CharacterWorks Performing Arts Classes

Fall classes are now closed! Winter class registration will open on November 1st.

CharacterWorks is celebrating 25 years! The CharacterWorks' Anniversary season offers a variety of musical theater inspired classes in 8-week sessions in fall, winter and spring. Classes are a great way for students to gain valuable theater arts training, develop confidence and make life-long friends. If you have questions about classes please email our Registrar, Joy Osborne, at joy@cworkstheater.org.
 

General Class Information

Each class lasts for 1 hour and 45 minutes per week, and runs for 8-weeks for a fall, winter and spring session. Please note: For the fall, Monday classes will move to a 7-week session, with classes running 2 hour per week to make up the time. This is due to a tech week schedule for a fall show. 

All children ages 6-18 may register for a class in their age group. In the final week of the class session, classes each perform a 10-minute showcase for family and other classes in their session. Students enrolled in classes for ages 8-18 are eligible to audition for the one of the session's main stage shows. 

NOTE: If you're a new CWorks family, we recommend creating a user account before registration begins, because classes and camps fill quickly and creating an account takes a few minutes. Click the person icon at the top right to get started. 

Facility Update for Our 25th Anniversary Season

As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary Season, we're excited to share several facility updates that allow CharacterWorks to maintain a strong presence across the Richmond area while continuing to grow. Although some class locations and schedules have changed, we're pleased to continue serving families in the Southside and West End, while also expanding into Glen Allen to provide even more opportunities for students.
 

Grace Bible Church

After more than a decade of partnering with KingsWay Community Church, the congregation has relocated, and our longtime Sovereign Grace Drive location is now home to Grace Bible Church. We're thankful to continue offering classes at this familiar location! Together, we've made a few schedule adjustments that best serve both organizations while continuing to provide high-quality classes for our families.

*Grace Bible Church (Mondays, *Same location, New name. Formerly KingsWay) 
14111 Sovereign Grace Dr.
Midlothian, VA 23114

Gayton Baptist Church

We're also excited to continue our valued partnership with Gayton Baptist Church, where we're expanding to two evenings of classes each week.

Gayton Baptist Church (Tuesday and Thursdays) 
13501 N. Gayton Road
Henrico, VA 23233

Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen

In addition, we're thrilled to launch classes at the beautiful Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, utilizing their professional dance studios for our Dance Academy and dance classes.

Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen  (Thursdays)
Dance Studios 
2880 Mountain Rd. 
Glen Allen, VA 23060

Fall Class Schedule 2026

Fall 2026 Class Schedule

*Mondays: Grace Bible Church 
  • August 31 - October 26 
  • NO classes Sept. 7 and Oct. 12
  • Showcase is Oct. 26
*Please note: this is a 7-week session for the fall and has an extended class time, due to Labor Day and tech week conflicts. 

Tuesdays: Gayton Baptist
  • September 1 - October 27 
  • NO classes Oct. 13
  • Showcase is Oct. 27
Thursdays: Gayton Baptist or Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen
  •  September 3 - October 29 
  • NO classes Oct. 15
  • Showcase is Oct. 29

Academy Classes

2026-2027 Academy Classes are now closed and rosters are full. Auditions for the 2027-2028 season will take place in June, 2027. 
CharacterWorks Academy classes are year-long, application-only classes that offer more focused curriculum and training for those students ready for the next level. Each summer, students have a chance to apply online and gain acceptance before regular class registration opens. Students will meet for three sessions (fall, winter, spring) with an extended full performance at the CharacterWorks Academy Festival in the spring.

Scholarships

Financial assistance or partial scholarships are available for those in need. Email joy@cworkstheater.org with questions regarding the availability of a scholarship.

"I cannot express my gratitude for this experience enough. It has not only helped develop my knowledge of theater and my acting skills, but it has also helped me develop as a person."

CWorks Alumni

Refund Policies

For information about withdrawing from class or about class cancellations, see the document below.
2026-2027 Refund Policies

Health & Safety

CWorks students will be prompted to say they have read this Health Protocol and Assumption of Risk upon registering for a class or camp.
Health and Safety
Winter 2026-2027 Class Schedule 
Mondays (Grace Bible Church): November 30-Feb. 1 (NO class Dec. 21, 28 for winter break. Showcase is Feb. 1. Feb. 8 is a Showcase makeup day if needed. This is a regular 8-week session)  
Tuesdays (Gayton Baptist) : December 1 - February 2 (NO classes, Dec. 22 or Dec. 29 for winter break/ Showcase is Feb 2. Feb. 9 is a Showcase makeup day if needed.)  
Thursdays (Gayton Baptist, Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen or CWorks Warehouse): December 3 - February 4 (NO classes, Dec. 24 or Dec. 31 for winter break. Showcase is Feb. 4. Feb. 11 is a Showcase makeup day if needed.)  

Spring 2027 Class Schedule:
Mondays (Grace Bible Church): March 8 - May 3 (NO classes March 29 for spring break, Showcase is May 3) 
Tuesdays (Gayton Baptist): March 9 - May 4 (NO classes, March 30 for spring break, Showcase is May 4) 
Thursday (Gayton Baptist, Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen or CWorks Warehouse): March 11 - May 6 (NO classes, April 1 for spring break, Showcase May 6)