(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Registration is now open for Algonquin Arts Theatre's Fall 2026 Performing Arts Academy, featuring 12 classes designed to help young performers build their theatrical skills, confidence and creativity. The 10-week fall session begins Wednesday, September 9, with additional classes starting the week of September 14.
Classes are available for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and include instruction in musical theatre, acting, improvisation, choreography, singing, stage combat, puppetry and theatrical storytelling.
This fall's curriculum includes returning favorites such as Musical Theatre, Acting & Improv, Storybook Theatre and Singing for the Stage, along with distinctive offerings such as Shakespeare Unleashed: Stage Combat, Just Role with It: Theatre in Gaming, Props & Puppetry and Contemporary Musical Theatre.
"Arts education gives young people a place to practice skills that extend far beyond the stage, including communication, collaboration, creative problem-solving and the confidence to share their ideas," said Chris Strangfeld, Director of Education at Algonquin Arts Theatre. "Each of our classes is designed to provide meaningful, age-appropriate training while encouraging students to take creative risks, support one another and discover their own artistic voices. Whether a student is stepping into a theatre class for the first time or continuing to develop their craft, we want them to feel challenged, welcomed and inspired."
For more information or to sign up click here or call 732-528-9224.
FALL 2026 PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY SCHEDULE
MONDAYS
September 14–November 16
Musical Theatre
Grades K–3
Mondays, 4:15–5:15 p.m.
Instructors: Jen Eagan and John Short
Tuition: $200
Shakespeare Unleashed: Stage Combat
Grades 8–12
Mondays, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Instructor: John Short
Tuition: $200
Storybook Theatre
Grades K–3
Mondays, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Instructor: Jen Eagan
Tuition: $200
TUESDAYS
September 15–November 17
Musical Theatre: Choreography
Grades 4–7
Tuesdays, 4:15–5:15 p.m.
Instructor: Brenden Kortenhaus
Tuition: $200
Musical Theatre: Choreography
Grades 8–12
Tuesdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Instructor: Brenden Kortenhaus
Tuition: $200
WEDNESDAYS
September 9–November 18
No class September 16
Acting & Improv
Grades 4–7
Wednesdays, 4:15–5:15 p.m.
Instructor: Nick D'Ambrosia
Tuition: $200
Acting & Improv
Grades K–3
Wednesdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Instructor: Tyler Cicardo
Tuition: $200
Just Role with It: Theatre in Gaming
Grades 6–12
Wednesdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Instructors: Nick D'Ambrosia and Lili Salt
Tuition: $200
THURSDAYS
September 17–November 19
Musical Theatre
Grades 4–7
Thursdays, 4:15–5:15 p.m.
Instructors: Jordan Polefka and Chris Strangfeld
Tuition: $200
Props & Puppetry
Grades 6–12
Thursdays, 4:15–5:15 p.m.
Instructors: Joe Ficarra and Patt Giblin
Tuition: $200
Contemporary Musical Theatre
Grades 8–12
Thursdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Instructor: Patt Giblin
Tuition: $200
Singing for the Stage
Grades K–3
Thursdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Instructor: Jordan Polefka
Tuition: $200
All classes meet once a week for 10 weeks. Space is limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged.
To view the complete schedule and register, click here.
The Performing Arts Academy at Algonquin Arts Theatre offers school-age students fun and enriching opportunities to learn and practice performing arts skills in a studio setting with professional teaching artists. Classes grounded in acting, singing, dancing, improvisation and theatrical design help students develop valuable creative, interdisciplinary and social skills that benefit them both on and off the stage.
Need-based assistance, including discounts and payment plans, may be available. For additional information, contact Chris Strangfeld at [email protected].
ALGONQUIN ARTS THEATRE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit center for the performing arts, providing cultural enrichment and arts education for residents and visitors of Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore through high-quality programs in theatre, music, dance and film.
Located in Manasquan, New Jersey, Algonquin Arts Theatre is an integral part of the Shore region, offering broad access to arts experiences across multiple disciplines. Deeply committed to education, the theatre serves students of all ages through arts instruction and the unique communal conversation that exists between audience member and performer.
A journeyman house, Algonquin Arts Theatre features the work of young and emerging artists, designers and directors alongside seasoned professionals. The theatre provides a platform for local and regional performers to showcase their work while offering audiences opportunities to engage directly and personally with the arts.
Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the New Jersey Department of State and a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is also provided by the PNC Foundation, Manasquan Bank, Sunnyside Manor, the Dodge Foundation, the Provident Bank Foundation, the Horizon Foundation of New Jersey and the generosity of other businesses and patrons.
