CharacterWorks - Theater Education

CharacterWorks provides theater arts classes and camps throughout the year to students ages 6-18. On a class night, you can find students dancing in one room, learning stage combat in another, singing complicated harmonies down the hall, and learning the art of film right next door. Students are able to try new things and find hidden talents and passions. These classes not only train students in dancing, acting, and singing skills, but they encourage students to engage their imaginations, foster their creativity, and build their confidence. Students grow in their performance abilities as well as in problem solving, improvisation, and teamwork. These skills not only make CharacterWorks students great performers, but also help them grow in school and life.

Alumnus Story

"Growing up, I loved to sing, act, and dance but was too introverted to give it a try in a public setting. Well, that was until I found CharacterWorks! CWorks opened me up to a loving and fun environment where I could grow in the arts. This community of people helped make me into the person I am today: a senior at Elon University getting her BFA in Music Theater! It was the training, encouragement, and joy I found at CWorks that propelled me into the career I love and the passion I have for theater. Thank you, CharacterWorks!"

- Giselle Amarisa Watts, Class of 2019

Academy Program

Eight years ago, CharacterWorks started their Academy program. This program allows students to audition for advanced training classes that run for a full school year. Students are able to get to know their teacher and classmates well, grow in their confidence and technique, and showcase all they learn at the end of the year in an Academy Festival. 

"Academy has taught me to step outside of my comfort zone with the chance to spend the whole year with a supportive teacher and peers, pushing me to be the best person I can be on and off stage!" 

- Liv Altovilla, CWorks Senior

"Academy is special because it’s a space where we’re all in support of each other as we learn how to authentically portray each of our characters. Becky emphasizes the importance of every student being able to try new things and open themselves up to potential failure without fear of judgement from other students. It’s the perfect opportunity to dig deeper into not only what a character is doing, but also what they’re thinking, feeling, and what their objective is in any given scene. Essentially, Academy has opened my eyes to what acting truly is and aided me in ‘living truthfully under imaginary circumstances’."

- Grace Eason, CWorks Senior

"Academy has provided a safe place for me to explore new techniques and step outside of my comfort zone. I have formed lifelong friendships in this class and have made so many amazing memories!"

- Samantha Easter, CWorks Senior

"It was the training, encouragement, and joy I found at CWorks that propelled me into the career I love and the passion I have for theater."
 

Giselle Amarisa Watts, Class of 2019

From Student to Teacher

"I started my first class with CharacterWorks (then CYT) when I was fourteen. In those classes, I was provided the opportunity to create imaginative characters, challenged to learn styles of dance with which I wasn’t familiar, and trained in areas like filmography and directing for the stage. Now, I use the skills developed in these classes every day as a CWorks teacher and director. This organization meant the world to me as a student where I found common interests, common faith, and a common desire for excellence on stage, and I love getting to pass along valuable lessons to current students each session."

- Jacob Filegar, Class of 2010, CWorks Teacher

Be Part of the CharacterWorks Story

 
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