Experience the Arts!

We offer many ways to Experience the Arts!

Throughout the year, we provide opportunities for students to “experience” sections within our Fine Arts Department. These extracurricular workshops will inspire and ignite creativity in even our youngest artists, musicians, singers, and theatrical performers. Explore the opportunities and see what you might be interested in joining!

Experience Theatre: Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark!

(Grades 2-5)

Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs before Dark KIDS is an adaptation of the first of Mary Pope Osborne's award-winning fantasy adventure books from the Magic Tree House book series, which has sold more than 100 million copies and is available in more than 100 countries around the world. Jack and Annie’s tree house transports them back in time to the age of the dinosaurs, where the siblings courageously learn that things are not always what they seem.

Siblings, Jack and Annie, discover a tree house full of books while exploring one afternoon. Jack looks through a book about dinosaurs and wishes he could see a real one. Suddenly, the wind begins to blow, and the tree house starts to spin wildly. When it finally stops, Jack and Annie open their eyes to find they have been transported back to the time of the dinosaurs. Jack and Annie have a harrowing adventure, befriending some dinosaurs along the way as they try to make their way back home.

PRODUCTION: Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark!
GRADES: 2nd-5th
PERFORMANCE: October 18th at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
INSTRUCTORS: Josh Swenson, Lauren McDonald, Joli Stephans, Ashlyn Swenson
COST: $220

A.C.T.S. Drama Club (LS)

A.C.T.S. (Acting, Creating, Teaching, Serving) is the Lower School drama club and is open to any Lower School students in 3rd-5th grades who would like to explore drama ministry. A.C.T.S. students will all attend fun workshops once a month to learn improvisation and acting techniques (voice projection and enunciation, movement, characterization, emotion, stage directions, etc.). Drama ministry will be emphasized, so the students can learn how to use the talents that God has blessed each of them with by ministering to others. Students will select if they would like to participate in readers’ theatre, puppetry, human video, or traditional-style skits. Some students will have the opportunity to minister in chapel by performing skits and helping to set up monthly discussion questions in the classrooms; others will minister in the classrooms to reinforce the teachers’ lessons. Every student will have a chance to minister at least once during the semester. Depending upon the circumstances, skits may need to be recorded for teachers to show to their students instead of being performed live.

All students come on the first Wednesday of each month, 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m., beginning September 4th (unless emailed other dates ahead of time).

Other Wednesday rehearsals from 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m. will be determined based on participation in current skits. Sometimes we meet during afterschool carline, but only for available students.

COST: $85 each semester (plus $15 for a t-shirt if a student doesn't have one already)
INSTRUCTORS: Mrs. Jena Stephans, Mrs. Jodi Ritter
DATES: Starts September 3rd; Meets the first Wed of each month, unless emailed other dates ahead of time.

Take the Stage! An Introductory Theatre Experience

Get ready to shine! Take the Stage is a joyful and encouraging introductory theatre club designed just for Kindergarten and 1st-grade students. In this fun-filled club, young performers will build the confidence to step in front of an audience while exploring the exciting world of theatre.

Students will sing and move to upbeat musical numbers, dive into playful scene work, and use their imaginations to bring stories to life. Through creative games and group activities, we’ll nurture self-expression, teamwork, and stage presence—all in a supportive, age-appropriate setting.

Whether your child is already a little star or just beginning to find their spotlight, Take the Stage is the perfect place to start their theatre journey!

COST: $160 each semester
INSTRUCTORS: Miss Joli Stephans and Miss Amanda González
DATES: Meets on Fridays 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM; First meeting will be on August 15th.

Junior Thespian Honor Society (MS)

Register Now

The Junior Thespian Society is an honor organization for middle school students (typically grades 6–8) who show exceptional commitment and passion for theater arts. It is part of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), the same group that sponsors the International Thespian Society (ITS) for high school students.

Junior Thespians earn membership by participating in school plays, musicals, district and state festivals, accumulating a certain number of hours or "points" through performance or production work. Being inducted into the society recognizes their dedication, talent, and growth in the dramatic arts.

The program promotes creativity, leadership, collaboration, and a love for the performing arts. Junior Thespians will have opportunities to attend festivals, workshops, and competitions, where they can learn new skills and connect with peers from other schools.

It’s a great way for young theater enthusiasts to develop their craft, build confidence, and be part of a supportive and inspiring community.

Why should I join?

If you love Theatre, you will love Thespians!! We are a group that loves theatre! Are we all superstars? NOPE. Do you have to have experience? NOPE. If you are interested in learning more about acting, musical theatre, improv, or technical theatre (stage management, lights, sound, costumes, make-up), this is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people and to work with Mr. Gordon and Mrs. Gordon.

Why should I join?

If you love Theatre, you will love Thespians!! We are a group that loves theatre! Are we all superstars? NOPE. Do you have to have experience? NOPE. If you are interested in learning more about acting, musical theatre, improv, or technical theatre (stage management, lights, sound, costumes, make-up) this is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people and to work with Mr. Gordon and Mrs. Gordon.

What are the costs to join?

There is an activity fee of $120, which helps cover the program's operations costs each year. New members will have a $30 induction fee into the society. Students interested in participating in the district and state festivals will have additional fees associated with registrations and travel expenses.

When do Junior Thespians meet?

Generally, there is a monthly meeting to connect about department programming. Depending on student involvement in district and state festivals, additional rehearsals may be required. Junior thespians are also invited and expected to volunteer for Front of House positions during productions and events. There will also be performance opportunities with a Spring showcase and at Bravo! A celebration of the arts.

Middle School Improv Comedy School

Register now

Attention Middle School! Want to have a good laugh? Join us for the Improv Comedy School and learn the rules of improv while playing through fun and competitive games! Through improvisational games, students will learn about storytelling, acting techniques, active listening, and overall confidence on the stage. The Middle School Improv Comedy School will have occasional performance opportunities. They will also work closely with the High School Improv Comedy Lab.

Meets on Wednesdays at 6:50 AM

The first meeting will be on August 19th.
Performance Opportunities will be available.

COST: $160 per semester

High School Improv Comedy Lab

Register Now

TMA Improv Comedy Lab is a competing improv group. Through training in improvisation and practice playing the games, members of the lab will team up and compete over various improvised games. The audience will be the ones calling the shots, including subjects for the scenes as well as who will win and who will lose.

The lab will meet twice a week, in the morning, to stay fresh on the game catalog. There will be a certain amount of time set aside ahead of any hosted evenings to prepare the repertoire of games.
.
Meets on Wednesdays from 2:15 PM - 3:10 PM

The first meeting will be on August 21st.

PERFORMANCES:

November 6th at 7:00 PM
March 31st at 7:00 PM
May 2nd (Bravo! A Celebration of the Arts)

*Additional performances and field trips may be an option throughout the school year.

COST: $160 Per Semester

High School Thespian Honor Society

Register Now

The International Thespian Society (ITS) is an honor organization that recognizes and celebrates excellence in student achievement in theatre arts. Founded in 1929, ITS is a part of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) and serves middle and high school students who are passionate about acting, directing, stagecraft, writing, and all areas of theatre production.

Students earn membership by participating in school theatre programs and accumulating points through their contributions on stage and behind the scenes. Induction into ITS is both a recognition of their commitment and an opportunity to join a global community of young theatre artists.

ITS promotes leadership, creativity, and collaboration, offering events like Thespian Festivals, competitions, workshops, and scholarship opportunities. It fosters a lifelong appreciation for theatre and encourages students to pursue their artistic and academic goals with confidence and integrity.

In short, ITS is where young theatre-makers are honored, empowered, and inspired to thrive.

Private Lessons (US and LS)

We’re excited to offer private lessons for students looking to grow their skills with one-on-one instruction tailored to their unique goals. Whether you're preparing for an audition, working on technique, or simply want to build confidence, our private sessions provide focused support in a creative, encouraging environment.

Spots are limited, and we will do our best to accommodate as many students as possible. If we’re unable to fit you in at this time, we highly recommend reaching out to The Music Box in Winter Springs, Florida, where you'll find excellent instruction and a welcoming community of artists.

If you are interested, please feel free to reach out to one of the instructors below to check availability.

Joli Stephans
Piano/Voice Instruction
jolistephans@mastersacademy.org

Tawny Hinrichsen
Piano/Voice Instruction
tawnyhinrichsen@mastersacademy.org

Chad Roquel
Piano/Guitar/Brass/Woodwinds
chadroquel@mastersacademy.org

Lauren McDonald
Acting/Voice
laurenmcdonald@mastersacademy.org

Lower School Candlelight Choir

(Grades 2-5)

Register Now

Students in this after-school club will learn the basics of singing techniques through the rehearsal and performance of Christmas music. They will participate in the TMA Fine Arts Candlelight Performances that occur on December 5th and December 6th.

Meets Fridays, October 17th-December 5th from 3:15-4:45 PM in the TMA PAC
Students will be picked up after school by the instructor and brought to choir club. A parent must park and walk in to the PAC to sign out their child after choir club. Remaining children will be brought to aftercare 10 minutes after choir club has ended.
Additional rehearsals will be required during Candlelight Tech Week (December 1st-5th)

INSTRUCTOR: Joli Stephans
GRADES: 2nd-5th
COST: $160
DATES: October 17th - December 5th
PERFORMANCES: December 5th & 6th

Drumline

(7th-12th Grades)

Register Now

Have you ever wanted to play the drums? Come and join the TMA drumline. This club will teach you the basics of rhythm and playing techniques for snare drums, tenor drums, and bass drums. As a member of this ensemble, you can perform at games, pep rallies, and several other events around campus. We will learn how to practice basic rudiments for technique and will collaborate to play. While previous playing experience is encouraged, it is not required. Students who sign up for this club need to understand that there will be several performances that are outside the normal school day which they will be required to attend. Come and enjoy being a part of this amazing ensemble.

INSTRUCTOR: Chad Roquel
GRADES: 7th-12th
COST: $160 per semester
DATES: Fridays from 3:30PM - 4:30PM beginning August 15th. Performances at Athletic games and Concerts will be scheduled as well.

Screaming Eagles Jazz Band (7th-12th)

Register Now

Have you ever wanted to learn more about jazz music? Are you an up-and-coming musician who wants to perform at a high level as a soloist and with an ensemble?

Our Screaming Eagles jazz band is the top-performing ensemble at TMA. We will meet once a week after school for rehearsal and perform at various events and venues throughout the year. During this club, students will learn about the different styles of jazz music and how to play them on their instruments.

We will listen to famous artists as well as perform several jazz pieces. We will work on improvisation using blues, pentatonic, and chromatic scales. Students will refine their skills as they perform as individuals and as an ensemble.

This club will meet after school in the band room on Wednesdays, with an occasional after-school sectional on Thursdays. As this is a club that will perform at several venues, all members must have at least one year of playing experience (3 years for piano/guitar), be able to read medium/advanced music, and must audition with Mr. Roquel within the first full week of school.

Members of the Screaming Eagles Jazz Band/club must attend all rehearsals and performances.

INSTRUCTOR: Chad Roquel
GRADES: 7th - 12th
COST: $160 per semester
DATES: Wednesdays from 2:30pm - 4:00pm beginning on August 20th

Lower School Experience Art!

(Grades 4 & 5)

Register Now

This session of Experience Art will be for 4th-5th grade only, and will include instruction on everything from pottery basics and glazing, to painting, drawing, color theory, and sculpture building! If your child has already joined an Experience Art session, you can rest assured that this will not be an exact repeat of the projects they have already done.

DATES: Every Monday from 9/22-11/10 (8 sessions)
TIME: 3:05 PM- 4:15 PM
COST: $160 (non-refundable)
INSTRUCTOR: Savannah Sprague (Lower School Art Teacher)

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Monday, September 8

Middle School Drawing Club!

Register Now

This 6-week session of middle school art club will not be project-focused, but rather exercise-focused for those who want to improve on drawing what they see in front of them. Students will learn and grow as we do different drawing activities together that will challenge the way they see things, going back to the basics, in order to redevelop some artistic muscles.

DATES: Every Thursday from September 18th - October 23rd (6 sessions)
TIME: 3:05 PM - 4:30 PM
COST: $120 (nonrefundable)
INSTRUCTOR: Savannah Sprague

Deadline to register: Thursday, September 4th

Lower School Dance Club (Session 1)

Register Now

Lower School Dance Club, is an introductory class where participants will explore the different dance styles of Ballet, Tap & Jazz. Students will learn basic techniques and learn how to bring their techniques to life through choreography, style, and performance. Open to students K - 2nd Grade. No experience is required! Classes terms will run for 6 weeks and will culminate in a showcase performance.

DATES: Monday September 8th - Monday October 13th
SHOWCASE PERFORMANCE: Monday, October 13th at 4:15 PM
MEETING DAYS: Mondays
MEETING TIMES: 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM
GRADES: K5 - 2nd Grade
COST: $120 per semester
INSTRUCTOR: Lauren McDonald

Upper School Dance Team

The mission of the US Dance Team at TMA is to instill a great love of dance, while inspiring self-confidence, discipline and passion for the Fine Arts at TMA.

We inspire each student to strive daily for their personal best, as well as to support one another in fostering a sense of teamwork & inclusive community.

Our goal is to use the talents we have been blessed with to bring glory to God through worshipful dance. Inspired by Colossians 3:23: “And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men.”

US Dance Team will hold TRY OUTS Thursday August 14th, from 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM. All students interested MUST try out for the team. US Dance Team is geared toward students with intermediate to advanced dance experience.