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.
Summer 2023 Classes

MUSICAL THEATER CAMP: INTO THE WOODS
Tuition: $250
Into the Woods camp is taught by Kristan Sheppard. Classes are from July 10-14 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Students will perform a showcase on Thursday, July 13. They will go to see the play done at the Rev on Friday, July 14.
This class is perfect for
- students grades 3 and up
- are excited about singing and acting
- no prior experience necessary
Before & aftercare available on request.
FILM CAMP: MUSIC VIDEO
Tuition: $150
Film Camp: Music Video is taught by Carmen Liberatore and Teddy Brill. Classes are from July 17-21 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Students will have a showcase on Friday, July 21 at 7:00PM.
This class is perfect for
- students grades 6 and up
- students who are excited to learn more about film theory
- no prior experience necessary
Before & aftercare available on request.
FILM CAMP: NARRATIVE FILM
Tuition: $150
Film Camp: Narrative Film is taught by Carmen Liberatore and Teddy Brill. Classes are from July 31-August 4 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Students will have a showcase on Friday, August 4 at 7:00PM.
This class is perfect for
- students grades 6 and up
- students who are excited to learn more about film theory
- no prior experience necessary
Before & aftercare available on request.
EXCHANGE STREET RECORDS: ROCK BAND WEEK
Tuition: $150
Exchange Street Records: Rock Band Week is taught by Jim Van Arsdale. Classes are from July 17-21 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Students will perform a showcase on Friday, July 21 at 7:00PM. This class will feature Ashley “Slim” Stevenson as a guest teacher.
This class is perfect for
- students grades 6 and up
- some prior experience in music
- are excited about collaborating with other young musicians
Before & aftercare available on request.
DJ Camp
Tuition: $150
Exchange Street Records: DJ Week is taught by DJ Bella J. Classes are from July 24-28 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Students will perform a showcase on Friday, July 28 at 1:00PM.
This class is perfect for
- students grades 3 and up
- no prior experience in music required, but a passion for music is!
- students who are excited about collaborating with other young musicians
Before & aftercare available on request.
MUSICAL THEATER CAMP: BEAUTIFUL
Tuition: $250
Beautiful Theater Camp is taught by Kristan Sheppard. Classes are from August 7-11. Students will perform a showcase on Thursday, August 10. They will go to see the play done at the Rev on Friday August 11.
This class is perfect for
- students grades 3 and up
- are excited about singing and acting
- no prior experience necessary
Before & aftercare available on request.
On-Site Classes

Exchange Street Records
ESR Spring Semester is meeting Tuesdays at 5:30pm, January 18 – May 9. Sessions will conclude each week with a 7:30 performance at APT’s Open Mic.
Class will be offered at a pay-what-you-can rate.
* 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!
ELECTRONIC SIGN UP FORM BELOW
If you have any questions about the program, reach out to molly@auburnpublictheater.org.
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
May After School Calendar

APT educational programs are made possible through the generous support of:
The Allyn Foundation, The Cayuga Community Fund, The Central NY Community Foundation, The Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation, The John Ben Snow Foundation, The Kiwanis Club of Auburn, The Nelson B. Delavan Foundation, Lyons National Bank, J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc., The Mimi Fishman Foundation, The M&T Charitable Trust, NYSCA, The Guido and Ellen Palma Foundation, SKARTS Skaneateles Area Arts Council, Wegmans, and The United Way of Cayuga County.



