Theater
bergenPAC’s theater program offers classes for all ages in the dramatic arts and musical theater as well as college and audition preparation. bergenPAC also presents audition-based theater productions throughout the year.
Beyond the joy of performing on stage, engaging in theater enhances children's creativity and self-expression, allowing them to explore their artistic talents and build confidence and poise.
The collaborative nature of musical theater encourages teamwork, communication, and cooperation, as children learn to work harmoniously to create a cohesive vision and production.
Earn College Credit!
Learn more about the Dual Enrollment Program at Bergen Community College. High school juniors and seniors can receive college credit for just $73.25 per credit plus a one-time registration fee of $15.25! Classes eligible for this opportunity include Show Chorus, Advanced Jazz Dance, Teen Acting Technique, Summer Musical, and Private Voice Lessons. These credits are transferable to many colleges in New Jersey.
Class Schedule 2024-2025
Acting & Improv for Kids
(Ages 6–9)
Acting games and age-appropriate acting technique. This class will culminate with our school wide end of year performance on the mainstage at bergenPAC.
- Monday: 5:30–6:30pm
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Thursday: 5:30–6:30pm
Acting & Improv for Preteens
Beginning and intermediate actors explore work on the stage with improvisation, monologues, and scene work. No singing required. This class will culminate with our school wide end of year performance on the mainstage at bergenPAC.
- Acting & Improv for Preteens (Ages 10–12)
- Thursdays @ 6:30-7:30
Showtime Jr: Aladdin
ABOUT SHOWTIME JR.
Students aged 7-14 embark on a year-long journey that leads to a spectacular musical performance on bergenPAC’s Taub Stage. Performers start by learning the basics of dance, acting, singing, and audition techniques to prepare to audition in mid-fall for their roles in that year's production. After being cast, students participate in weekly rehearsals while honing their acting, singing, and dance skills.
Students explore all aspects of theater production, including performance, props, costumes, make-up, and design. This experience helps build self-confidence, improve literacy, nurture empathy, encourage imagination, teamwork, critical thinking, self-discipline, and community awareness.
Additionally, students enjoy a unique opportunity to collaborate with bergenPAC’s professional technical crew, providing an invaluable experience to work alongside industry experts and deepening their understanding of the theatrical arts.
Showtime Jr. welcomes students of all skill levels and serves as an outstanding launching pad for those aspiring to pursue a professional performance career.
This year's show is: Aladdin Jr!
Performance Date: May 10th, 2025
- Tuesdays 5 to 6 pm
- Fridays 4 to 6 pm
- Saturday rehearsals TBA closer to the production date
No child interested in participating will be turned away. Financial aid scholarships are available.
Musical Theater for Kids
This hour long class consists of teaching students ages 6-9 the fundamentals of musical theater. Each class focuses on one, two, or all of the components of musical theater: acting, singing and dancing. Students learn stage directions, projection and how to embody characters through improv games, commercials and scenes. Rhythm, diction and breath support is introduced while learning group songs, and foundational dance technique is taught through warm up, across the floor exercises and group numbers. This class focuses on cultivating creativity while also providing students with foundations of the art form. Class culminates with an end of year group performance in the June show.
- Wednesdays @ 4:30-5:30
This class will culminate with our school wide end of year performance on the mainstage at bergenPAC.
Musical Theatre Pre-Teens
This hour long class consists of expanding on foundational elements of musical theater to students ages 10-12. Each class focuses on one, two, or all of the components of musical theater: acting, singing and dancing. Students explore monologues, commercials, scene work and improv games in order to dive deeper into creating characters. Solo vocal selections, duets and group numbers are worked on with an introduction into acting out songs and honing vocal technique. Dance combinations to popular musicals are introduced with warm up and across the floor exercises given to develop coordination, technique and stamina while performing. This class focuses on individuality and expression while also strengthening skills to dance, sing and act at the same time. Class culminates with an end of year group performance in the June show.
- Wednesdays @ 5:30-6:30
This class will culminate with our school wide end of year performance on the mainstage at bergenPAC.
Teen Musical Theatre
This hour long class consists of advancing knowledge of musical theater performance for students ages 13+. Each class focuses on one, two, or all of the components of musical theater: acting, singing and dancing. Students begin to develop their “book” working on contrasting monologues and vocal selections. Emphasis is placed on the acting of vocal selections and full embodiment of character. Reading music and picking up choreography quickly are also explored and continuation of improv games and scene work further develop the importance of listening and working as an ensemble. Students are challenged through more advanced group numbers to dance, sing and act at the same time and are encouraged to bring material from home or outside productions to work in class for feedback. Class culminates with an end of year group performance in the June show.
- Wednesdays @ 6:30-7:30
This class will culminate with our school wide end of year performance on the mainstage at bergenPAC.
Teen Acting Technique
Intermediate and advanced actors explore work on the stage with improvisation, monologues, and scene work. No singing required. This class will culminate with our school wide end of year performance on the mainstage at bergenPAC.
Sign up to receive college credits!
Beatbox & Poetry: Workshop
Unleash your creativity with Beatbox and Poetry! [6 week Workshop]
In this unique 6-week class for ages 8-12, kids will learn the art of beatboxing, creating beats and rhythms using just their voice, while also diving into the world of poetry. This class encourages self-expression through sound and words, blending music and spoken word into fun, powerful performances. Whether you're a natural beatmaker or a budding poet, this class will help you build confidence and have tons of fun.
Spots are limited—join the rhythm revolution today!
Attendance and Lateness
Consistent attendance is crucial to the learning process. Please call the office to inform us of all absences. Tardiness is very disruptive to the class, please make every effort to be on time.
Refunds
No refunds. Credit may be given due to prolonged illness with a medical note.