Center Stage Academy
OUR PROGRAM
The Center for the Arts offers youth arts education programming through our Center Stage Academy (CSA). CSA is committed to maintaining the utmost ethical, technical, and artistic standards of excellence. All of our instructors are highly qualified teachers and performers who strive to inspire and serve as outstanding role models for the children in our community. CSA’s after-school classes run year-round, offering Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer sessions. Each eight-week session is uniquely themed and culminates in a fabulous showcase where students can display the skills they’ve learned for their friends and family.
In addition to our classes, CSA also offers main stage Broadway-style musicals several times throughout the year, catering to youth ages 8-18. Being part of a cast is another way CSA’s artistic leaders teach and train the youth. With weekly rehearsals and performances, CSA participants experience all aspects of live production. CSA is a fun and exciting way to study and experience the performing arts!
Center Stage Academy Classes
Introducing
Center Stage Academy Company
The Center Stage Academy is thrilled to announce that starting in the 2025-2026 school year we will hold auditions for an elite group of young actors to be a part of our Center Stage Academy Company. This group of 6th-12th grade A-List performers will be featured in two mainstage productions throughout the school year. Our Center Stage Academy Company is an experience that will prepare our young performers for their collegiate and professional careers. Students will work alongside seasoned veterans from our CFTA adult performers to create outstanding performances. If you are looking for the next step in your students’ onstage journey, this is for you.
After School Classes
Elementary One : Grades K-1
Elementary One
Grades: K-1
Cost: $250
Class Dates:
January 14 – February 11
Tuesday/ Thursday @ 3:30-4:20pm
Performance Dates: February 12 @ 4pm
Our Elementary One Performers program is a creative drama experience, using play to teach the basics of being onstage. Our K-1 students can expect games, songs, creative movement, dance, and performance basics culminating in an end of camp showcase.
Instructor:
CAT GLIDWELL
Cat Glidwell was born and raised in Nashville and has lived in Murfreesboro for most of her adult life. She has been pursuing her love of theatre for over 26 years. She is classically trained in Shakespeare from Oglethorpe University and Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and has earned a certificate in theatre management from NYU. She is no stranger to the Center for the Arts stage, currently working on her 7th main stage production. With 9 years of teaching experience, she is thrilled to be spending her summer blending her love of theatre with her love of education!
Annie, JR. (Musical) : Grades 2-12
Annie, Jr. (Musical)
Production Class
Grades: 2-12
Cost: $395
Class Dates:
January 13 – March 19
Monday/ Wednesday @ 4:00-6:00pm
Performance Dates: March 19 & 10 @ 6pm
Our Annie JR Production program is a program for everyone from beginners to advanced performers. Our goal is developing and enhancing theatrical performance through instruction in acting, music/voice, movement/dance and a theatrical production. Our 2nd-12th grade students can expect games, character creation and analysis, choreography, voice & speech training, and performance coaching. Our Annie JR Production program will culminate with a full production of a musical theatre classic.
Instructors:
CAT GLIDWELL
TARA WINTON
MIRANDA REED
The Giver (Play) : Grades 6-12
The Giver (Play)
Production Class
Grades: 6-12
Cost: $395
Class Dates:
January 14 – March 11
Tuesday/ Thursday @ 4:30-6:30pm
Performance Dates: March 12 & 13 @ 6pm
Our Middle & High School The Giver Performers program is a program for everyone from beginners to advanced performers. Our goal is developing and enhancing theatrical performance through instruction in acting and theatrical production. Our 6th-12th grade students can expect games, character creation and analysis, voice & speech training, and performance coaching. Our Middle & High School Performers program will culminate with a full production of a classic play. This is a non-musical performance.
Instructor:
JOSH SMITH
Josh Smith is an East Tennessee native and a recent MTSU graduate with a degree in Vocal Music Performance. While he has a passion for performing on stage, and has been in several shows at the Center for the Arts and in surrounding areas, he has also worked as a Children’s Choir director and Worship Leader at FUMC Lebanon. In Addition to his music, Josh has also studied a variety of dance styles for 5 years, including Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and Pas de Deux.
Tech Class : Grades 6-12
Tech Class
Grades: 6-12
Cost: $225
Class Dates:
February 13 – March 11
Tuesday/ Thursday @ 5:00-6:30pm
Performance Dates: TBA
Our Middle & High School Tech program is designed specifically for creatives who want to be behind the scenes in the production process. Students will learn the basics of theatrical design and stage management through hands on projects highlighted onstage. Students serve as the technical crew for the final performance of our Middle & High School Performers program.
Instructor:
Corinne Fann
Corinne Fann is an award-winning lighting designer and graduate of the University of Memphis with a BFA in Technical Theatre and a Minor in Nonprofit Management. She is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration at MTSU. Her education and experience range from all different areas of theatre including both performance and technical theatre. Corinne has worked in theatres around the country including Utah Shakespeare Festival and Cumberland County Playhouse. More locally, she has been involved in community theatres including the Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro and the Arts Center of Cannon County in Woodbury. Corinne grew up with a strong theatrical and arts education and is passionate about providing the same for future generations.
Homeschool Classes
Finding Nemo, Kids (Musical) : Grades K-12
Finding Nemo, Kids
Production Class
Grades: K-12
Cost: $325
Class Dates:
January 16 – March 13
Thursdays @ 12:00-3:00pm
Performance Dates:
March 15 @ 10am
March 19 & 20 @ 2pm
Our Homeschool Finding Nemo Kids Performers program is a program for everyone from beginners to advanced performers in grades K-12th. Our goal is developing and enhancing theatrical performance through instruction in acting, music/voice, movement/dance and a theatrical production. Our homeschool students can expect games, character creation and analysis, choreography, voice & speech training, and performance coaching. Our Homeschool Performers program will culminate with a full production of a musical theatre classic.
Instructors:
CAT GLIDWELL
JOSH SMITH
Tech Class (Homeschool) : Grades 6-12
Tech Class
(Homeschool)
Grades: 6-12
Cost: $225
Class Dates:
February 13 – March 13
Thursdays @ 1:30-3:00pm
Performance Dates:
March 15 @ 10am
March 19 & 20 @ 2pm
Our Homeschool Tech program is designed specifically for 6th-12th grade creatives who want to be behind the scenes in the production process. Students will learn the basics of theatrical design and stage management through hands on projects highlighted onstage. Students serve as the technical crew for the final performance of our Homeschool Performers program.
Instructor:
Corinne Fann
Corinne Fann is an award-winning lighting designer and graduate of the University of Memphis with a BFA in Technical Theatre and a Minor in Nonprofit Management. She is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration at MTSU. Her education and experience range from all different areas of theatre including both performance and technical theatre. Corinne has worked in theatres around the country including Utah Shakespeare Festival and Cumberland County Playhouse. More locally, she has been involved in community theatres including the Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro and the Arts Center of Cannon County in Woodbury. Corinne grew up with a strong theatrical and arts education and is passionate about providing the same for future generations.
Group Voice : Grades 6-12
Group Voice
Grades: 6-12
Cost: $250
Class Dates:
January 15 – March 12
Wednesdays @ 10:00-11:00am
Performance Dates: March 22 @ 10am
In group voice, students will learn the basic elements of music and apply them in a low-stakes environment alongside peers. Students should expect physical and vocal warmups to instill good singing habits, time delegated to music theory, and to receive the tools necessary to read music. Students will perform a in a showcase, ultimately demonstrating the vocal techniques learned and the progress made since the beginning of their time with the Vocal Academy.
Instructor:
JOSH SMITH
Josh Smith is an East Tennessee native and a recent MTSU graduate with a degree in Vocal Music Performance. While he has a passion for performing on stage, and has been in several shows at the Center for the Arts and in surrounding areas, he has also worked as a Children’s Choir director and Worship Leader at FUMC Lebanon. In Addition to his music, Josh has also studied a variety of dance styles for 5 years, including Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and Pas de Deux.
Visual Arts
Visual Arts : Grades K-2
Visual Arts
Grades: K-2
Cost: $325
Class Dates:
February 19 – April 16
Wednesdays @ 4:00-6:00pm
Gallery Dates: April 25-26
Visual Arts program is designed for students looking to enhance their creativity. This intensive will give students an opportunity to explore the basics of visual art and create multiple take home pieces. Each student’s work will be highlighted in a weekend gallery display and celebrated with a reception open to family and friends.
Instructor:
TBD
Visual Arts : Grades 3-5
Visual Arts
Grades: 3-5
Cost: $325
Class Dates:
February 18 – April 15
Tuesdays@ 4:00-6:00pm
Gallery Dates: April 25-26
Visual Arts program is designed for students looking to enhance their creativity. This intensive will give students an opportunity to explore the basics of visual art and create multiple take home pieces. Each student’s work will be highlighted in a weekend gallery display and celebrated with a reception open to family and friends.
Instructor:
Autumn Wright
Visual Arts : Grades 6-8
Visual Arts
Grades: 6-8
Cost: $325
Class Dates:
February 17 – April 14
Mondays @ 4:00-6:00pm
Gallery Dates: April 25-26
Visual Arts program is designed for students looking to enhance their creativity. This intensive will give students an opportunity to explore the basics of visual art and create multiple take home pieces. Each student’s work will be highlighted in a weekend gallery display and celebrated with a reception open to family and friends.
Instructor:
Katie Hestla
Photography : Grades 6-12
Photography
Grades: 6-12
Cost: $325
Class Dates:
February 19 – April 16
Wednesdays @ 4:00-6:00pm
Gallery Dates: April 25-26
In the Photography class, we will be learning how to develop a creative eye and appreciation for the art of photography. Students will learn about composition and light to make images with emotion and unique perspective. Students are not required to have a specific type of equipment. Anything from a cell phone camera, to a point and shoot, or a DSLR are acceptable. Each student’s work will be highlighted in a weekend gallery display and celebrated with a reception open to family and friends.
Instructors:
Haydin Oechsle
Level Up Classes
Level Up is an intensive program designed for 5th through 12th grade students to attain specific performance skills in a small group environment. Students will work on one technique for a short period of time to gain further depth of knowledge in a focus area of theatre performance. It is our goal that participants will feed directly into our CFTA Teen Company.
Auditioning 101
Auditioning 101
Grades: 5-12
Cost: $160
Dates:
April 23-30
Wednesdays @ 4:00-6:00pm
No Performance
Auditioning is the first step to your journey onstage. Come learn everything from the basics of a prepared audition to the insider information of what directors are looking for. Walk out of this class with confidence, ready to tackle your next audition like a pro!
Instructor:
TARA WINTON
Tara has been directing students for over two decades and teaching theatre professionally for 14 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Samford University and a Master of arts in Teaching Theatre K-12 from Belmont University. Through theatre Tara seeks to instill the values of self-confidence, responsibility, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and much more. It is her passion to share the art of theatre with a new generation and in doing so impact our community and our world.
Character Development: Who am I?
Character Development: Who Am I?
Grades: 5-12
Cost: $160
Dates:
May 7-14
Wednesdays @ 4:00-6:00pm
No Performance
Creating a character is one of the most exciting parts of being onstage! Join us as we dig deeper into a script to discover the details of a role. Find your character’s personality, voice, body language, and more. We can’t wait to see your character come to life!
Instructor:
TARA WINTON
Tara has been directing students for over two decades and teaching theatre professionally for 14 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Samford University and a Master of arts in Teaching Theatre K-12 from Belmont University. Through theatre Tara seeks to instill the values of self-confidence, responsibility, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and much more. It is her passion to share the art of theatre with a new generation and in doing so impact our community and our world.
Acting Through Movement
Acting Through Movement
Grades: 5-12
Cost: $220
Dates:
April 10 – May 1
Thursdays @ 4:00-6:00pm
No Performance
This class is a space where students will learn character development through the lens of Movement and Dance! There’s no need to have dance experience; in this class students will play theater games, explore improv tasks and theater methods that will be both educational and fun for our students! The goal is that students feel empowered, playful, and excited to explore and curate characters alongside their peers!
Instructor:
MIRANDA REED
Miranda is a creative mover from Nashville that loves somatic movement and exploring her strengths and limitations through contemporary dance. She trained with Rachel Catalano in Nashville and minored in Dance Studies at Middle Tennessee State University, where she was part of the MTSU Dance Theater company. Dance is her passion, profession, and safe haven.
Currently, Miranda teaches at Dot-to-Dot Academy and dances professionally for Fresh Congress Dance Company. She values the connections she makes with her students and believes dance should be accessible and safe for everyone to explore and find themselves.
Musical Theatre Dance Basics
Musical Theatre Dance Basics
Grades: 5-12
Cost: $220
Dates:
April 28 – May 19
Mondays @ 4:00-6:00pm
No Performance
This high-energy class is perfect for teens who love to perform and want to improve their dance skills in a fun, supportive environment. You’ll learn Broadway dance basics and also explore iconic choreography, from jazz hands to modern musical styles, all set to your favorite show tunes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, this class will help you sharpen your technique, boost your confidence, and develop stage presence. Join us to dance, have fun, and get ready to shine on stage!
Instructor:
KACI JACOBELLIS
Kaci Jacobellis is a seasoned professional in the performing arts with over 25 years of experience.
Her career highlights include performing as a featured dancer at Walt Disney World and serving as a choreographer for the Orlando Repertory Theater. She has choreographed productions for local community theaters and Stewarts Creek High School and Middle School theater programs. Some of her favorite include Chicago, Oklahoma!, Mary Poppins, and Matilda. Kaci has taught ballet, lyrical, tap, drama, and musical theater at various dance studios, tutorials, and camps. Additionally, she developed a performance troupe for a large local church and prepared show choirs for national performances and competitions.
Beyond her performing arts career, Kaci worked with Rutherford County Schools for 12 years as an English teacher and school counselor. She is currently pursuing an Ed.S. in Mental Health Counseling. Kaci is excited to join the Center for the Arts, where she looks forward to contributing her expertise and passion for the arts.
Scholarships are available. Applications for scholarships are part of the online registration form.
Our Instructors
Volunteers who love to help young people express themselves through the arts.
Cat Glidwell
Cat Glidwell was born and raised in Nashville and has lived in Murfreesboro for most of her adult life. She has been pursuing her love of theatre for over 26 years. She is classically trained in Shakespeare from Oglethorpe University and Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and has earned a certificate in theatre management from NYU. She is no stranger to the Center for the Arts stage, currently working on her 7th main stage production. With 9 years of teaching experience, she is thrilled to be spending her summer blending her love of theatre with her love of education!
Miranda Reed
Miranda is a creative mover from Nashville that loves somatic movement and exploring her strengths and limitations through contemporary dance. She trained with Rachel Catalano in Nashville and minored in Dance Studies at Middle Tennessee State University, where she was part of the MTSU Dance Theater company. Dance is her passion, profession, and safe haven.
Currently, Miranda teaches at Dot-to-Dot Academy and dances professionally for Fresh Congress Dance Company. She values the connections she makes with her students and believes dance should be accessible and safe for everyone to explore and find themselves.
Corinne Fann
Corinne Fann is an award-winning lighting designer and graduate of the University of Memphis with a BFA in Technical Theatre and a Minor in Nonprofit Management. She is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration at MTSU. Her education and experience range from all different areas of theatre including both performance and technical theatre. Corinne has worked in theatres around the country including Utah Shakespeare Festival and Cumberland County Playhouse. More locally, she has been involved in community theatres including the Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro and the Arts Center of Cannon County in Woodbury. Corinne grew up with a strong theatrical and arts education and is passionate about providing the same for future generations.
Josh Smith
Josh Smith is an East Tennessee native and a recent MTSU graduate with a degree in Vocal Music Performance. While he has a passion for performing on stage, and has been in several shows at the Center for the Arts and in surrounding areas, he has also worked as a Children’s Choir director and Worship Leader at FUMC Lebanon. In addition to his music, Josh has also studied a variety of dance styles for 5 years, including Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and Pas de Deux.
CFTA Vocal academy
VOCAL LESSON INFO
At CFTA Vocal Academy we strive to give each student the individual vocal tools and skills they need. We recognize that each student is unique and has different abilities, strengths and weaknesses. Our skilled and seasoned teachers will provide customized one on one lessons to reach the mutually agreed upon goals.
- Ages 10 and up
- Lessons are taught at Center for the Arts on a weekly basis.
- Cost: $30/30-minutes $60/60-minutes
- Payment will be made to the individual teacher per the teacher’s contract.
For more information, contact Royce, royce@boroarts.org
Our Instructors
Decades of experience and a heart to teach others how to use their voice.
Royce Phillips
Vocal Academy Director
Royce works directly with our voice teachers. He also focuses on administering educational programming for community members of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels by overseeing the curriculum design, instruction, vocal recitals, and community programs to aide in the elevation of vocal learning in our community.
Miya Nicole Burt
Vocal Academy Teacher
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Miya Nicole Burt is a talented and ambitious vocalist currently completing her Vocal Performance degree at MTSU. Alongside her academic excellence and social advocacy, Miya seeks further training during her collegiate career and is eager to launch her professional music career. She has performed at Murfreesboro’s Center for the Arts in shows like Masterclass (Sharan Graham), It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Mary Bailey), Tim Rice and Elton John’s Aida (Aida), and The Wiz (Winkie). At MTSU, Miya has been a soloist for Schola Cantorum and Women's Chorale, a guest recitalist, and has performed in Iolanthe, Die Fledermaus, and as Hanna Glawari in Die Lustige Witwe.
Josh Smith
VOCAL ACADEMY TEACHER
Josh Smith is an East Tennessee native and a recent MTSU graduate with a degree in Vocal Music Performance. While he has a passion for performing on stage and has been in several shows at the Center for the Arts and in surrounding areas, he also works as Children’s Choir leader and Worship leader at First United Methodist Church in Lebanon. In addition to music, Josh has also studied a variety of dance styles for five years, including Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and Pas de Deux.
Anna Vogler
VOCAL ACADEMY TEACHER
Anna Vogler is a recent graduate of Belmont University, where she received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and minored in German Studies. During her time at Belmont, she performed with the Belmont University Chorale and the Belmont University Opera Theatre. Anna is a passionate musician and performer; some of her favorite performances include “Into the Woods” (Rapunzel) and “Sweeney Todd” (Johanna.)
Scholarships Are available.
Everyone should have access to the arts! Apply with registration.
CFTA WORKSHOPS
Playwrights Welcome supports and inspires playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists by providing free theatre access nationwide. Developed for Dramatists Guild of America members, this national ticketing initiative was created by Samuel French, a Concord Theatricals company, with input from other publishing and licensing houses.
Committed to the success and artistic health of industry writers and the vibrancy of American theatre, we recognize that attending theatre is essential for writers to learn and grow. We proudly participate in Playwrights Welcome, offering available tickets to professional playwrights on the day of a performance, free of charge. To receive a ticket, visit the box office 30 minutes before showtime with your Dramatists Guild membership card. Check ticket availability in advance, as not every show is eligible.
Take your voice to the next level with our Vocal Academy Audition Workshop. Contact us to learn more.
