Create • Perform • Inspire
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.
Winter Session
January 9 - February 27, 2026
Instructor: Welcome Lori Thompson, a seasoned theatre teacher bringing decades of experience and passion for developing young performers.
Schedule: Fridays
Duration: 8-week session
Tuition: $126 for session
The Actor’s Toolbox
(Ages 7–10)
Fridays | 5:45–6:45 PM
Open to both new students and those continuing from the Fall Actor’s Toolbox session.
Actor’s Toolbox is a dynamic, creative class designed to introduce students to the foundational skills of acting in a fun, supportive environment. Students will be introduced to a wide variety of theatre warm-ups and ensemble-building activities that promote focus, confidence, trust, and collaboration.
Throughout the session, students will explore key acting techniques including pantomime, characterization, and improvisation. Through guided exercises, partner work, and small group collaboration, students will learn how to create believable characters, react in the moment, and use their body and voice as expressive storytelling tools.
Students will be encouraged to stretch their imaginations, take creative risks, and develop strong communication and teamwork skills. The session will conclude with a story drama presentation, allowing students to showcase what they have learned in a fun, low-pressure performance setting.
Focus: Fun, creativity, collaboration, confidence-building, and expressive performance
Musical Theatre
(Ages 8–13)
Fridays | 6:45–7:45 PM
Musical Theater is the art of storytelling through song. In this class, students will learn how to select, prepare, and perform vocal selections from well-known Broadway and musical theater productions.
Students will be guided in choosing repertoire that is appropriate for their age, vocal range, and skill level, while developing character interpretation, expressive performance, and a strong, confident stage presence.
Instruction will also include creative and effective staging and choreography, giving students a well-rounded understanding of how voice, movement, and acting work together to bring a story to life on stage.
This class is perfect for students who love to sing, act, move, and perform in a supportive, motivating environment. 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.
