Performing Arts Education

Fostering Creative Growth

Auburn Public Theater partners with Auburn Public Schools & community centers to provide free performing arts classes for individuals of all ages. We also offer ongoing, dynamic and affordable classes & summer camps right here at the theater in film, theater & music. Our youth programs challenge and educate our community’s children and foster creative growth through shared artistic experiences. Tuition assistance and full scholarships available!

Vision & Mission

Our classes offer an accessible, safe and inclusive space that fosters talented and motivated students to do their best and pursue their dreams. We value diversity and respect each community member and their contributions equally. Click HERE to read more about our Vision & Mission for all of our education programs.

On-Site Classes

Spring Exchange Street Records Rock Ensemble

Program Instructed by Jim VanArsdale, Mo Allyn, and Luke Mock.

ESR Spring Semester is meeting Tuesdays at 5:30pm, January 23 – April 30 at Auburn Public Theater. Songs performed at APT weekly during Open Mic Night from 7:00pm-7:30pm, followed by a culminating showcase (details TBA).

Tuition is $250, and need based scholarships are available. Please register online at the link below, or receive registration form & scholarship forms by emailing info@auburnpublictheater.org.

* Exchange Street Records Skill and Equipment Requirements

For guitar, students should be familiar with open chords (with barre chords preferred) and be able to read basic chord charts. Bring your own electric guitar, amp, tuner, and cable.

For bass, students should be familiar with basic tablature and techniques and be able to read basic song charts. Bring your own electric bass, amp, tuner, and cable.

For drums, students should be familiar with basic techniques and be able to understand basic song charts. Just bring your sticks!

For keyboards and vocals, students should be familiar with basic techniques and be able to understand basic song charts. Just bring yourself!

Elementary Musical Theater Dance Classes

Learn routines from your favorite Musicals weekly, then perform LIVE at a spring showcase! Program instructed by Maddie Anna. The class runs from January 22 through April 29 at 5:30pm-6:30pm at Auburn Public Theater.

Each class will consist of a cardio warm up which will lead into a series of stretches. After warm ups a new step will be introduced to the class, which we then integrate into across the floor movement. After our across the floor routine we’ll transition into learning a combination. There will be a new combination taught each class in various musical theatre styles. Given the broad range of dance that musicals now include, the class will not focus on strictly jazz. We will explore all styles which are represented in today’s musical theatre. This will include jazz, hip hop, modern, ballet, etc.

Materials: Jazz shoes and tight fitting, flexible clothing students feel comfortable moving in. If needed, apply for a materials kit from Auburn Public Theater’s Education Coordinator, Mo Allyn: molly@auburnpublictheater.org.

Tuition is $250, and need based scholarships are available. Please register online below, or receive registration form & scholarship forms by emailing info@auburnpublictheater.org.

Middle/High School Musical Theater Dance Classes

Learn routines from your favorite Musicals weekly, then perform LIVE at a spring showcase! Program instructed by Maddie Anna. The class runs from January 22 through April 29 at 5:30pm-6:30pm at Auburn Public Theater.

 Each class will begin with a discussion of the previous class and the current time period of musical theatre we are focusing on. Throughout the year we will progress through the time periods of musical theatre (golden age, 70’s rock, contemporary) and examine how the changing sounds, styles, and historical events affected what genres of dance were seen on and around Broadway. The beginning of class will consist of a cardio warm up which will lead into a series of stretches and strengthening exercises. After warm ups a new step will be introduced to the class, which we then integrate into across the floor movement. After our across the floor routine we’ll transition into learning a combination. There will be a new combination taught each class in various musical theatre styles. Given the broad range of dance that musicals now include, the class will not focus on strictly jazz. We will explore all styles which are represented in today’s musical theatre. This will include jazz, hip hop, modern, ballet, etc.

Materials: Jazz shoes and tight fitting, flexible clothing students feel comfortable moving in. If needed, apply for a materials kit by emailing info@auburnpublictheater.org.

Tuition is $250, and need based scholarships are available. Please register online below, or receive registration form & scholarship forms by emailing info@auburnpublictheater.org.

Please scan the QR code or click the PayPal button to pay for classes-> 

Off-Site Classes

All off-site classes are offered in partnership with Booker T. Washington Community Center’s free after school programs. All lessons and instruments are free to all students. Offsite classes continue into the summer. Click HERE to read more about Booker T. Washington’s after school programs. 

GUITAR CLUB

Guitar Club takes place in tandem with Booker T. Washington’s after school programs at Auburn Junior High School and Auburn High School.

Take home guitars are offered to students who

  • return to class several times
  • demonstrate an interest in learning the instrument
  • sign a contract committing to regular practice

FILM CLUB

Film Club takes place in tandem with Booker T. Washington’s after school programs at Casey Park Elementary, Seward Elementary, Genesee Elementary School, Auburn Junior High School, and Booker T. Washington Community Center.

Students are expected to

  • write scripts and devise their own stories
  • familiarize themselves with filmmaking equipment
  • assume responsibility for equipment

UKULELE CLUB

Ukulele Club takes place in tandem with Booker T. Washington’s after school programs at Genesee Elementary School, Seward Elementary School, Casey Park Elementary School, and the Booker T. Washington Community Center.

Take home ukuleles are offered to students who

  • return to class several times
  • demonstrate an interest in learning the instrument
  • sign a contract committing to regular practice

After School Calendar

APT educational programs are made possible through the generous support of:

The Cayuga Community Fund, The Central NY Community Foundation, The Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation, The John Ben Snow Foundation, The Nelson B. Delavan Foundation, The Mimi Fishman Foundation, The M&T Charitable Trust, The Guido and Ellen Palma Foundation, and The United Way of Cayuga County. 

Kids cinema at Auburn Public Theater
Kids cinema at Auburn Public Theater
Auburn Public Theater receiving Lyons Check
Kids in the studio at Auburn Public Theater