A welcoming, six-week acting series in Midland that emphasizes inclusion, play-based learning, and a low-pressure final sharing. Perfect for first-timers, families, and anyone looking for a short, structured introduction to theater.
A welcoming, six-week acting series in Midland that emphasizes inclusion, play-based learning, and a low-pressure final sharing. Perfect for first-timers, families, and anyone looking for a short, structured introduction to theater.
Book with Creative 360
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
On a brisk Thursday afternoon at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, Michigan, a classroom rearranges itself into a miniature theatre: chairs become audience, a strip of carpet becomes center stage, and a mixed-age cast practices the small miracles of storytelling. Artshop Acting’s Spring/Summer 2026 Session 1 (Thursdays, May 7–June 11) is an inclusive six-week course where theatre games, confidence exercises, and scene rehearsals build into a final informal show. Open to all ages and abilities, the program explicitly supports students with disabilities; participants who receive Medicaid may be able to use a portion of their Community Living Support budget toward tuition.
Led by Ella McKane-Wright, CMU Music Theatre Program alum, the class is practical, playful, and reliably warm. Each 75-minute session (2:15–3:30 PM) moves at a measured pace: warm-ups that loosen the voice and body, short improv and ensemble games to sharpen listening, character-building exercises, and staged runs of short scenes. Scripts are included, and the instructor’s training helps newcomers translate nerves into presence without flattening the particular strengths every participant brings.
This is not performance-as-perfection. The highlight is a communal sharing at the end of the session—an accessible, low-pressure showcase for friends and family that focuses on growth rather than critique. For caregivers and participants, the program’s explicit accessibility policies and the option to integrate Community Living Support funds make it a rare, practical resource in the Midland arts scene.
Midland is a small city whose arts offerings are concentrated and community-driven; Artshop Acting stands out by making theater education both practical and affirming. The location, 5501 Jefferson Ave, is easy to reach from downtown Midland and serves families, students, and adults looking for arts engagement outside a conservatory setting.
Registration is required—spaces are limited to keep groups comfortably manageable—and the session fee is $105 for Session 1; scripts are provided so families can follow along at home. The program’s scheduling (Thursdays, May 7 through June 11) and the 2:15–3:30 PM window make it a good after-school option. If travel is part of your plan, downtown Midland offers coffee and light dining within a short drive of the meeting point at 5501 Jefferson Ave.
Who benefits? First-timers who want a welcoming introduction, parents seeking enrichment options for neurodiverse children, and adults who want to flex creative muscles without a long-term commitment. Bring patience, a willingness to play, and closed-toe shoes for movement exercises. If Midland Public Schools close for weather, classes cancel—check schedules before you travel.
The class is small enough to feel personal but structured enough to produce tangible progress over six weeks. For anyone curious about theater’s practical tools—voice, focus, ensemble work—this session offers instruction, community, and a short, satisfying pathway from I’ve never to I performed.
No experience required—classes are designed for beginners and returning participants, focusing on games and ensemble work to build confidence.
Session 1 runs Thursdays, May 7 through June 11, 2:15–3:30 PM each week.
Session 1 is $105; scripts are included with the session fee.
Yes. The program is inclusive, and students with Medicaid may be able to use part of their Community Living Support budget for tuition—please preregister and discuss accommodations in advance.
Meet at 5501 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI. Arrive early to check in and settle before the session begins.
If Midland Public Schools are closed for the day due to weather, Artshop classes are also canceled that day—confirm schedules before traveling.
Creative 360 is a community-centered arts organization based in Midland, Michigan, offering a broad calendar of performances, classes, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Dedicated to accessible arts education, Creative 360 runs inclusive semesters such as Artshop Clay and Artshop Painting Explorations that welcome participants of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities. Small class sizes—typically limited to eight students for specialized hands-on art sessions—ensure personalized attention and skill development. Creative 360 presents recurring public performances including the free Sound Community Music Series held every second Wednesday, featuring classical and jazz artists like Trio Rubaton and electro-acoustic sets. The venue hosts visiting artists and special concerts such as the June performance by Michigan native Sarah Bomber. Seasonal programming includes a Summer Theatre Intensive for ages 11–17 where students audition, rehearse, and perform under a professional director, and short-term workshops like Sewing for Everyone focused on upcycling and practical skills. Community engagement is central to Creative 360’s mission: the organization operates volunteer programs that allow community members to support events and enjoy performances, and coordinates special events such as the inaugural Holiday Art Fair during Midland’s Holiday Arts Weekend. Additional offerings like Tai Chi 360 provide wellness-focused movement classes suitable for all levels. Creative 360 partners with local artists and instructors to maintain a varied, community-rooted schedule of arts experiences in Midland.
Book with Creative 360