Education

SOLD OUT Academy Youth Theatre : Wizard of Oz Youth Edition

Register
Time: July 6 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Number of Classes/Day: Monday - Friday
End Date: July 17
Register By: June 14
Ages: 6th Grade - 8th Grade
Venue: Historic Academy Theatre
Cost: $325
Instructor: Brooke Spencer

Our middle school camp is currently sold out. If you’d like to be added to the waitlist, please email Kelli Johnson, Director of Education, at kjohnson@academycenter.org.

The cost of camp will increase to $350 on January 15, 2026, so be sure to sign your student up early — before the price goes up or the camp fills!

This exciting theatre program is open to students ages 6th Grade – 8th Grade. Everyone who registers will receive a role, and auditions will be held for specific parts. Only 40 spots are available, so don’t wait — register today!

About the Show :

The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition is a one-hour adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, specially tailored for elementary and middle school-aged actors. The materials have been prepared to help your school or organization mount the best possible production and to give your young cast and crew an exciting and rewarding experience.

L. Frank Baum’s beloved story of a young girl’s adventure in a magical land has been entertaining audiences for over a century. MGM’s blockbuster 1939 film adaptation, featuring the timeless songs of Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, along with the brilliant instrumental music of Herbert Stothart, elevated the popular novel to even greater heights. This stage adaptation, featuring the characters and celebrated songs from the film, brings the wondrous Land of Oz to life in a jubilant theatrical experience.

Join Dorothy and her loyal companion Toto as they “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” through the Land of Oz, determined to reach the Emerald City, where the great and powerful Wizard of Oz will help them get home. Of course, along the way, Dorothy encounters witches (both good and bad), Munchkins, talking trees and winged monkeys. But most importantly, she befriends three unique characters: a Scarecrow with no brain, a Tin Man with no heart, and a Lion with no “nerve.” Their journey to happiness – and self-awareness – is a glowing testament to friendship, understanding and hope in a world filled with both beauty and ugliness.

Auditions : Tuesday June 16, 5PM-8PM

Rehearsal : Monday – Friday, July 6th-17th 9:00 -4:00pm**Subject to change based on rehearsal schedule

Shows :  Friday July 17 at 7pm & Saturday July 18 at 2pm

Interested in a payment plan option please email kjohnson@academycenter.org. 

Interested in learning about scholarship opportunities and discounts? Click here to learn about our education access program.

Each student registered will receive a total of 2 free comp tickets (subject to availability).  

The following Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) are implemented in our Academy Youth Theatre programming! These standards highlight the creative process, actor preparation, and evaluation of theatrical performances. These tools are essential for producing a well-rounded and successful Youth Theatre production!

Elementary School Level
Grade 3

• 3.1: Construct and improvise individual and group performances in response to prompts.
• 3.12: Alter vocal choices and body position to express character traits.
• 3.14: Identify a rehearsal process to prepare for a performance.

Grade 4

• 4.12: Examine the impact of physical and vocal choices used to convey character traits and emotions.
• 4.14: Practice a rehearsal process to perform for a selected audience.

Grade 5

• 5.12: Use the body and voice to communicate a variety of character traits and emotions in theatre activities.
• 5.14: Rehearse and perform short scenes that include a beginning, middle, and end.

Middle School Level
Grade 6

• 6.12: Demonstrate how meaning is expressed both physically and verbally in theatre.
• 6.14: Demonstrate theatre as dramatized storytelling by preparing and presenting short scenes.

Grade 7

• 7.3: Analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatre using appropriate vocabulary.
• 7.14: Research, analyze, rehearse, and present a scripted character in a memorized scene or monologue.

Grade 8

• 8.13: Use character analysis techniques to research, develop, and present a scripted character.
• 8.14: Demonstrate the mental and physical discipline necessary for creating and maintaining an imagined reality during performance.

High School Level
Theatre Arts I:

• TI.2: Apply a creative process for theatre, including developing ideas individually and collaboratively.
• TI.3: Analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatre, including defining theatre and supporting that definition.
• TI.13: Demonstrate techniques for actor preparation, including script analysis and audition techniques.

Theatre Arts II:

• TII.12: Refine physical and vocal techniques for theatre performance, including movement, staging, and vocal projection.
• TII.14: Apply principles of directing, including script analysis, casting, and staging.

Theatre Arts III:

• TIII.3: Analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatre, critiquing acting styles and theatrical designs.
• TIII.12: Integrate acting skills and techniques involving voice and movement.

Theatre Arts IV:

• TIV.3: Analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatre, focusing on personal projects and published criticisms.
• TIV.12: Refine acting skills involving voice and movement to depict multidimensional characters.

Sponsored by:

IWT

with Education Access Program Discounts Underwritten by

Foster Fuels