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.
Spring Session
April 9-May 14, 2026
Instructor: Malen Taylor
Schedule: Thursdays
Duration: 6-week session
Tuition: $100 for session
Acting & Improv: The Art of Thinking on the Spot
Ages 7-13
Thursdays | 5:30–6:30 PM
Open to all students — dancers and non-dancers welcome.
This high-energy class introduces young performers to the exciting world of acting and improvisation. Through engaging theatre games, creative exercises, and group storytelling, students will learn how to think on their feet, collaborate with others, and build confidence on stage.
Students will explore the foundations of improv including:
• The power of “Yes, And” thinking
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Creative storytelling
• Stage presence and expression
• Quick thinking and imagination
Expect plenty of laughter, creativity, and encouragement in a fun and supportive environment. Whether your child is brand new to theatre or already loves performing, this class helps students develop confidence, creativity, and communication skills that extend far beyond the stage.
Students leave not only stronger performers, but more confident individuals ready to take on everyday challenges.
THEATRE PROGRAM
MALEN TAYLOR
Malen Taylor is the Artistic Director of OLOH Players in Sterling Heights and a Resident Company Cast Member at Go Comedy in Ferndale. In addition to performing improv professionally, she is also a musical theatre performer, puppeteer, director, choreographer, and teaching artist.
Malen has toured throughout the Midwest with The Brainstormers Inspiration Factory, performing interactive improv shows for children. She also performs with The Dinner Detective Troy Company and has trained at prestigious programs including Second City Chicago and Improv Utopia East.
She has directed plays, choreographed musicals, and taught improv, puppetry, and stage combat to students ranging from children to young adults.
Malen loves helping students discover their creativity and confidence through theatre. She believes improvisation and storytelling have the power to change lives — because they changed hers.
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.
