Classes
Year-round theatre classes for all ages and experience levels - from first-time performers to seasoned stage veterans.
School of Theatre Classes
School of Theatre (SOT) is a year-long training program that builds toward a fully staged spring production experience. This is a seamless, intentional journey designed to develop confident, skilled performers through progressive training, rehearsal preparation, and live performance.
- Year-Long Program
- Learn Foundational Theatre Technique
- Gain Hands-on Rehearsal Experience with Professional Guidance
- Develop Essential Audition & Performance Skills
- Build Stage Presence & Confidence!
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Homeschool Classes
One week. One showcase. One big theatre experience! Homeschool Theatre Intensives are five-day theatre experiences designed for homeschool students who want to spend a focused week creating, collaborating, rehearsing, and performing together. Students will explore acting, music, dance, theatre games, and ensemble work before sharing what they have created with family and friends in a Friday afternoon showcase on the Matthews Playhouse mainstage.
- Gain Experience in Acting, Music, Dance, Rehearsal, & Ensemble Work
- Showcase on the Mainstage Theatre!
- Tuition: $210 for the full five-day Intensive
- Grades 3-12 | Approx. Ages 8-18
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Private Voice Lessons
Matthews Playhouse is pleased to offer Private Voice Lessons with highly qualified instructors. Our instructors are dedicated to helping students with breath control, pitch matching, harmony, audition preparation, and coaching for musical productions. Lessons are individualized to meet each student's needs, and instructors will recommend materials as necessary.
- Personalized Instruction Tailored To Your Needs!
- Time Slots Available in 30-minute Increments
- $135 for Three 30-Minute Sessions
- Spots Available For Students AND Adults!
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Register for a Class
Registration is handled through Arts People. Choose a class and reserve your spot online.
From first-time performers to seasoned stage veterans, there is a class for every age and experience level.
School of Theatre
TK-Kindergarten
Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 pm
$800 for the year
Performs Benny and the Jett: The Musical
September 10, 2026 - January 14, 2027
1st-2nd Grade
Tuesday OR Thursday, 5:30-6:30 pm
$800 for the year
Performs Benny and the Jett: The Musical
Tuesday Track: September 8, 2026 - January 12, 2027; Thursday Track: September 10, 2026 - January 14, 2027
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3rd-5th Grade
Tuesday, Wednesday, OR Thursday, 5:30-6:30 pm
$800 for the year
Performs A Year with Frog and Toad or How to Train Your Dragon (Cast A & B)
3rd-5th Grade | HTTYD Cast A: September 8, 2026 - January 12, 2027; 3rd-5th Grade | Frog & Toad: September 9-13, 2026; 3rd-5th Grade | HTTYD Cast B: September 10, 2026 - January 14, 2027
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6th-8th Grade
Tuesday or Thursday, 7:00-9:00 pm
$800 for the year
Performs The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical | How To Train Your Dragon (Cast A or Cast B)
6th-8th Grade | Lightning Thief (Tuesday OR Thursday): September 8, 2026 - January 19, 2027; 6th-8th Grade | How To Train Your Dragon (Cast A): September 8, 2026 - January 19, 2027; 6th-8th Grade | How To Train Your Dragon (Cast B): September 10, 2026 - January 21, 2027
6th-8th Grade
Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 pm
$800 for the year
Performs She Kills Monsters
September 9, 2026 - January 20, 2027
9th-12th Grade
Tuesday or Thursday, 7:00-9:00 pm
$800 for the year
Performs The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
Tuesday section: September 8, 2026 - January 19, 2027; Thursday section: September 10, 2026 - January 21, 2027
9th-12th Grade
Wednesdays (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays once in rehearsal), 7:00-9:00 pm
$800 for the year
Performs She Kills Monsters
September 9, 2026 - January 20, 2027
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9th-12th Grade
Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 pm
$800 for the year
Fall: September 23 - November 11, 2026; Winter: January 6 - February 24, 2027
Homeschool
Grades 3-12 | Approximately Ages 8-18
Monday-Friday, 12:30-3:30 pm (December 14th-18th)
$210 for the full five-day Intensive!
Performs Homeschool Intensive Showcase
December 14-18, 2026
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Grades 3-12 | Approximately Ages 8-18
Monday-Friday, 12:30-3:30 pm (April 26th-30th)
$210 for the full five-day Intensive!
Performs Homeschool Theatre Intensive | Spring Showcase
April 26-30, 2027
Register for a Class
Registration is handled through Arts People. Choose a class and reserve your spot online.
Inside the Studio
- Small class sizes, grouped by age and experience
- Taught by working theatre artists
- Sessions run year-round, fall through summer
- No experience required to start
Register for a Class
Registration is handled through Arts People. Choose a class and reserve your spot online.
2027 School of Theatre Spring Productions
Register for a Class
Registration is handled through Arts People. Choose a class and reserve your spot online.
Everything on one calendar
Classes, shows and camps together, month by month, with the times and a way in for each.
FAQ
Enrollment, attendance, and refunds - the things families ask us most.
What is the focus of the program?
Continuous, progressive learning year-round. Some students go on to pursue theatre professionally, but the primary focus is building confidence, developing communication skills, and fostering creativity in a supportive community.
Who teaches the classes?
Professional directors, actors, choreographers, and vocal coaches who are actively working in the Charlotte theatre community. They meet students where they are on their theatre journey.
Will there be a performance at the end of the class?
Most classes are process-oriented and do not build to a formal performance. Students share what they have learned in the final session, and friends and family are invited.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Complete the financial aid form on this site, and contact us with any questions. We are committed to making theatre accessible for all.
Will I get information before the first day?
Yes. A confirmation email goes out a week before class starts, and details for the first day are emailed the business day before. Check the email address on your account.
What if my student needs to miss a class?
Let the Education Department know at education@matthewsplayhouse.com. Attendance is considered when casting the spring production, and regular absences may be taken into account as part of a student’s overall commitment to the program.
Can my student make up a missed class?
Make-up classes are difficult to arrange: teaching artist schedules are set in advance and the curriculum builds week to week. Consistent attendance gets the most out of the program.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations up to three weeks (21 days) before the start date are refunded minus a $50 administrative fee. Within three weeks of the start date no refunds are given. The $50 fee also applies to any registration change not initiated by Matthews Playhouse.
Who do I contact about enrollment or billing?
Email education@matthewsplayhouse.com or call 704-846-8343. Email gets a more thorough reply - our staff share office space and are often in class. For enrollment system problems, include a description and the time you tried to register.