The Stadium Theatre Presents
Young Actors Academy (YAA)
Click here to view the YAA Brochure!
Click here to download the YAA Registration Form!
What is YAA?
The Young Actors Academy is a 11 Week (with 11 classes with a final recital), hands on, theater experience for your child.
YAA offers budding artists the opportunity to learn about and participate in all aspects of theater. From casting, rehearsal and ultimately performance of the final production, your child will take part in it all! Students will be taught by trained theater professionals, a valuable experience which will reinforce your child's confidence while expanding their creativity and imagination.
"Even the young ones that can't read are memorizing lines! I'm just blown away with this program. The directors have so much passion and patience. My six year old daughter is learning acting! She loves this so much."
- Missy Hogan (Mother of YAA Student)
YAA is not just about acting!
Learn to Sing!
Your young actor will harness the power of their voice by singing their favorite musical theater songs! Under the guidance of trained directors, your child will learn pitch, timing and rhythm in a fun, exciting way!
Learn to Dance!
YAA students are taught how to bring the latest Broadway moves to life on our stage! Children will be taught energetic routines which will incorporate a variety of dance steps from a jazz square to a Broadway kickline!
Learn to Act!
Your child will bask in the spotlight on the Stadium’s big stage! Aspiring actors will develop their skills through the use of fun theater games, improvisation exercises, and scripted pieces combined with the careful instruction of experienced and inspiring professionals.
Class Fee: $200 ($25 sibling discount per child)
$100 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration
with payment in full due at the first day of class
Four Sessions Available!
Acting - Mondays - 4pm to 6pm - Ages 8 to 16
Recital: Charlotte's Web performed on Sunday, December 1st at 12 Noon
Class Dates: 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25
Concentration: Acting
Students will practice acting skills, including dramatic interpretation, character development and improvisation games designed to encourage creativity and self-expression. Directed by Kathleen Fortier, Executive Producer of The Encore Repertory Company and assisted by Gian DiCostanzo.
Glee Tuesdays - 4pm to 6pm - Ages 9 to 18
Recital: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra Experience by the "Wizards of Winter" on Nov. 29th, the Stadium Theatre Christmas on Nov. 30th, and the YAA Recitals on December 1st.
Class Dates: 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26
Concentration: Singing & Movement
Students will learn to combine movement with vocals, in vocal jazz and pop music performances. If your child likes “Glee” they will LOVE the YAA Glee session! Directed by Ryan DeWolfe – Music Educator at King Phillip Regional Middle School, Encore Kids Musical Director, and Stadium Kids Kamp Director.
Musical Theater Wednesdays - 4pm to 6pm - Ages 5 to 12
Recital: Babes in Toyland performed on Sunday, December 1st at 12 Noon
Class Dates: 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27
Concentration: Singing, Dancing & Acting
Students will develop and perfect their vocal and acting skills while learning dance moves. In each class, students will rehearse for the final production. Directed and choreographed by Melissa Roberts, Stadium Theatre Director, and David Kane, After-School Enrichment Program Director.
Musical Theater Saturdays - 10am to 12pm - Ages 5 to 12
Recital: Seussical performed on Sunday, December 1st at 4 PM
Class Dates: 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30
Concentration: Singing, Dancing & Acting
Students will develop and perfect their voice and acting skills while learning dance moves. In each class, students will rehearse for the final production. Directed and choreographed by Meaghan Bruneault, Instructor at the Jasper School of Dance and assisted by Gian DiCostanzo.
Director Biographies
Kathleen Halloran-Fortier is a graduate of Rhode Island College where she attended their theater program.
An avid actor since the age of 5, Kathy has played many roles including: Amaryllis in “Music Man”, Martha Cratchitt in “A Christmas Carol”, Joy in “Cinderella”, Rosie in “Bye Bye Birdie”, and as Veruca Salt in “Willy Wonka”. In addition to acting, Kathy has choreographed dance routines for many shows including: “Annie”, “High School Musical”, “Aladdin, Jr.”, “A Chorus Line” and “Grease”.
She is currently the Executive Producer of The Encore Repertory Company in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. As Executive Producer, she has overseen all aspects of numerous productions performed at the Stadium Theatre.
Ryan DeWolfe has served as a music director for numerous productions at the community theater, college and high school levels. Some of his musical directing highlights include: “Beauty and the Beast”, “ Bye, Bye Birdie”, “Cabaret”, “Guys and Dolls”, “Music Man”, “The Wizard of Oz”, and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”.
In addition to his music directing credits, Ryan has served as Director for the Stadium Theatre’s Kids Kamp, February Vacation Camp and a Musical Theatre Workshop.
Ryan currently teaches Music, General Music, and Chorus to 7th and 8th grade students in Massachusetts, and also served as the Fine Arts Department Chair and Music Director at Saint Raphael Academy for four years.
David Kane holds a BFA in Acting from Emerson College and is a founding member of New York’s newFangled Theatrer (newFangledtheatrer.org). Acting since the age of nine, David has enjoyed the experience of performing a myriad of roles. Some of his credits include: “A Tack of an Amerikan Conscience”, “The Amerikan Trip-Tik”, and an original Adaptation of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”.
In addition to acting, David has been a dedicated instructor at the Stadium Kids Kamp, helping to develop his student’s performance and acting abilities.
Melissa Roberts - Melissa Roberts is a graduate of Rhode Island College. She holds a Bachelor of the Arts in Elementary Education and Theatre. Melissa has been seen in numerous productions with the Encore Repertory Company. Her most memorable roles are Mrs. MacAfee in the production of “Bye, Bye Birdie” and Mrs. Bucket in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”.
Melissa is also a professionally trained vocalist, flautist and recreational guitarist. She is involved in the Music Ministry at St. Agatha's Church and Precious Blood Church in Woonsocket, RI. And is also the lead singer of the band, Spirit Alive.
Recently, Melissa designed and implemented an after-school drama program at Harris Elementary School, in which 44 (grades K-5) students learned about theatre, stage presence, voice projection and more in two productions written by Melissa.
Meaghan Bruneault began dancing at the age of three, and trained for many years under Arlene Golden Gilbert at The Jasper School of Dance (formerly The Dance Center). She has also received training from several notable dancers including: Roni Mahler, Art Stone, and Joe Tremaine.
In the 2009 through 2010, Meaghan was the Dance Team Choreographer for North Smithfield High School. Meaghan has choreographed several shows for The Encore Repertory Company including: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “Rent”, “Fame”, and the Encore Kid‘s production of “Beauty and the Beast”.
Currently Meaghan teaches dance at her home studio, The Jasper School, in Cumberland, RI.
Meaghan also loves to sing. She has taken vocal lessons with various private teachers. Meaghan has performed in All-State and All-New England Choruses, and has performed in over 20 musicals with the Stadium Theatre's Encore Repertory.