Winter/Spring 2026 After-School Classes!

IMAGINE THE THRILL OF STARRING IN YOUR OWN SHOW!

Essex Youth Theater uses custom-written scripts that give every child an equal role in every play.
Class size is small, with lots of individual attention in a fun, friendly atmosphere that fosters self-esteem and creativity.
Plus, our multi-age classes promote one-of-a-kind friendships,
mentoring opportunities for older kids, and unique bonds not found elsewhere.

Our unique program gives every child a chance to be a STAR!

Song-optional musicals give every child their own solo song,
or they can choose not to sing! Actor’s choice!
Plus, create your own play in “Creative Dramatics”!

CLASSES:

New class added:
“CANDYLAND: A Babysitter’s Guild Adventure”
Plus:
“HAIRSPRAYED”
”GOLDEN: And the K-Pop Quest” - more classes added!
CREATIVE DRAMATICS

ages 7 and up

A one-of-a-kind experience where the students create their very own play!  A lively and energetic class with a Big Performance that highlights every child.  Each week, students’ ideas are nurtured and explored as we create our own characters and scenes. 

Plus we do improvisations, play lots of theater games, create commercials and more!  Then we perform our own original play and everyone gets an equal role! 

A fun-filled, fast-moving class with lots of variety that helps emerging young actors develop their potential.

“CREATIVE DRAMATICS” is a completely unique experience, that nurtures young actors!

 Meets Fridays: 4pm-5:30pm
Feb 27-May 15
(off 3/20, 4/3)
Recital Friday May 15 at 6pm

 TUITION $340*

 Taught by Artistic Director Janet Sales

 * add $10 Registration Fee if registering after Feb 9th

Musical (song-optional), ages 5-11

While babysitting, some older kids get more than they bargained for when their young charges get sucked into their Candyland board game. They must follow them into the game, where they and the kids navigate chocolate rivers, get stuck in the Marshmallow Marsh, and attempt to reach the Candy Castle. Fun characters like Pepper Mint, and famous rock stars
The Sugar and Spice Girls, help them along the way. A super fun adventure with great roles and a sweet story.

This song-optional musical comedy gives each student their own star-turn in the spotlight! We also do super-fun theater games that nurture creativity in a lively, positive atmosphere!

Meets Mondays: 4pm-5:30pm
March 9-May 18
(off 3/30)
Recital Monday May 18 at 6pm

 TUITION $340*

 Taught by Artistic Director Janet Sales

 * add $10 Registration Fee if registering after Feb 9th

Note: if a student prefers not to sing, that is fine too, we can omit their song.  Just let us know .

Musical (song-optional), ages 6-13

    Broadway’s smash hit!  A sparkling adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical, now with equal roles and great songs for all!  A group of friends dream of starring on the most popular teen dance show on TV. But Amber and her pals want the spotlight all to themselves. 

   Can they make it with help from Link and his friends?  They learn to shine by being their true selves and go on to realize their dreams.  A spirited bubble-gum confection filled with deliriously tuneful songs, a positive message, and great characters!

  This musical gives each student their own star-turn in the spotlight. We also do super-fun theater games that nurture creativity in a lively, positive atmosphere!

 Meets Wednesdays: 5:15-6:45pm
Feb 25-May 13 (off 3/25, 4/1)
Recital May 13 at 7:15pm

Taught by Artistic Director Janet Sales

Tuition $340*

note: If a student prefers not to sing, that is fine too, we can omit their song.  Just let us know.

* add $10 Registration Fee if registering after Feb 9th

AND THE K-POP QUEST

Musical (song-optional), ages 6-13

    After defeating Evil, some K-Pop Singing Groups are enjoying a well-deserved rest.  And ramen!  But then they find Evil has one more trick up its sleeve – extinguishing the Sun.  With their powers depleted, they must scour the Earth in search of others with un-tapped abilities. 

   They discover some Pop Stars who do not realize they have magical gifts.  Together, they must find the keys to unlocking their abilities: acceptance, self-worth, and finding the courage to be yourself.  Engaging characters and catchy melodies make this a vibrant, joyful musical, complete with real K-Pop songs!

  This musical gives each student their own star-turn in the spotlight. We also do super-fun theater games that nurture creativity in a lively, positive atmosphere!

 Meets once a week, choose from:

 Mondays: 5:15-6:45pm
March 2-May 11   (off 3/30)
Recital May 11 at 7:15pm

OR

Tuesdays: 4-5:30pm
March 10-May 19 (off 3/31)
Recital May 19 at 6pm

OR

 Tuesdays: 5:15-6:45pm
March 3-May 12  (off 3/31)
Recital May 12 at 7:15pm

 OR

 Wednesdays: 4-5:30pm
March 4-May 20  (off 3/25, 4/1)
Recital May 20 at 6pm

 OR

 Thursdays: 4-5:30pm
Feb 26-May 14   (off 3/26, 4/2)
Recital May 14 at 6pm

 Taught by Artistic Director Janet Sales

 Tuition $340*

note: If a student prefers not to sing, that is fine too, we can omit their song.  Just let us know .

 * add $10 Registration Fee if registering after Feb 9th