Sponsored by MTWichita.
This fall Music Theatre Wichita adds new educational offerings for little ones, and welcomes teaching artist Heidi Biever. The fall schedule includes a variety of classes for various ages, interests, and schedules. Classes will take place at the Heskett Center on Wichita State University’s campus.
In addition to teaching children through dramatic play, musical theatre has the power to create community, promote self-confidence, bolster literacy, and prepare children to successfully manage their emotions.
Visit mtwichita.org/education for a full calendar, class prices, and more details!
Musical Theater Classes for Toddlers, Kids & Teens in Wichita
Classes for Toddlers
Children ages 2-4 can get their first taste of musical theatre with “Broadway PlayTime.” Open to any parent, family member, or caretaker to participate with the child, each session will introduce film and Broadway classics and provide opportunity for structured dramatic play.
Classes for Preschoolers
Children ages 4 and up have multiple opportunities to get to know their favorite music from Broadway and Disney hits. Join the Family Madrigal with “Sing the Songs of Encanto.” Students will present these beloved and wildly popular songs as a group of storytellers. Or spend time in Arendale and “Sing the Songs of Frozen.” From “Do You Wanna Build A Snowman” to the powerful “Show Yourself,” this class is a dream come true for fans of Frozen.
A “Beginning Broadway” class for ages 4-5 is the perfect environment for children who love to sing and dance. The class will feature songs from Moana, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, and more! Each week, these young performers will have an engaging hour of singing, movement, and imaginary play.
Classes for Elementary-School Age
At the elementary-school age, students can take on a role in a real musical. Based on the animated classic, your child can star in the stage show, “Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS”. Children ages 5-11 will meet for an hour each week during this 10-week class that culminates in a performance for family and friends.
The energetic performing group “The Broadway ShowKids” will sing and dance their way through songs from musicals and films, including Annie, Aladdin, Descendants, High School Musical, Matilda, Newsies, Shrek, and more!
Young fans of the musical Hamilton can get together to learn Lin Manuel-Miranda’s Tony-winning songs. Children 8 and up have the chance to “Sing the Songs of Hamilton” with friends, celebrating the Broadway sensation kid-style!
Classes for Homeschoolers
Special sections of these classes are for Homeschoolers, or families participating in flexible virtual school programs. A homeschooling Mom of 3, Heidi understands the need for extracurricular activities that build social connections and reinforce learning happening at home.
Opportunities for Teens
Music Theatre for Young People (now under the MTWichita umbrella) will be producing “The SpongeBob Musical” with a cast of students in grades 7-12. Do you have a teen who wants to audition? Visit mtwichita.org for more information and to schedule an audition on August 27 or 28.
Want to Explore?
MTWichita is offering FREE workshops before classes begin in September. Details available at mtwichita.org/education!
Heidi is eager to explore the joys of Musical Theatre with children and families in Wichita! Raised by community-minded artistic parents, Heidi earned degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education at Indiana University, then traveled the world as leading lady in Little Shop of Horrors, Joseph…Dreamcoat, and The Sound of Music. Heidi and her husband Richard (new Musical Theatre faculty at WSU) founded a thriving children’s school for Musical Theatre in State College, PA. A huge fan of Disney and Fred Rogers, in her spare time Heidi can be found re-charging on Pixie Dust or finding kindness in the world.