SCCT Academy

Discover your spotlight with the SCCT Academy—where creativity, confidence, and community take center stage.

The Shelby County Community Theatre Academy offers a variety of acting and directing classes in Shelbyville, KY, for students ages 7 and up. Whether you're a parent of a young beginner or a passionate teen performer, our youth theatre programs help students build stage presence, express themselves, build confidence, and explore the art of storytelling.

Led by experienced instructors, our classes include everything from kids' summer theatre camps and Shakespeare workshops to scene study, improvisation, and directing fundamentals. Each session is designed to grow technical skills, spark imagination, and foster a love for live performance in a supportive and engaging environment.

Whether your child dreams of the spotlight or simply wants to try something new, the SCCT Academy is the perfect place to begin—or continue—their theatre journey.

Browse our current class schedule below and enroll today!

No prior experience needed—just a willingness to learn and have fun.

Personal Acting Coaching Sessions

SCCT is pleased to offer personal acting coaching sessions taught by award-winning actor and director Clint Gill.

SCCT will be offering 1-hour Personal Acting Coaching Sessions from Monday through Friday at the theatre. Session times are flexible. SCCT will also offer a 6-session package for $300. Please select your date or dates and then enter your preferred time or times in the survey. The cost is $60 per hour.

Clint brings more than 40 years of experience, education, and training, hundreds of shows, and thousands of performances. Whether you are preparing to audition, working on a specific role, or simply want to improve as an actor, take advantage of this opportunity for one-on-one coaching and education tailored to your specific goals.

“Clint is one of the most perceptive, imaginative and resourceful actors I have worked with. It is a joy to see these gifts being shared in his directing, coaching and teaching.” — Dr. Jack Wann, AEA, SAG-AFTRA (Retired)

2025-2026 SCCT Academy Catalog

  • Directing for the Theatre

    Wednesdays from June 11–July 16, 2025 at 7 PM

    A 6-week adult class in the art and skill of directing This class will explore explore what it takes to be a director in the theatre. Six weeks of “tips”, lectures and demonstrations from veteran professionals allow the participants to examine the directing process. Play selection, play analysis, creating a concept, crafting a ground plan, auditioning and casting through the rehearsal process and performance are topics of learning. Open to all levels of experience, aged 18 and up. The instructor is Dr. Jack Wann, AEA, SAG-AFTRA. Space is limited. Register early to secure your place.

    Tuition: $150 per student

  • Youth Summer Acting Camp (Ages 7–10)

    June 16–20, 2025, 9 AM–12 PM daily

    For actors ages 7–10

    During this exciting week-long acting camp, taught by Emily Kees, students will prepare a collection of several ten-minute plays! Students will be cast in a variety of roles and we will spend the week learning how to bring characters to life on stage. More advanced students may be able to perform several roles, while beginning actors will focus on one or two roles they can really dive into! We will learn and develop our basic theatre skillset, and work to improve. With a balance of fun drama games and substantial character work, every student, regardless of where they are in their theatre journey, will be able to grow their skills and confidence! Spots are limited, register your young actor soon! The camp showcase event will be on June 20.

    Tuition: $150 per student

  • Youth Summer Acting Camp (Ages 11-14)

    June 16-20, 2025, 1–4 PM daily

    For actors ages 11–14

    During this exciting week-long acting camp, taught by Emily Kees, students will prepare a collection of several ten-minute plays! Students will be cast in a variety of roles and we will spend the week learning how to bring characters to life on stage. More advanced students may be able to perform several roles, while beginning actors will focus on one or two roles they can really dive into! We will learn and develop our basic theatre skillset, and work to improve. With a balance of fun drama games and substantial character work, every student, regardless of where they are in their theatre journey, will be able to grow their skills and confidence! Spots are limited, register your young actor soon! The camp showcase event will be on June 20.

    Tuition: $150 per student

  • Teen Summer 2025 Camp (Ages 14-17)

    June 23–27, 2025, 10 AM–2 PM daily

    For actors ages 14–17

    This weeklong series of workshops, led by Clint Gill, will focus on character development within the context of short scenes. Actors will work together in an ensemble to prepare one or two short pieces to be presented in a Showcase at the end of the week. There will be a break each day from 11:45-12:15. Students should bring lunch or a snack.

    Tuition: $150 per student

  • Summer Youth Acting Camp (Ages 7-10)

    July 14–18, 2025, 9 AM–12 PM daily

    For actors ages 7–10

    During this exciting week-long acting camp, taught by Emily Kees, students will prepare a collection of several ten-minute plays! Students will be cast in a variety of roles and we will spend the week learning how to bring characters to life on stage. More advanced students may be able to perform several roles, while beginning actors will focus on one or two roles they can really dive into! We will learn and develop our basic theatre skillset, and work to improve. With a balance of fun drama games and substantial character work, every student, regardless of where they are in their theatre journey, will be able to grow their skills and confidence! Spots are limited, register your young actor soon! The camp showcase event will be on June 20.

    Tuition: $150 per student

  • Youth Summer Acting Camp (Ages 11-14)

    July 14–18, 2025, 1–4 PM daily

    For actors ages 11-14

    During this exciting week-long acting camp, taught by Emily Kees, students will prepare a collection of several ten-minute plays! Students will be cast in a variety of roles and we will spend the week learning how to bring characters to life on stage. More advanced students may be able to perform several roles, while beginning actors will focus on one or two roles they can really dive into! We will learn and develop our basic theatre skillset, and work to improve. With a balance of fun drama games and substantial character work, every student, regardless of where they are in their theatre journey, will be able to grow their skills and confidence! Spots are limited, register your young actor soon! The camp showcase event will be on June 20.

    Tuition: $150 per student

  • Master Class in Audition Prep for Musicals

    August 23, 2025, from 1–4 PM

    Participants (ages 18 and up) in this class will get the opportunity to practice audition monologues and songs, find new and appropriate materials for auditions, and learn new strategies and techniques for auditioning confidently and impressively. Join us for this session and leave feeling informed, confident, and encouraged! This 3-hour class is taught by Elizabeth Huling.

    Tuition: $50 per student

  • Fall Break Youth Acting Camp (Ages 7-10)

    October 13–17, 2025, 9 AM–12 PM daily

    For actors ages 7–10

    During this exciting week-long acting camp, taught by Emily Kees, students will prepare a collection of several ten-minute plays! Students will be cast in a variety of roles and we will spend the week learning how to bring characters to life on stage. More advanced students may be able to perform several roles, while beginning actors will focus on one or two roles they can really dive into! We will learn and develop our basic theatre skillset, and work to improve. With a balance of fun drama games and substantial character work, every student, regardless of where they are in their theatre journey, will be able to grow their skills and confidence! The class will be taught by Emily Kees. There will be a showcase at the end of the week.

    Tuition: $150 per student

  • Fall Break Youth Acting Camp (Ages 11-14)

    October 13-17, 2025, 1–4 PM daily

    During this exciting week-long acting camp (October 13-17, 1:00-4:00 pm), taught by Emily Kees, students will prepare a collection of several ten-minute plays! Students will be cast in a variety of roles and we will spend the week learning how to bring characters to life on stage. More advanced students may be able to perform several roles, while beginning actors will focus on one or two roles they can really dive into! We will learn and develop our basic theatre skillset, and work to improve. With a balance of fun drama games and substantial character work, every student, regardless of where they are in their theatre journey, will be able to grow their skills and confidence! There will be a showcase at the end of the week.

    Tuition: $150 per student

  • Adult Scene Study Class

    Wednesdays from October 15–November 19, 2025, at 7 PM

    A 6-week course in acting focusing on scene work will meet on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. This class will emphasize scene work and the special acting skills required for successful collaborative work on stage. Participants aged 18 and up will work on short scenes with various classmates, focusing on the dynamics of good scene partnership. Material to be performed at the student showcase on November 21 will range from classics to contemporary. Character conferences with instructor Dr. Jack Wann will be included.

    Tuition: $150 per student

  • Adult Acting Class

    Wednesdays from February 11–March 18, 2026, at 7 PM

    A 6-week course in acting that will meet on Wednesdays from 7–9 PM. The course will challenge actors ages 18 and up of all levels of experience. Character conferences with instructor Dr. Jack Wann is included. A showcase of prepared scenes and monologues will be presented at the conclusion of the session on March 20.

    Tuition: $150 per student

  • Master Class in Audition Prep for Musicals

    March 28, 2026 from 1-4 PM

    Participants (ages 18 and up) in this class will get the opportunity to practice audition monologues and songs, find new and appropriate materials for auditions, and learn new strategies and techniques for auditioning confidently and impressively. Join us for this session and leave feeling informed, confident, and encouraged! This 3-hour class (1:00-4:00 pm) is taught by Elizabeth Huling.

    Tuition: $50 per student

  • Spring Break 2026 Youth Acting Camp (Ages 7-10)

    March 30–April 3, 2026 from 9 AM–12 PM daily

    During this week-long camp, led by Emily Kees, students will experience the entire process of preparing and performing a 30-minute Musical! More experienced students may be able to perform several roles, while beginning actors will focus on one or two roles they can really dive into! We will learn and develop our basic theatre skillset, and work to improve! With a balance of fun drama games and substantial character work, every student, regardless of where they are in their theatre journey, will be able to grow their skills and confidence! Students will perform their production at the end of the week. Spaces are limited, register your budding young actor soon!

    Tuition: $150 per student

  • Spring Break 2026 Youth Acting Camp (Ages 11-14)

    March 30–April 3, 2026 from 1–4 PM daily

    During this week-long camp (March 30-April 3, 1:00-4:00 pm), led by Emily Kees, students will experience the entire process of preparing and performing a 30-minute Musical! More experienced students may be able to perform several roles, while beginning actors will focus on one or two roles they can really dive into! We will learn and develop our basic theatre skillset. With a balance of fun drama games and substantial character work, every student, regardless of where they are in their theatre journey, will be able to grow their skills and confidence! Students will perform their production at the end of the week. Spaces are limited, register your budding young actor soon!

    Tuition: $150 per student

  • Master Class in Audition Prep for Musicals

    May 23, 2026 from 1-4 PM

    Participants (ages 18 and up) in this class will get the opportunity to practice audition monologues and songs, find new and appropriate materials for auditions, and learn new strategies and techniques for auditioning confidently and impressively. Join us for this session and leave feeling informed, confident, and encouraged! This 3-hour class (1:00-4:00 pm) is taught by Elizabeth Huling.

    Tuition: $50 per student

 FAQs

  • Our classes and camps are open to students ages seven and up. Some workshops are designed specifically for elementary-aged students, while others are geared towards adults aged 18+. Age recommendations are listed with each class description.

  • Not at all! Our programs are designed for students of all experience levels. Whether your child is brand new to the stage or looking to sharpen their performance or directing skills, there’s a place for them at SCCT Academy.

  • We offer a wide range of theatre education opportunities, including:

    • Acting classes (scene study, monologue work, improvisation)

    • Summer theatre camps for kids

    • Shakespeare and classical theatre workshops

    • Directing and stagecraft classes

    • Audition prep clinics

    Check our current schedule for a full list of offerings.

  • All classes take place at Shelby County Community Theatre, located at 801 Main Street, Shelbyville, KY. Most classes and workshops utilize the Upstairs at 801 black box theatre space but may use the Mainstage or off-site classroom space as needed. Any change in location will be communicated by the instructor to all participants.

  • Tuition varies by class or camp and is listed on each class description. Scholarships may also be available for qualifying families.

  • Yes! Our classes include a final showcase for family and friends. This is a fun, low-pressure way for students to show what they’ve learned.