Create • Perform • Inspire
We are beyond excited to expand our offerings with theatre classes beginning Fall 2025! Led by accomplished theatre educator Lori Thompson, this new program brings even more of the performing arts into our community and continues our mission to foster creativity, confidence, and self-expression in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
Designed for all young artists - not just dancers - our theatre classes nurture imagination and personal growth. From acting and stage presence to movement, voice, and storytelling, students will gain the tools to shine - both on stage and in life.
Fall Session
September 26, 2025 – December 12, 2025
(No class on October 31 or November 28)
Instructor: Welcome Lori Thompson, a seasoned theatre teacher bringing decades of experience and passion for developing young performers.
Schedule: Fridays
Duration: 10-week session
Tuition: $175 for session
The Actor’s Toolbox
(Ages 7–10)
Fridays | 5:45–6:45 PM
Students will be introduced to a variety of theatre warmups and games designed to build trust and collaboration. They will explore pantomime, characterization, and improvisation, while working in partners and small groups to expand their imaginations. The session will culminate in a story drama presentation. Focus: fun, creativity, and confidence-building
Introduction to Acting
(Ages 11–14)
Fridays | 6:45–7:45 PM
This class provides students with the foundations of theatre performance through pantomime, characterization, improvisation, image theatre, and scripted scene work. Theatre warmups and games will encourage collaboration and risk-taking, leading to a final performance piece presentation. Perfect for both new and experienced actors.
THEATRE PROGRAM
LORI THOMPSON
Lori Thompson received her BA in Secondary Education from the University of Michigan Flint, Majoring in Theatre and Speech.
Lori began her teaching career in Theatre Education at Flint Youth Theater before accepting a full time position with Powers Catholic High School where she was the head of the Theater Department for seven years. Her work in teaching and directing led her to Fenton High School where she taught and directed theater for twenty years.
Lori has directed productions for Flint Community Players, Fenton Village Players, and Swartz Creek Center Stage.
Theater and Social Justice has always been a passion and platform for Lori. She brought the topic of Bullycide, Suicide due to Bullying, to the forefront with her orignal play The Bullycide Project, based on the book Bullycide in America written by Brenda High and mothers who had lost a son/daughter to Bullycide.
The Bullycide Project toured for eight years performing for various middle and high school audiences throughout the United States and Canada. The Bullycide Project performed at The Bullying Prevention Summit in Washington DC, was a Keynote Presentation at The Girls and Bullying Conferences in Atlanta, Georgia, was featured on CNN: Impact Your World and on CBS 48 Hours: If Words Could Kill.
Currently Lori is working as a Facilitator at Eli’s Place in Lansing. Eli’s Place is a healing center for grieving young adults, teens, and their families who have experienced sudden loss. Lori will guide peer to peer bereavement support groups using theater as a vehicle for healing.
She is excited to become part of the Ann Parsley School of Dance staff and in bringing the art of Theater to the APSD curriculum.
