Classes

Drama

TCHA offers several drama classes each semester for a variety of ages ranging from Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Pop-up Classes

  • Drama Club
    Drama Club
    Michelle Swanson
    Drama
    Schedule Monthly (dates TBD) from Sep 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025
    Grades 8th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 65
    Register
    Registration closes Dec 1, 2024

    Drama Club

    Drama Club
    Schedule Monthly (dates TBD) from Sep 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025
    Grades 8th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 65

    The Drama Club will meet once a month from September to May, offering a diverse range of activities aimed at igniting passion for theater, story-telling, characterization, and performance. From attending local shows to engaging in table reads, karaoke/master class nights, character-themed evenings, and other fun-filled drama events, students will explore various facets of dramatic arts.

    There will be additional (optional) expenses periodically for field trips.

    Instructor

    Michelle Swanson
    Michelle Swanson
    Drama

    Michelle Swanson found her passion for music and the stage as a young child. The flame for performance flourished as she grew, adding piano, organ, trumpet, guitar, dance, and theatre to choral and solo singing. This led to a BA in Music Performance with an emphasis on vocal jazz, touring as a lead vocalist in her band, and collaborating with various artists on recordings and professional jingles. She spent several years as a worship director, leading bands, choirs, and vocalists in a variety of church settings. After becoming a mom, she has dedicated the bulk of her adult life to home-educating her five amazing children.
    Michelle's passion for the arts led her to embrace production management, stagecraft, and theatre arts. Since 2022, she has been the Production Manager for TCHA, where she oversees a range of productions. She now serves as Artistic Director within TCHA, curating and shepherding the theatrical process of our theatre productions. Additionally, Michelle works as the Chapel Producer at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, blending her expertise in production with her commitment to fostering creativity and excellence.
    Based in Lakeville with her husband David, children, and Archie the dog, in her down time, you’ll find Michelle traveling with her family, playing Dutch Blitz, or watching classic TV late at night. Michelle is devoted to empowering students in the fine arts. She provides opportunities for students to shine on stage and master behind the scenes production elements, seeking a bright future for the next generation of artists and professionals in our homeschool community.

Fall 2024 Semester

Classes for this semester (unless otherwise noted) are held at South Suburban Church in Apple Valley on Wednesdays from Aug 28, 2024 to Dec 4, 2024 except for Nov 27, 2024.

Classes

  • Adventures with Bluey and Peter Pan
    Adventures with Bluey and Peter Pan
    Michelle Swanson
    Drama
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 28, 2024 to Dec 4, 2024
    Grades K - 3rd
    Tuition Fee 172

    Adventures with Bluey and Peter Pan

    Adventures with Bluey and Peter Pan
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 28, 2024 to Dec 4, 2024
    Class Times
    Grades K - 3rd
    Tuition Fee 172

    This creative play class invites K-3 grade students on a magical journey through two beloved worlds. In the first half of the semester, inspired by the playful antics of the animated series “Bluey,” students will engage in imaginative storytelling, interactive games, and stage movement centered around the adventures of Bluey and her family. The second half of the semester will transition to the timeless tale of “Peter Pan.” Students will soar to Neverland, exploring themes of adventure, friendship, and imagination. Through dramatic play, role-playing activities, and collaborative storytelling, students will bring the enchanting characters and settings of both Bluey and Peter Pan to life, fostering creativity, confidence, and a love for storytelling along the way.

    Instructor

    Michelle Swanson
    Michelle Swanson
    Drama

    Michelle Swanson found her passion for music and the stage as a young child. The flame for performance flourished as she grew, adding piano, organ, trumpet, guitar, dance, and theatre to choral and solo singing. This led to a BA in Music Performance with an emphasis on vocal jazz, touring as a lead vocalist in her band, and collaborating with various artists on recordings and professional jingles. She spent several years as a worship director, leading bands, choirs, and vocalists in a variety of church settings. After becoming a mom, she has dedicated the bulk of her adult life to home-educating her five amazing children.
    Michelle's passion for the arts led her to embrace production management, stagecraft, and theatre arts. Since 2022, she has been the Production Manager for TCHA, where she oversees a range of productions. She now serves as Artistic Director within TCHA, curating and shepherding the theatrical process of our theatre productions. Additionally, Michelle works as the Chapel Producer at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, blending her expertise in production with her commitment to fostering creativity and excellence.
    Based in Lakeville with her husband David, children, and Archie the dog, in her down time, you’ll find Michelle traveling with her family, playing Dutch Blitz, or watching classic TV late at night. Michelle is devoted to empowering students in the fine arts. She provides opportunities for students to shine on stage and master behind the scenes production elements, seeking a bright future for the next generation of artists and professionals in our homeschool community.

  • Elementary Musical Theatre
    Elementary Musical Theatre
    Dylan Sauder
    Choir and Drama
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 28, 2024 to Dec 4, 2024
    Grades 2nd - 6th
    Tuition Fee 187

    Elementary Musical Theatre

    Elementary Musical Theatre
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 28, 2024 to Dec 4, 2024
    Class Times
    Grades 2nd - 6th
    Tuition Fee 187

    Calling all aspiring performers! Come actively explore your dramatic side as you sing, dance, and act in a variety of musical theater songs, theater games, and other creative activities. Be ready to sing, move, imagine, create…and have fun!

    Instructor

    Dylan Sauder
    Dylan Sauder
    Choir and Drama

    Dylan Sauder is a Twin Cities music educator and performer. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education in Vocal and Classroom Music from University of Northwestern-St. Paul, as well as a major in Bible and a Spanish minor. While much of his teaching experience has been PK-8th grade General Music, he has also taught choir for grades 4-12, beginning band and strings, piano and voice lessons, and musical theater classes, in addition to music directing and choreographing several elementary and middle school musicals.

    When not teaching, Dylan enjoys performing, especially on-stage in musical theater productions and singing in any number of genres. In his free time, he enjoys being outside in nature, spending time with friends and family, reading, and traveling. He is so excited to create and explore with the elementary singers of TCHA this school year!

  • Storytelling: An Art, A Science, A Gift
    Storytelling: An Art, A Science, A Gift
    Michaela Leist
    Drama and Theatre
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 28, 2024 to Dec 4, 2024
    Grades 7th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 192

    Storytelling: An Art, A Science, A Gift

    Storytelling: An Art, A Science, A Gift
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 28, 2024 to Dec 4, 2024
    Class Times
    Grades 7th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 192

    What makes a good story?

    A happy ending? A tragic circumstance that makes you empathize with the characters? A mystery you have no clue how it will ever be solved?!

    There is no limit to the possibilities when it comes to telling a story. Stories have changed the world from the very beginning and continue to be one of the most powerful things God has given us. Whether the stories are from our imaginations or lived experiences, laughter, tears, wonder, pain, and so much more can all be drawn out from a simple story.

    We will explore the relational and analytical components of storytelling, effective methods to captivate an audience, and dive into well-known stories that can inspire us in our craft.

    In this course, students will bring their own authentic stories to life with this course ending in a culminating storytelling experience with an invited audience. (And there may be treats involved...)

    Instructor

    Michaela Leist
    Michaela Leist
    Drama and Theatre

    Michaela Leist has been directing theatre productions since 2018 and working with students in various capacities since 2014. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a Youth Ministries minor from North Central University in Minneapolis. Michaela has always had an excitement for helping others have an ‘aha!’ moment where they learn something new and she loves a good creative setting. She likes working with students (especially TCHA students!) because of how vibrantly they live life. She and her husband enjoy many different hobbies like long-distance running, roasting coffee, or embarking on whatever entrepreneurial endeavors are on their horizon! Having come from a line of teachers, she’s thrilled to utilize her question-asking skills in an educational setting and honor all the educators who have imparted wisdom to her over the decades.

  • Improvabet: Short Form Comedy Improv Essentials
    Improvabet: Short Form Comedy Improv Essentials
    Andie Moore
    Drama
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 28, 2024 to Dec 4, 2024
    Grades 7th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 185

    Improvabet: Short Form Comedy Improv Essentials

    Improvabet: Short Form Comedy Improv Essentials
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 28, 2024 to Dec 4, 2024
    Class Times
    Grades 7th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 185

    Each class we will learn the fundamentals of improv comedy and games. We will take a letter of the alphabet to focus on one aspect of improv skills, play and learn a correlating short form game. Come and see how learning and mastering even the basics of improv can help you in your acting, public speaking, but also your every day life.

    Instructor

    Andie Moore
    Andie Moore
    Drama

    Andie Moore has been involved in the Improv Community for the last nine years. She has performed with various teams across the Twin Cities. She loves nothing more than to make people laugh. She also has acted onstage and commercially. She has worked in Youth Ministry for the last 24 years and Middle/High Schoolers are her jam! This is her first year working for TCHA and is new to the homeschooling community. She is excited to share her love of acting and improv with students.

  • Stage Management Essentials
    Stage Management Essentials
    Michelle Swanson
    Drama
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 28, 2024 to Dec 4, 2024
    Grades 8th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 172

    Stage Management Essentials

    Stage Management Essentials
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 28, 2024 to Dec 4, 2024
    Class Times
    Grades 8th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 172

    Stage Management Essentials offers students a foundational understanding of the vital role of stage management in theatrical productions. Through focused instruction and hands-on activities, students will learn the fundamental skills required to effectively manage rehearsals and backstage operations, and run smooth performances. This course provides an ideal starting point for aspiring stage managers or anyone interested in gaining insight into the behind-the scenes aspects of theatre production.

    Instructor

    Michelle Swanson
    Michelle Swanson
    Drama

    Michelle Swanson found her passion for music and the stage as a young child. The flame for performance flourished as she grew, adding piano, organ, trumpet, guitar, dance, and theatre to choral and solo singing. This led to a BA in Music Performance with an emphasis on vocal jazz, touring as a lead vocalist in her band, and collaborating with various artists on recordings and professional jingles. She spent several years as a worship director, leading bands, choirs, and vocalists in a variety of church settings. After becoming a mom, she has dedicated the bulk of her adult life to home-educating her five amazing children.
    Michelle's passion for the arts led her to embrace production management, stagecraft, and theatre arts. Since 2022, she has been the Production Manager for TCHA, where she oversees a range of productions. She now serves as Artistic Director within TCHA, curating and shepherding the theatrical process of our theatre productions. Additionally, Michelle works as the Chapel Producer at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, blending her expertise in production with her commitment to fostering creativity and excellence.
    Based in Lakeville with her husband David, children, and Archie the dog, in her down time, you’ll find Michelle traveling with her family, playing Dutch Blitz, or watching classic TV late at night. Michelle is devoted to empowering students in the fine arts. She provides opportunities for students to shine on stage and master behind the scenes production elements, seeking a bright future for the next generation of artists and professionals in our homeschool community.