Thelma Gaylord Academy

Thelma Gaylord Academy offers classes in acting, singing, and dance. Its offerings include Intro to Acting, Beginning Acting, Beginning/Intermediate Acting, Intermediate Acting, Advanced Acting, Singing Vocal Classes, Private Voice Lessons, Private Acting Lessons, Children’s Tap & MT Dance, Beginning Jazz Dance, and Intermediate Jazz.

Programs

• Fall 2026 Classes — ages 5 through adult · Fall 2026; auditions Aug 8-9; enrollment opens July 20 · $350 per class · Expert training in acting, singing, and dance.
• Singing Vocal Classes — Ages 8–16 · Tuesdays 6:00–7:00pm · Build your voice from the ground up — from music literacy and harmonization to ensemble performance.
• Private Voice Lessons — all levels · One-on-one instruction with professional vocal coaches at the Plaza Theatre.
• Intro to Acting — Ages 5–9 · Tuesdays 5:30–6:30pm · Harnesses pretend play to explore beginning techniques and build a great foundation.
• Beginning Acting — Ages 7–11 · Wednesdays 5:30–6:30pm · Character development, vocal techniques, and scene work in an ensemble-focused class.
• Beginning / Intermediate Acting — Ages 9–14 · Tuesdays 4:30–5:30pm · Continues building foundational acting and performing arts skills.
• Intermediate Acting — Ages 12–18 · Mondays 7:00–8:00pm or Fridays 4:30–5:30pm · Our highest non-auditioned acting class, with two sections so you can pick the schedule that works best.
• Advanced Acting — Ages 12–18 · Fridays 4:30–5:30pm · By audition; placement by acting faculty only.
• Private Acting Lessons — all levels · One-on-one sessions with professional acting instructors.
• Children’s Tap & MT Dance — Ages 5–9 · Wednesdays 4:30–5:30pm · Beginning musical theatre dance and tap in a fun studio.
• Beginning Jazz Dance — Ages 10–14 · Wednesdays 7:00–8:00pm · Strong jazz foundations for musical theatre performers.
• Intermediate Jazz — Ages 14–18 · Wednesdays 7:00–8:00pm · Open to beginners but tailored for teens ready to push technical boundaries.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Price range: $350 per class

About the provider

The academy was founded in 2001. Its mission statement says it offers an integrated learning program that builds a musical theatre technique from the ground up and is committed to providing a safe, fun, and educational environment focused on cultivating young musical theatre performers and creating a love for theatre in all students. The leadership team includes Rozz Grigsby, Ashlyn Adams, Michael Baron, Jim Reynolds, Ashley Wells, and Nicholas Bartell.

Last updated September 5, 2026.