Homeschool & Enrichment

Ages: Middle & High School

Step into the spotlight and explore the stories, music, and moments that shaped musical theater! This engaging, discussion-based class takes students on a journey from early theatrical traditions to today’s Broadway and beyond. Guided by instructor Melena Dillingham, students will discover how musical theater has evolved over time and how it continues to influence performance and storytelling.

Real-World Connection: Students will deepen their understanding of theater by connecting what they learn in class to live productions, gaining insight into how historical styles, music, and storytelling techniques are still used on stage today.

This class is perfect for homeschoolers who love theater, music, history, or storytelling. No experience required—just curiosity, willingness to participate, and an interest in how the performing arts have evolved.

Throughout the year, students will gain skills in:

• Exploring major eras of musical theater from operetta to contemporary Broadway

• Studying influential composers, lyricists, choreographers, and performers

• Analyzing songs, scenes, and storytelling techniques

• Understanding how historical and cultural events shaped theater trends

• Developing listening, discussion, and critical thinking skills

• Making connections between past productions and modern performances

• Creative expression through presentations, scene exploration, and group discussion

Instructor: Melena Dillingham

Ages: Middle and High School

Material Fee: $50 per year (includes sketchbook, fabric, needles, scissors, yarns, zippers, buttons, and more)

Step into the world of stage fashion! This hands-on, project-based course introduces students to the art and craft of costume design—from sketch to stitch. Guided by theater costumer Melena, students will explore what it means to be a costume designer, study historical costume trends, and learn how to bring a character to life through clothing, accessories, and imagination.

Real-World Experience: Students will also have the exciting opportunity to assist in designing and creating costumes for AJT’s live productions throughout the year!

This is a fantastic class for creative homeschoolers who enjoy art, fashion, theater, and working with their hands—no prior experience needed, just curiosity and enthusiasm.

Whether students are future designers or just love being creative with their hands, this class builds skills in:

• Sketching character looks and creating inspiration boards

• Understanding different historical fashion eras and costume research

• Budget-conscious costuming: how to source, budget, and shop smart

• Hand and machine stitching fundamentals

• Crochet and knitting basics

• Pattern drafting, fabric selection, cutting, fitting, and final construction

• Creating lookbooks and storyboards for productions

• Instructor: Melena Dillingham

Ages: Middle and High School

Material Fee: $50 per year (includes tools, craft supplies, paints, tape, hardware, and more)

Get ready to explore the backstage magic that makes every production come to life! This hands-on, project-driven course introduces students to the essential technical elements of theater—from building and painting sets to crafting props and running backstage operations. Guided by AJT Technical Director [Insert Name], students will learn what it takes to transform an empty stage into an immersive theatrical world.

Real-World Experience: Students will also actively work behind the scenes on AJT’s live productions throughout the year—assisting with sets, props, scene changes, and more. They’ll get practical experience collaborating with designers, directors, and performers to bring each show to life.

This class is perfect for homeschoolers who love building, creating, tinkering, organizing, or discovering how things work. No experience required—just curiosity, willingness to learn, and a passion for theater magic.

Throughout the year, students will gain skills in:

• Stagecraft fundamentals: tools, safety, measurements, materials, and basic construction

• Scenic design: sketching, drafting, scale models, and set painting techniques

• Prop design and fabrication using foam, cardboard, wood, clay, paint, and found objects

• Lighting and sound basics: cues, color theory, mood-setting, and hands-on tech demos

• Stage management essentials: blocking notation, cues, organization, and communication

• Backstage crew roles: running transitions, calling cues, and supporting live performances

• Problem solving, teamwork, creative thinking, and real-world theater workflows

• Instructor Melena Dillingham