The Dance and Dramatic Arts school is designed to develop talent and imagination while building confidence, self-image, and the joy of performing. We strive to inspire children, teaching students to appreciate drama as a form of communication and expression, whether they are aspiring performers or simply taking class for fun.
Our professionally trained staff follows a creative and progressive curriculum that allows students to hone their skills and grow as individuals with confidence and pride. We are proud to offer a dynamic and comprehensive theater program comprised of classes and performance opportunities for preschoolers through adults. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, the Dance and Dramatic Arts School has a class for you!
THEATRE PERFORMANCE COMPANIES:
KIDS AND YOUTH THEATRE
JCC Kids and Youth Theatre teaches acting and musical theater skills, with all students performing in a fully staged musical with sets, costumes, and lighting! All students will be cast in the show! Our performance companies offer children and teens the opportunity to shine in an environment of teamwork, with a focus on creativity and experiences that build self-confidence. Extra rehearsals will be added leading up to the show. Students in Kids and Youth Theatre will have an opportunity to take a Broadway workshop and see a Broadway show together! *additional fee for trip to NYC
Performances are open and welcome to the community!
JCC Mini Theatre
Ages: Grades K-2
Have you been bitten by the theatre bug? In this fun, introductory workshop, students will learn group numbers from Kids Theatre musicals and perform them on stage with costumes and sets. Led by a director and choreographer, this is the perfect confidence-building experience for budding performers!
Full Year: Mon 9/15–4/20, 4:15–5:00 PM
$1,000 / JCC Member
$1,250 / Guest
(Mary Poppins Jr. – performs 4/20)
Fall Semester: Mon 9/15–12/15, 4:15–5:00 PM
$525 / JCC Member
$625 / Guest
(Alice in Wonderland Jr. – performs 12/15)
JCC Kids Theatre
Ages: Grades 3-5
Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr.
Fall down the rabbit hole with Alice as she navigates the curious world of Wonderland on a journey of self-discovery. This 60-minute stage adaptation of the classic Disney animated film and the Lewis Carroll stories features all your favorite characters: the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, and more!
Full Year: Tues 9/16–4/21, 4:30–5:45 PM
$1,440 / JCC Member
$1,725 / Guest
(Includes Alice in Wonderland Jr. and Mary Poppins Jr.)
Placement Auditions: 9/16, 4:00–6:00 PM (registration must be complete by 9/15)
Performances: 12/14 at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Fall Semester: Tues 9/16–12/16, 4:30–5:45 PM
$750 / JCC Member
$900 / Guest
JCC Youth Theatre
Ages: Grades 6-8
Participation in JCC Youth Theatre is by teacher recommendations only.
Contact Jenna Mate at 201.408.1495 | jmate@jccotp.org for Youth Theatre requirements and details.
13, The Musical
Evan Goldman is plucked from his fast-paced NYC life and plopped into a sleepy Indiana town following his parents’ divorce. As the new kid, he struggles to find his place in the social scene just in time for his Bar Mitzvah. Featuring a catchy pop-rock score, 13 JR. is a hilarious and heartfelt coming-of-age story.
Full Year: Tues 9/16–5/19, 6:00–8:00 PM
$1,440 / JCC Member
$1,725 / Guest
(Includes 13, The Musical and Frozen Jr.)
Placement Auditions: 9/16, 6:00–8:00 PM (registration must be complete by 9/15)
Performances: 1/11 at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Fall Semester: Tues 9/16–1/13, 6:00–8:00 PM
$750 / JCC Member
$900 / Guest
JCC Teen Theatre
Grades: 9–12
As our most advanced group, Teen Theatre helps students refine their craft through character work, musical theater technique, storytelling, and movement. In addition to a Fall showcase, students will participate in a full Spring musical and have the opportunity to take part in competitions and Master Classes.
Fall: Showcase of scenes and songs tailored to student talents
Spring: Six, School Edition
A fierce remix of the six wives of Henry VIII, told through pop, power, and history!
Rehearsals: Tues 9/16–6/2, 7:30–9:00 PM
$1,250 / JCC Member
$1,500 / Guest
DRAMA CLASSES
Little Actors
Ages: Pre-School 4 Year Olds
In Little Actors, we stretch our imaginations and have cooperative fun! Students act out short stories and engage in activities which encourage physical and vocal expressiveness. Students build skills of confidence, communication, self-expression, language, listening, sharing and teamwork.
Wednesdays from 3:30–4:15 pm
Sep 17 – Jan 14, 2025
$395 / JCC Member
$495 / Guest
Wednesdays from 3:30–4:15 pm
Sep 17 – Jun 3, 2025
$800 / JCC Member
$995 / Guest
Musical Theatre
Students are given the opportunity to work on a variety of material from popular musical theater shows. Students will learn and implement musical theater performance techniques through scenes and songs. This class will further enhance the student’s skill in all aspects of musical theater performance. The class will culminate in a small performance for families during class time.
Introduction to Musical Theater
Ages: Grades K-2
Wednesdays from 4:15–5:00 pm
Sep 17 – Jun 3, 2025
$800 / JCC Member
$995 / Guest
Musical Theatre Workshop
Ages: Grades 3-5
Mondays from 5:00–6:00 pm
Sep 15 – Jun 1, 2025
$800 / JCC Member
$995 / Guest
Musical Theatre Workshop
Ages: Grades 6-8
Wednesdays from 5:00–5:45 pm
Sep 17 – Jun 3, 2025
$800 / JCC Member
$995 / Guest
Building Broadway
Ages: Grades 6–8
Did you ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of a show? This brand new class teaches skills in building the sets, props, and costumes that will appear in our musicals. Participants will also have the opportunity to work backstage during the shows! This class combines creativity, teamwork, and confidence for individuals who love theater, and want to participate in these essential roles.
Tuesdays from 6:00–7:15 pm
Sep 16 – Jun 2, 2025
$800 / JCC Member
$995 / Guest
Acting for Film
Ages: Grades 6–8
Do you dream of being on the silver screen? This class will teach students the art of acting on camera. Students will explore scenes from popular TV and movies, learn acting techniques, and even write and act in their own short films—shown at our year-end showcase.
Wednesdays from 6:00–7:00 pm
Sep 17 – Jun 3, 2025
$800 / JCC Member
$995 / Guest
Improv Acting
Get ready to laugh, learn and grow! In Improv Acting, students gain confidence, conquer shyness and learn new skills, while having fun! Improvisation teaches us how to develop characters, stay present in the moment, through storytelling and self-expression, while feeling creative excitement and having a lot of laughs! Students enjoy learning theatre and improv activities, scene work, and monologue. The class will culminate in a small performance for families during class time.
Introduction to Improv
Ages: Grades 3-5
Thursdays from 4:00–4:45 pm
Sep 18 – Jun 4, 2025
$800 / JCC Member
$995 / Guest
Improv Workshop
Ages: Grades 6-8
Thursdays from 5:00–6:00 pm
Sep 18 – Jun 4, 2025
$800 / JCC Member
$995 / Guest
The Power of Expression
Ages: Grades 7-12
Your voice matters. In a safe and inviting space, students will learn how to express thoughts and feelings through creative outlets such as monologues, scenes or songs. The instructor, along with a Social Work intern will provide a process for feelings to be shared and then transformed into pieces of performance art. Students will have the option to share these pieces with an audience.
Thursdays from 6:00–7:00 pm
Sep 18 – Jun 4, 2025
$800 / JCC Member
$995 / Guest
Adult Classes
Adult Play Reading
Delve into masterful works and try on different characters in this thought-provoking class. Students will read aloud plays of varying genres followed by interesting discussions. Topics of discussion may include themes, character analysis, and experiencing the world of each play.
Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00 pm
Oct 22 – Dec 10, 2025
$120 / JCC Member
$144 / Guest
Adult Improv Acting
Get ready to let loose! Learn and build your ability to respond to the unexpected. Mental Agility! In Improv everyone will gain confidence, conquer shyness and learn new valuable skills, unleash humor, while seriously having fun! Improvisation teaches us how to create NOW…on the spot. Live through storytelling and self-expression, while feeling creative excitement and having a lot of laughs! Students enjoy learning theatre and improv activities, scene work, and monologue.
Thursdays from 6:00-7:00 pm
Oct 23 – Dec 18, 2025
$120 / JCC Member
$144 / Guest
Adult Musical in Concert
A brand-new opportunity to showcase the amazing talents of adult artists in our community! Artists will experience a rehearsal process under the expertise of a director and musical director to develop a concert style musical. The performance will be held in the Eric Brown Theater with proceeds going to a meaningful charity.
Thursdays from 7:00-9:00 pm
Sept 18 – Nov 13, 2025
$300 / JCC Member
$360 / Guest
*Performances: Sat, Nov 15 at 7:30 pm; Sun, Nov 16 at 3:00 pm
Private Dance, Voice and Acting Lessons
Available to students enrolled in dance dramatic arts classes
Ages: 5-Adult
Dance: Private dance is for students who are passionate about dancing and inspired to excel in their art. It is an extension of a child’s initial dance training.
Voice: Vocal training is tailor-made to each individual singer’s needs and goals. Learn the proper vocal technique to increase vocal range and strength, create a beautiful tone and maintain a healthy voice.
Acting: For serious young actors to work on audition monologues or for scenes for films, plays and TV series.
1 hour lesson: $83 Member/$100 Guest
45-minute lesson: $70 Member/$84 Guest
30-minute lesson: $55 Member/$67 Guest
For more information about private lessons, please contact Jenna Mate at jmate@jccotp.org | 201.408.1495
Adult Dance and Drama
Early Childhood Center
JCC Dance School
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