The Academy

What do we offer?

The Academy offers year-round multi-generational programs that build confidence, compassion, and community through creative arts. Through the exploration of stories, we develop our learners’ self-worth and empathy while nurturing their confidence and sense of responsibility. The communication and collaboration skills built through creative play also contribute to the personal success of our learners and their positive impact in their communities, both great and small.

Classes and Youth Productions

We offer learning and performing opportunities all year.

  • After-school classes: School-year training in performance and production, as well as performance opportunities
  • Summer conservatory: Multi-week performance camps

Community Outreach

We take theatre into the community and bring the community to the theatre:

  • Marion County school tours
  • Professional development workshops
  • STEAM presentations
  • Speaking engagements

Classes

We offer both on-site and remote year-round training in the theatre arts for learners ages 9-17. Group classes and private coaching are available for performing arts (acting, singing, dancing) and production. Virtual and in-person performance classes happen several times throughout the school year. In the summer, we offer two multi-week conservatory-style performance camps.

Our classes feature:

  • Professional trained teaching artists
  • Thoughtful and directed curriculum
  • Differentiated learning
  • Engagement before information
  • Practical hands-on application
    for all learners in every class
  • Opportunities to share work

Payment in full is due upon registration. There will be an additional $2 surcharge per child, per class.

For information about need-based financial aid, please call the theatre at (352) 236-2274.

Click here for the medical form and photo release:

Youth Productions

Click here for the audition form:

Teaching Artists

OCT Teaching Artists share their technical skill, passion for education, and classroom and theatre experience with our community of learners. Under the supervision of the Director of Education, Teaching Artists plan curriculum, write and implement weekly lesson plans, and provide engaging class experiences. OCT Teaching Artists also participate in continuing training and professional development.

Community Outreach

Theatre for Young Audiences

For more than a decade, OCT has brought theatre into local schools. These programs are available free of charge to all Marion County elementary public schools. They provide access to the performing arts for children in all our communities, with extra effort made to reach our underserved and at-risk youth. Our play and story selections address community concerns or needs as indicated in the previous year’s teacher/administrator evaluations. In the past, themes have included bullying and diversity.

Youth who have exposure to theatre are known to develop positive attitudes towards literacy and education. To help leverage that impact, extensive original study guides are created and distributed to each school’s teaching staff, providing pre- and post-performance activities directly connected to our Sunshine and Core Curriculum Standards for literacy and art.

 

In-School Tours

This small-cast touring company performs a one-hour play or musical on school campuses, bringing sets, costumes, and sound equipment to each site. The hour includes a talkback with cast and crew. The tour is available through the winter and spring. 

Literacy Program

Lit Light: Illuminating Storytelling combines theatrical reading, comprehension check-ins, and drama activities to personally engage elementary school-aged children with stories that help us grow. Led by professional teaching artists, the program consists of a 30-minute in-classroom presentation available any time throughout the school year.

To learn more or to book a tour, contact Administrative Assistant Janice Kirk at:
(352) 236-2851, ext. 105, or jkirk@ocalacivictheatre.com

Thank You to our Community Partners

Right Menu Icon