).
- Wednesday
- 6:45 - 7:45PM
(6TH-8TH) This course introduces students to basic acting techniques and games while learning to explore their imaginations. Actors will gain a general appreciation for acting and live performance by learning theatre techniques and vocabulary through studying monologues and scenes. They will then begin basic script analysis and character development and apply these principles towards a showcase performance!
- WEDNESDAY
- 6:45 - 7:45pm
(6th-Adult) In this twelve week costume design course, students will embark on a journey of exploration and creation. We’ll delve into the world of fabrics, learning their unique properties and applications. Together, we’ll uncover the power of costume in character development and discover how to source unique pieces through thrifting. Students will also explore the psychological impact of colors and patterns in design. By the end of the course, students will have created a personalized tote bag for a character of their own design, honing their sewing skills and gaining hands on experience with sewing machines and applique techniques.
- WEDNESDAY
- 8:00 - 9:00pm
(3rd grade and up) A hands-on course in visual arts and stage design. Focusing on drawing, drafting, and set painting; with introductory learning in set painting techniques, and the basics of hand and power tools in set construction. They will then use their new-found skills in the practical application of creating the sets for the performance showcase. Students should be prepared for physical activity such as climbing ladders. Please have closed toe shoes, and expect to get messy with paint!
- THURSDAY
- 5:30 - 6:30pm
This class gets students comfortable on stage. We explore theatre basics: character, voice, memorization and confidence. Students will take part in a variety of acting and improv exercises to find students’ strengths and weaknesses, then work on honing those skills by working on a short play that will be presented at the end of semester showcase. **Students must be able to read. Children who are unable to read are encouraged to take Intro to Theatre or Musical Theatre**
- THURSDAY
- 5:30 - 6:30pm
This class is designed to be a continuation of Elementary Acting 1. Students will dive deeper into character development, partner work, and strengthening and developing their voice.
*Students must have taken 2 or more semesters of Elementary Acting .*
- ThurSDAY
- 6:45- 7:45pm
This class gets students comfortable on stage. We explore theatre basics: character, voice, memorization and confidence. Students will take part in a variety of acting and improv exercises to find students’ strengths and weaknesses, then work on honing those skills by working on a short play that will be presented at the end of semester showcase. **Students must be able to read. Children who are unable to read are encouraged to take Intro to Theatre or Musical Theatre**
- THURSDAY
- 6:45 - 7:45pm
(Ages 18 and up) Have you ever thought it would be fun to be on stage, but you just don’t know where to start? Or maybe you have a child that’s having all the fun on stage and you want to join the fun? Then this is the class for you! This class is intended to be a fun introductory acting class for actors that don’t quite fit the age requirements of our younger classes. We will explore topics like script analysis, finding your voice, character development, and much more!
- THURSDAY
- 8:00 - 9:00pm
(9th-Adult) Always wanted to voice act for cartoons but never knew where to start? In this class, we will learn the ins and outs of voiceover auditions, how to navigate the online voiceover space, how to dub anime, and so much more! You’ll get hands on experience with studio equipment and walk away with the knowledge of how to launch your career from the comfort of your own home.
**Students must have taken a prior acting class with at least a basic knowledge of script analysis.**
- THURSDAY
- 8:00 – 9:00pm
(6th – Adult) Did you ever watch a show without any light, or listen to a musical with no sound? Probably not, and that’s because a lighting technician lit the stage with lights, a sound technician plugged in the microphones, and you probably missed the stage crew changing the set over in the blackout as well. This class will teach students how all that theatre magic works and will focus on learning the basics of Sound, Light and backstage tech for live performances. Students will get hands-on experience with a variety of sound and lighting equipment, as well as practical stagehand experience. Students will ultimately showcase what they have learned by running lights, sound and backstage crew for multiple showcase presentations at the end of the semester.
Scholarships
The Alban Arts Academy is happy to provide Scholarships for families that may need them
Both full and partial scholarships will be awarded and will only apply to one class. Each semester the scholarship program will reopen and applicants must reapply each semester.
Scholarships will be awarded February 18th and all forms must be submitted by February 16th to qualify.
Our Instructors
Patience Deweese
Costumes and Quick Changes
Nessa Holliday
Classical Acting
Our Location
The Alban Arts Academy
2121 Kanawha Terrace St. Albans, WV 25177
