Classes

Drama

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

Pop-up Classes

  • 2026-2027 Drama Club
    2026-2027 Drama Club
    Michelle Swanson
    Drama and Theatre
    Schedule Monthly (dates TBD) from Aug 22, 2026 to May 22, 2027
    Grades 8th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 100
    Register
    Registration closes May 1, 2027

    2026-2027 Drama Club

    Schedule Monthly (dates TBD) from Aug 22, 2026 to May 22, 2027
    Grades 8th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 100

    Join us once a month for an evening of theatre, friendship, creativity, and fun! Drama Club is designed for students who love acting, storytelling, and all things theatre. Each month features a unique theatre-themed experience, giving students opportunities to perform, explore the world of theatre, and connect with fellow drama enthusiasts. *Some activities will require various fees (ticketing or providing a snack)

    2026–2027 Drama Club Schedule

    • August 22 6:00-9:00, Phillips’ Home: Back-to-School Bring-a-Friend Night
      Kick off the year with theatre games, laughter, and friends…new and old!
    • September 19 7:00-9:30 PM, Swanson’s Home: Storytelling Campfire Night
      Share stories around the campfire, spooky/funny/dramatic…eat s’mores and social time.
    • October (date TBD), University of Northwestern: Frozen
      Enjoy a group outing to see Frozen and experience live theatre together.
    • November 21 6:00-10:00, Grace Covenant: Rehearsal Night
      We’ll be entertaining our parents and/or grandparents in December…November is our time to prep.
    • December 5, 6:00-9:00, Grace Covenant: Dessert Theatre
      Perform, serve & enjoy treats, and celebrate the Christmas season with an evening of performance and fellowship.
    • Spring Semester dates to follow

    Whether you're a seasoned performer or simply curious about theatre, Drama Club is a welcoming place to learn, grow, and have fun with friends who share your passion for the performing arts.

    Instructor

    Michelle Swanson
    Michelle Swanson
    Drama and Theatre

    Michelle Swanson is a theatre director, producer, and arts leader with extensive experience in production management, stage management, technical theatre, and arts education. Her background includes directing and producing educational theatre, as well as scriptwriting, songwriting, and performance, with experience spanning theatre, jazz ensembles, a nationwide touring band, recording projects, and worship leadership. She holds a bachelor's degree in Vocal Music with an emphasis in Vocal Jazz.
    Michelle currently serves as a Producer at Grace Church Eden Prairie and works as a producer and show caller for live events throughout the Twin Cities. She also teaches theatre, serves as Production Manager and Director with Twin Cities Homeschoolers for the Arts, and works in the theatre department at St. Paul Academy.
    Passionate about developing young artists, Michelle is dedicated to helping students grow both on stage and behind the scenes while creating meaningful theatrical experiences that inspire creativity, confidence, and collaboration.
    Michelle lives in Lakeville, Minnesota, with her husband, David, where she homeschooled their five children, three of whom have now graduated. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, playing Catan, and taking (and posting) photos of her dogs, Archie and Romie.

Fall 2026 Semester

Classes for this semester (unless otherwise noted) are held at South Suburban Church in Apple Valley on Wednesdays from Aug 26, 2026 to Dec 2, 2026 except for Nov 25, 2026.

Classes

  • Fairy Tale Theatre
    Fairy Tale Theatre
    Michelle Swanson
    Drama and Theatre
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 26, 2026 to Dec 2, 2026
    Grades K - 2nd
    Tuition Fee 187
    Register
    Registration closes Aug 26, 2026

    Fairy Tale Theatre

    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 26, 2026 to Dec 2, 2026
    Class Times
    Grades K - 2nd
    Tuition Fee 187

    Step into a world of magic, adventure, and imagination! In this playful and engaging class, young actors will explore beloved fairy tales while learning the basics of performing on stage.

    Students will bring classic stories to life through creative movement, voice, and character work. Along the way, they’ll build confidence, practice teamwork, and discover how to use their bodies and voices to tell stories. Each class is filled with games, storytelling, and hands on acting activities designed for young theatre students..

    By the end of the session, students will be ready to share their favorite fairy tales in a fun, low-pressure performance for family and friends!

    Instructor

    Michelle Swanson
    Michelle Swanson
    Drama and Theatre

    Michelle Swanson is a theatre director, producer, and arts leader with extensive experience in production management, stage management, technical theatre, and arts education. Her background includes directing and producing educational theatre, as well as scriptwriting, songwriting, and performance, with experience spanning theatre, jazz ensembles, a nationwide touring band, recording projects, and worship leadership. She holds a bachelor's degree in Vocal Music with an emphasis in Vocal Jazz.
    Michelle currently serves as a Producer at Grace Church Eden Prairie and works as a producer and show caller for live events throughout the Twin Cities. She also teaches theatre, serves as Production Manager and Director with Twin Cities Homeschoolers for the Arts, and works in the theatre department at St. Paul Academy.
    Passionate about developing young artists, Michelle is dedicated to helping students grow both on stage and behind the scenes while creating meaningful theatrical experiences that inspire creativity, confidence, and collaboration.
    Michelle lives in Lakeville, Minnesota, with her husband, David, where she homeschooled their five children, three of whom have now graduated. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, playing Catan, and taking (and posting) photos of her dogs, Archie and Romie.

  • Elementary Musical Theatre
    Elementary Musical Theatre
    Dylan Sauder
    Choir, Drama, and Theatre
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 26, 2026 to Dec 2, 2026
    Grades 2nd - 6th
    Tuition Fee 200
    Register
    Registration closes Aug 26, 2026

    Elementary Musical Theatre

    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 26, 2026 to Dec 2, 2026
    Class Times
    Grades 2nd - 6th
    Tuition Fee 200

    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, Drama, and Theatre

    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!

  • Take the Stage
    Take the Stage
    Michelle Swanson
    Drama and Theatre
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 26, 2026 to Dec 2, 2026
    Grades 3rd - 6th
    Tuition Fee 182
    Register
    Registration closes Aug 26, 2026

    Take the Stage

    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 26, 2026 to Dec 2, 2026
    Class Times
    Grades 3rd - 6th
    Tuition Fee 182

    In this acting class, students will dive deeper into the world of theatre as they rehearse and perform a short play (title to be announced).

    Actors will build skills in character development, stage movement, voice projection, and working as an ensemble. Through fun warm-ups, theatre games, and guided rehearsals, students will grow in confidence while learning what it takes to bring a full story to life.

    This class is perfect for both beginners and returning students who are ready for a structured rehearsal process and the excitement of performance. The session will culminate in a presentation of the play for family and friends.

    Instructor

    Michelle Swanson
    Michelle Swanson
    Drama and Theatre

    Michelle Swanson is a theatre director, producer, and arts leader with extensive experience in production management, stage management, technical theatre, and arts education. Her background includes directing and producing educational theatre, as well as scriptwriting, songwriting, and performance, with experience spanning theatre, jazz ensembles, a nationwide touring band, recording projects, and worship leadership. She holds a bachelor's degree in Vocal Music with an emphasis in Vocal Jazz.
    Michelle currently serves as a Producer at Grace Church Eden Prairie and works as a producer and show caller for live events throughout the Twin Cities. She also teaches theatre, serves as Production Manager and Director with Twin Cities Homeschoolers for the Arts, and works in the theatre department at St. Paul Academy.
    Passionate about developing young artists, Michelle is dedicated to helping students grow both on stage and behind the scenes while creating meaningful theatrical experiences that inspire creativity, confidence, and collaboration.
    Michelle lives in Lakeville, Minnesota, with her husband, David, where she homeschooled their five children, three of whom have now graduated. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, playing Catan, and taking (and posting) photos of her dogs, Archie and Romie.

  • The Puppet Project
    The Puppet Project
    Michelle Swanson
    Drama and Theatre
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 26, 2026 to Dec 2, 2026
    Grades 7th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 207
    Register
    Registration closes Aug 26, 2026

    The Puppet Project

    The Puppet Project
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Aug 26, 2026 to Dec 2, 2026
    Class Times
    Grades 7th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 207

    In this collaborative, creativity driven class for grades 7–12, students will bring stories to life through the art of puppetry. From the first spark of an idea to final performance, participants will work together to create original stories, design and build puppets, and develop engaging characters.

    Students will explore storytelling, voice, movement, and basic performance techniques while learning how to communicate clearly and connect with an audience. The class will culminate in a special performance (or performances) for elementary-aged students, giving participants the opportunity to share their creativity and bring joy to a younger audience.

    This is a perfect class for students who love acting, storytelling, art, or simply creating something meaningful as part of a team.

    *The tuition includes a $20 supply fee to cover materials.

    Instructor

    Michelle Swanson
    Michelle Swanson
    Drama and Theatre

    Michelle Swanson is a theatre director, producer, and arts leader with extensive experience in production management, stage management, technical theatre, and arts education. Her background includes directing and producing educational theatre, as well as scriptwriting, songwriting, and performance, with experience spanning theatre, jazz ensembles, a nationwide touring band, recording projects, and worship leadership. She holds a bachelor's degree in Vocal Music with an emphasis in Vocal Jazz.
    Michelle currently serves as a Producer at Grace Church Eden Prairie and works as a producer and show caller for live events throughout the Twin Cities. She also teaches theatre, serves as Production Manager and Director with Twin Cities Homeschoolers for the Arts, and works in the theatre department at St. Paul Academy.
    Passionate about developing young artists, Michelle is dedicated to helping students grow both on stage and behind the scenes while creating meaningful theatrical experiences that inspire creativity, confidence, and collaboration.
    Michelle lives in Lakeville, Minnesota, with her husband, David, where she homeschooled their five children, three of whom have now graduated. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, playing Catan, and taking (and posting) photos of her dogs, Archie and Romie.