Every child deserves to shine on stage, regardless of their experience level or natural ability. At Asheville Performing Arts Academy, we believe that theater education should build children up, not tear them down through harsh competition or unrealistic expectations. While some programs focus on identifying "natural talent," we focus on nurturing the unique gifts that every child possesses.

Our children's theater classes in Asheville create a supportive environment where young performers can explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills—both on and off the stage. Located in the heart of Asheville's supportive arts community, APAA has been providing exceptional theater education for over a decade, helping hundreds of children discover their artistic voice while forming lasting friendships.

The magic happens when children feel safe to take creative risks, and that's exactly what we provide.

Our Approach to Children's Theater Education

At APAA, we've built our reputation on creating a nurturing environment where every child can succeed. Unlike programs that emphasize competition and limited opportunities, we believe in meaningful participation for all students. Every child who participates in our programs receives substantial stage time and genuine character development opportunities.

Our approach focuses on growth over natural talent. We've seen shy children blossom into confident performers, and naturally outgoing kids learn the discipline and teamwork that theater demands. The skills developed through our theater classes—public speaking, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and emotional intelligence—serve students throughout their lives, whether they pursue professional theater or apply these abilities in other fields.

Professional standards with nurturing support defines our teaching philosophy. We maintain high expectations for our students while providing the encouragement and instruction they need to meet those standards. This combination produces remarkable results: polished performances that showcase genuine artistic growth.

Theater Programs by Age Group

Early Elementary (Ages 4-8)

Our youngest performers begin their theater journey with joy and wonder. Early elementary classes introduce children to the fundamental elements of storytelling through movement, voice, and imagination. Students explore character development through play, learning that every character has a story worth telling.

What young performers learn:

• Basic storytelling and narrative structure
• Movement and spatial awareness on stage
• Voice projection and clear speech
• Prop-building and hands-on creativity
• Collaboration and taking turns

These foundational classes emphasize exploration over perfection. Children discover the magic of transformation—how they can become different characters simply through imagination and commitment. Our instructors guide this exploration with patience and creativity, ensuring every child feels successful and excited about their progress.

Parent testimonials consistently highlight how even our youngest students develop better communication skills and increased confidence in social situations after participating in APAA programs.

Elementary/Middle School (Ages 8-12) - Prep Program

The Prep Program represents our foundational theater training, designed for beginning and intermediate young artists who want to dive deeper into musical theater. Students attend classes twice weekly, receiving comprehensive instruction in acting, singing, and dancing as integrated skills.

Comprehensive theater education includes:

• Scene study and script analysis appropriate for young minds
• Character development techniques that build empathy
• Stage movement and blocking fundamentals
• Basic technical theater exposure (lights, sound, costumes)
• Ensemble building and collaboration skills

Prep Program students participate in two full productions per year, allowing them to apply their classroom learning in real performance situations. These productions are fully staged with professional costumes, lighting, and sets, giving students authentic theater experience.

The community aspect of our Prep Program cannot be overstated. Children form deep friendships with peers who share their interests, creating a supportive network that often extends far beyond their APAA experience.

Middle/High School (Ages 12-18) - Company Program

Our pre-professional Company Program prepares serious young theater artists for high school, college, and potentially professional opportunities. Students must apply and audition for acceptance, ensuring a committed group ready for intensive training.

Advanced training includes:

• Professional acting techniques and method work
• Advanced voice and speech training
• Movement and stage combat basics
• Audition technique and monologue development
• Leadership opportunities within productions
• Master classes with visiting professionals

Company students participate in our nationally recognized competition team, attending the Junior Theatre Festival where they perform alongside thousands of other young artists. This experience provides invaluable exposure to the broader theater world while building confidence in high-pressure situations.

Many Company alumni have been accepted to prestigious college theater programs, including those at major universities and conservatories. Others have chosen different career paths but credit their APAA training with developing the communication and leadership skills that serve them in any field.

What Your Child Will Learn

Theater education at APAA goes far beyond stage skills. Our comprehensive approach develops the whole child, building capabilities that enhance every aspect of their lives.

Acting fundamentals form the core of our instruction. Students learn to analyze characters and situations, developing critical thinking skills through creative exploration. They discover how to use their voice and body expressively, building confidence in their ability to communicate effectively. Emotional intelligence grows as students explore different characters' motivations and feelings.

Collaboration and teamwork develop naturally through ensemble work. Theater requires students to support each other's success, creating an environment where individual achievement depends on group success. This lesson proves invaluable in academic and social situations outside the theater.

Public speaking confidence emerges as a natural byproduct of performance training. Students who might struggle with presentations at school find that their theater experience has equipped them with tools for clear communication and stage presence.

Creative problem-solving develops through both performance and technical challenges. Students learn to think on their feet, adapt to unexpected situations, and find innovative solutions—skills that translate directly to academic and professional success.

Our Professional Theater Faculty

Mary Katherine O'Donnell embodies the APAA journey, having started as a student and returned as a professional instructor. Her path from APAA student to working actor demonstrates the possibilities our program creates. With professional credits in theater, television, and film, including roles in national productions and award-winning independent films, Mary Katherine brings real-world experience to her teaching.

Her educational background includes specialized training in Fitzmaurice technique and Alexander Technique, providing students with professional-level instruction in voice and movement. Most importantly, Mary Katherine understands the APAA environment from a student's perspective, allowing her to connect with young performers in ways that purely external instructors cannot.

The entire APAA faculty consists of working professionals who are also dedicated educators. This combination ensures that students receive current industry knowledge while benefiting from teaching approaches specifically designed for young learners.

Performance Opportunities Throughout the Year

APAA students don't just take classes—they perform regularly in various settings that build experience and confidence progressively.

Mainstage productions represent our most comprehensive performance opportunities. These fully staged musicals feature professional-quality sets, costumes, lighting, and sound, giving students authentic theater experience. Every participant receives meaningful stage time and character development opportunities.

Cabarets and showcases provide lower-stakes performance opportunities where students can experiment with different material and receive feedback in supportive environments. These events often feature student-selected repertoire, allowing for personal expression within the structured learning environment.

Community outreach performances connect students with the broader Asheville community. These performances at schools, nursing homes, and community events teach students about theater as service while building real-world performance skills.

Junior Theatre Festival participation sets APAA apart from other local programs. This national competition brings together thousands of young performers from across the country, providing unparalleled exposure to the broader theater community while building lifelong memories and friendships.

Why Asheville Families Choose APAA Over Other Theater Programs

Inclusive casting philosophy means every child receives meaningful stage time and character development opportunities. While other programs may focus on identifying "stars," we focus on helping every student shine in their own way.

Professional partnerships and facilities provide authentic theater experiences. Our use of the Wortham Center for performances means students work on professional stages with proper technical support, preparing them for any theater environment they may encounter.

Long-term skill development focus distinguishes our approach from programs that prioritize short-term entertainment. We build foundational skills that serve students throughout their lives, whether they pursue professional theater or apply these abilities in other fields.

Supportive community environment creates lifelong friendships and mentorship opportunities. Older students naturally mentor younger ones, while families form connections that extend well beyond their APAA experience.

Real Stories from APAA Theater Families

"Asheville Performing Arts Academy provides not only high-quality theatre education, but also a supportive community of creative, empathetic teachers and young artists. Having watched my daughter grow and change in this program over the last 8 years, I cannot overstate its value. My daughter has learned to work hard, to support her peers, to practice gratitude, to deal with disappointment, to resist injustice, and to be brave and authentic in expressing herself." - Lyndi Hewitt

"The instructors care deeply about each student, taking the time to understand who they are, what their strengths and challenges are, and how to help them succeed in reaching their dreams and goals. The staff does an amazing job at developing a fun, exciting, collaborative, creative space where students can really feel free to express themselves." - Anastasia Bursenos

"My daughter has been a part of the Academy at Asheville Performing Arts for 10 years. More importantly, she has learned to express herself individually and artistically, which will help her become a creative problem solver! Her distinct voice will be heard! She has learned to be an effective communicator, and a team player." - Katie Locke

These testimonials reflect the transformational impact of comprehensive theater education that prioritizes both artistic excellence and personal growth.

Getting Your Child Started in Theater

No experience necessary—we welcome complete beginners and provide the foundation they need to succeed. Many of our most accomplished students started with no theater background whatsoever.

Trial class opportunities allow families to experience our teaching approach before making a commitment. We understand that choosing the right program for your child is an important decision and want you to feel confident in your choice.

What to expect in first classes: Our instructors create welcoming environments where new students can observe and gradually participate as they feel comfortable. We never force participation but provide gentle encouragement that helps shy students find their voice.

Costume and supply requirements are minimal and clearly communicated. We believe that financial barriers should never prevent children from accessing quality theater education, and we work with families to ensure all students can participate fully.

Give your child the gift of confidence, creativity, and community. Join Asheville's most supportive children's theater program and discover why families throughout Western North Carolina choose APAA for their young performers.

Call (828) 253-4000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule a trial class today.

Asheville Performing Arts Academy... where the arts come alive!