The Future Stars
Education Program
Since 1995, The Little Theatre On The Square has been bringing theatre, dance and music education to students K-12 in Central Illinois. We teach our students a performance based theatre education centered around technique and professionalism. Our students learn from professionals in the industry and walk away from our program with professional shows they can put on their resume. We welcome all students and work to empower them to be their genuine self and give them a safe space to grow as a performer and most importantly, a human being.
*Please note that there will be no classes held April 4 - 19, 2026 for the Easter Holiday and Finding Nemo, Jr. tech time and performances.
Musical Theatre Tap - Beginner/Intermediate ($225)
Ages 14 - 18 | February 22 - May 3, 2026 | Sundays, 4:15 pm - 5:30 pm
Taught by Katie Engler
For the beginner/intermediate musical theatre tapper, you'll build a comprehensive vocabulary of basic tap terminology, learn fundamentals of tap technique with an emphasis on rhythm and musicality, and begin linking these concepts through short musical theatre tap combinations from some of your favorite Broadway musicals. Must provide your own tap shoes.
Musical Theatre Tap - Beginner ($200)
Ages 9 - 13 | February 21 - May 2, 2026 | Saturdays, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Taught by Katie Engler
Adult Beginning Tap ($165)
Ages 18+ | February 26 - April 30, 2026 | Thursdays, 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm
Taught by Katie Engler
A fun, low-stakes intro to tap class for the beginning adult tapper! You'll learn the basics of tap terminology, fundamental tap technique, and work your way to linking these concepts through a short and fun musical theatre tap combination by the end of the course. No previous tap experience required. Must provide your own tap shoes.
Musical Theatre Dance Foundations ($200)
Grades 3rd - 5th | February 23 - April 27, 2026 | Mondays, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Taught by Heather Doré Johnson
Explore the foundations of dance technique and terminology with musical theatre style combinations. We will focus on skills, musicality, coordination, character, and the movements you’ll most likely encounter in an audition or a show setting. Participants must wear jazz shoes and dress comfortably for dancing.
Musical Theatre Dance Foundations ($200)
Grades 6th - 12th | February 23 - April 27, 2026 | Mondays, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Taught by Heather Doré Johnson
Explore the foundations of dance technique and terminology with musical theatre style combinations. We will focus on skills, musicality, coordination, character, and the movements you’ll most likely encounter in an audition or a show setting. Participants must wear jazz shoes and dress comfortably for dancing
Audition Preparation & Technique ($200)
Grades 9th - 12th | February 24 - April 28, 2026 | Tuesdays, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Taught by Katie Engler & Eion Meldrum
This intensive course is designed for musical theatre aspiring professionals and will take a deep dive into the world of how to successfully audition in the industry. Each week will focus on a variety of elements such as audition preparation, audition materials, the world of the self-tape, "in the room" strategies, and a comprehensive general list of do's and dont's of audition practices. Designed for high schoolers who may be interested in taking the leap from hobby to profession, students will conclude the course with concrete materials that can be used in their future audition journeys (community, college, professional, etc).
Theatre Crafts ($200)
Grades 9th - 12th | February 25 - April 1, 2026 | Wednesdays, 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm
Taught by the LTOTS Staff
This immersive class is designed for students interested in exploring the technical side of theatre and the creative departments within. Each class will be taught by different professionals from our team who specialize in lighting design, students to the crafts of theatre, such as lighting design, sound design, properties design, costume design & sewing, stage makeup instruction, wig design, scenic design, paint instruction, and many more.
Drama Class ($175)
Grades 3rd - 5th | February 26 - April 30, 2026 | Thursdays, 4:45 pm - 5:30 pm
Taught by Heather Doré Johnson
This high energy class will introduce young actors to the creative and fun world of theatrical performance. Students will explore improvisational acting games along with facial, physical & vocal warm-ups while gaining confidence in performing in front of their peers.
Drama Class ($175)
Grades 6th - 8th | February 26 - April 30, 2026 | Thursdays, 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm
Taught by Heather Doré Johnson
Students will explore the different elements of acting through improvisational exercises and acting games, which increase confidence, quick-thinking skills, stage presence, listening abilities, eye contact, and physical and vocal exploration within their own character choice(s).
Drama Class ($175)
Grades 9th - 12th | February 26 - April 30, 2026 | Thursdays, 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm
Taught by Heather Doré Johnson
This is a performance-based class where students will build on basic acting skills. Students will have the opportunity for participation in a variety of drama activities, such as: vocal and physical warm-ups, monologues, character analysis, improvisational games and short scene work.
Voice Lessons & Private Dance Classes
Interested in taking voice lessons or Private Tap Classes? Contact Katie Engler, katie.engler@thelittletheatre.org.
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Interested in taking Private Dance Classes? Contact Heather Dore' Johnson
Meet Our Staff
We are so excited to bring working professionals to our program to work with our students. Take a look at our 2025-2026 Teaching Staff
