Voice & Acting — The Performing Arts Company of Asheville

Voice

We place a high value on exceptional vocal training across all of our shows and classes. We believe that great singing is not just about performance appeal—it is about cultivating healthy technique, musical understanding, expressive storytelling, and lifelong vocal habits. Our productions emphasize the importance of sound, ensuring that young performers learn to project, articulate, harmonize, breathe correctly, and maintain vocal health while still delivering engaging, dynamic performances on stage.

By prioritizing strong singing habits, we set PACA apart from many youth performing arts programs. Our faculty focuses on teaching students how to sing with confidence and clarity, whether in ensemble numbers, solos, or harmonies. These skills deepen musicality, support emotional expression, and enhance overall stage presence. We value singing not only for its artistic impact, but also for its benefits to communication, discipline, self-esteem, and social-emotional growth.

Through this commitment, PACA ensures that every show is built on a foundation of authentic vocal excellence, preparing students for future opportunities in theater, choir, and beyond while instilling skills that serve them well both on and off the stage.

Choir

The Choir program at PACA’s School of the Arts provides young vocalists ages 10–18 with a comprehensive and rewarding ensemble singing experience. Students strengthen their aural skills, vocal technique, sight-reading abilities, and musical memory while learning to blend, harmonize, and perform as a cohesive group. The curriculum spans a cappella, madrigals, contemporary arrangements, and choreography that links vocal performance with expressive movement.

In addition to musical development, the program supports social-emotional health by fostering teamwork, discipline, confidence, and positive peer relationships. Whether students are experienced singers or exploring choral music for the first time, the Choir program offers a structured, creative environment where young performers build artistic skill and personal growth through the power of ensemble singing.

One of the largest benefits of joining a choir is that choir is an excellent stress reliever. In our rush to meet deadlines at school or work or coping with challenging people on a daily basis, choir rehearsal helps put the stress of the day behind you and focuses on breathing and the return to your center. Our whole-body approach at AJT School of Music takes the mind and body into account.

Choir meets on Mondays from 4-6pm in South Asheville at the AJT studio. Ages 10-18. COST is $105 per month from September through May.

Voices That Travel—PACA’s Choir Performs Across Asheville

PACA’s Choir program extends far beyond the rehearsal room, offering students meaningful opportunities to share their voices throughout Asheville. Our young vocalists perform at community events, local holiday markets, and seasonal celebrations, bringing music to audiences across the region. Each year, the choir is also featured in PACA’s Christmas Spectacular and End-of-the-Year Dance Showcase, cornerstone events that showcase the ensemble’s musical growth and artistry.

In addition to public performances, the choir regularly sings at retirement communities, local venues, and special events, using music as a way to foster connection and uplift others. These experiences teach students professionalism, confidence, and the importance of using their talent in service to the broader community. Through varied performance opportunities, PACA’s Choir not only strengthens vocal and ensemble skills—it helps students develop a lifelong appreciation for the power of music to inspire, unite, and bring joy.

Person in snowman costume with arms outstretched, smiling, during a performance.

Young girl with shoulder-length curly hair, wearing a cream-colored lace top and a metallic gold skirt, with her mouth open and arms outstretched, appears to be shouting or singing on stage.

Group of people dressed in Christmas sweaters and hats, standing outside a restaurant, with Christmas decorations and a Christmas tree in the background.

A group of children and a woman are gathered together on a red patterned rug inside a music venue, smiling for a photo. In the background, there are musical instruments, microphones, and stage lighting, with people socializing and performing.

Group of nine young women standing on a decorated staircase holding candles, dressed in black for a holiday celebration.

Group of six young girls singing on stage during a holiday performance with winter-themed decorations, snowflakes, and a decorated tree in the background.

Five young girls standing on a wooden floor, singing or speaking into a microphone and reading from papers, in a room with beige walls, closed curtains, and a framed picture.

A young girl with long brown hair stands outside, holding a microphone in her hand, smiling, and appears to be singing or speaking. She is wearing denim overalls and is standing next to a music stand, with a keyboard and guitar nearby. Behind her, th

Young woman playing a keyboard and singing into a microphone during an outdoor performance.

Two women performing music outside a storefront. One woman is playing a keyboard and singing, while the other stands and sings into a microphone. The storefront has large windows, brick accents, and an "OPEN" sign, with potted plants and flowers near

A young man is kneeling on the stage of a theater, singing passionately with his mouth wide open. He is dressed in a black jacket with decorative trim on the shoulders, a tan shirt, and beige pants. Behind him, a set with painted trees and a ladder i

Three people singing with candles and holly leaf headpieces during a performance, illuminated by blue stage lighting.

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Private Training for Singers & Musicians

The Music program at PACA’s School of the Arts is proud to offer a focused, high-quality music education experience for singers in Asheville. Led by our dedicated vocal instructor, Melena Dillingham, students receive individualized coaching designed to strengthen technique, build confidence, and support healthy, sustainable singing habits. Her training and expertise allow students to grow as soloists, refine audition material, prepare for musical theater roles, and deepen their overall musicianship.

This personalized approach ensures that each student’s goals—whether in musical theater, choir, contemporary styles, or general vocal development—are met with professional guidance and attentive instruction. PACA’s private lessons emphasize strong technique, expressive communication, and a supportive environment where students can explore their artistic potential.

How to Book a Lesson

Please contact Melena directly to book a voice or piano, guitar, or ukulele lesson.

melenadillingham@gmail.com

828-500-1172

Policies

Payment:

Payment is due at the time of service.
Lessons cannot be held for students with unpaid balances.
Instructors reserve the right to discontinue lessons at any time.

Refunds & Cancellations:

If an instructor must cancel a lesson, no charge will be applied.
Student-canceled lessons are refundable unless canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled time.
No-shows are charged the full lesson fee.

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Acting

The Acting Program at PACA’s School of the Arts is built on the belief that great acting comes from truth, technique, and a deep understanding of human behavior. Our curriculum is rooted in proven, time-honored acting methodologies used by professional actors worldwide—drawing from realistic, psychologically grounded approaches that help young performers create authentic characters and emotionally honest performances.

Students learn to connect with their characters, make truthful choices, break down scripts, and work from real impulses rather than memorized gestures. Classes emphasize moment-to-moment awareness, emotional accessibility, body control, listening, and ensemble collaboration, all essential components of professional acting training. Whether on stage or in front of the camera, students are encouraged to explore the full range of their imagination while grounding their work in reality, intention, and clear storytelling.

The program includes scene study, monologues, improvisation, character development, audition preparation, and movement for both stage and screen. Our goal is to equip young actors with the tools, confidence, and discipline needed to create compelling, believable performances in any medium.

Professional Acting Training—One Student at a Time

The Acting Program at PACA’s School of the Arts offers a focused, high-quality training experience for young performers seeking individualized coaching in acting technique. Under the guidance of industry professional Doug Wert, students receive one-on-one instruction rooted in proven acting methodologies that build authenticity, emotional truth, and strong foundational skills for both stage and screen.

Private lessons provide actors with personalized support in areas such as monologue preparation, script analysis, character development, audition technique, and on-camera performance. Doug’s extensive professional background allows students to refine their craft with expert mentorship, learning to make grounded choices, connect deeply with their characters, and develop confidence and presence in their work.

This individualized approach ensures that each performer’s goals—whether preparing for productions, auditions, school programs, or personal growth—are met with thoughtful guidance and professional-level instruction. PACA’s private acting lessons emphasize technique, emotional honesty, and clear storytelling within a supportive environment where students can take risks, build skills, and grow as artists.

Real Training. Real Acting. Real Growth.

Doug has a unique gift for working with emerging actors and helping them grow rapidly in both skill and confidence. He has an exceptional ability to meet students exactly where they are—whether they are complete beginners or have only a limited understanding of acting—and guide them toward a deeper awareness of technique, intention, and authentic performance. Under his mentorship, students who arrive unsure, hesitant, or unfamiliar with the craft quickly begin to understand how acting truly works: how to listen, respond truthfully, make grounded choices, and connect emotionally to a character. Doug’s clear explanations, gentle challenges, and practical exercises allow new actors to experience those “lightbulb moments” that transform their approach to the art. His coaching consistently turns early-stage performers into stronger, more capable young actors who understand not just what to do on stage, but why it matters.

How to Book a Lesson

Please contact Doug directly to book a private acting lesson.

dougwertstuff@gmail.com

917-709-2170

Policies

Payment

Payment is due at the time of service.
Lessons cannot be held for students with unpaid balances.
Instructors reserve the right to discontinue lessons at any time.

Refunds & Cancellations

If an instructor must cancel a lesson, no charge will be applied.
Student-canceled lessons are refundable unless canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled time.
No-shows are charged the full lesson fee.

A young girl with long curly hair standing on a stage with colorful blocks, in front of a blackboard with a play script, while two children sit on blocks facing away. The scene appears to be part of a theatrical performance.

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A woman wearing a pink cardigan and a floral dress, appearing angry and yelling, with her fist clenched, in a theatrical performance. Behind her, a young girl dressed as a student with a striped tie and a cardigan, is adjusting a black hat.

Two women in theatrical costumes, one with a leaf-covered jacket and the other with blue hair and makeup, posing on stage.

A man in a suit and hat leaning against a brick wall in a dimly lit, blue-toned room, possibly a nightclub or bar with stage lights in the background.

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