Classes & Workshops
SPRING 2026 CLASSES ARE OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!
(Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page for Mini Actors!)
Spring 2026 Theatre Classes
- New Sheriff in Town – Musical Theatre Production
- Thursdays, Feb 12, 2026 – May 7, 2025
- 4:30PM – 6:30PM
- Ages 7-14
- Introductory Theatre 1: Why Putting On a Play is a Terrible Idea
- Tuesdays, Jan 27, 2026 – Mar 17, 2026
- 4:30PM – 5:45PM
- Ages 7-11
- Introductory Theatre 2: Nobody Asked ME!
- Tuesdays, Mar 24, 2026 – May 12, 2026
- 4:30PM – 5:45PM
- Ages 7-11
Meet Our Instructors

Joelle Shenk
Director
Director
Joelle (she/her) brings 20 years of teaching theatre and public presentation to the table. She LOVES sharing the joys of theatre, helping children gain confidence and have a blast while doing so. Through energy instruction, young actors will learn the wonderful world of sharp theatre and technique! Her OTHER favorite things are currently eating interesting food and reading children’s stories… out loud.

Seth Davis
Music
Music
Seth Davis (he/him) is the Executive Director of The Lyric Theatre, with over 20 years of experience in professional theatre. Prior to beginning his tenure at The Lyric, Seth served as a music director for regional theatres throughout the Southeast, followed by a nine-year position as Resident Music Director for Mill Mountain Theatre in Roanoke, VA. He has worked on pre-Broadway productions, award-winning regional theatre productions, new musicals, and film & television productions. Seth has also served as musical director for Georgia Tech, Oglethorpe University, and Hollins University in addition to teaching at The Alliance Theatre, Aurora Theatre and judging many regional music and theatre festival competitions. Seth is passionate about sharing his love of music and theatre with students of all ages!

Kayla Lees
Instructor/ Stage Manager
Instructor/ Stage Manager
Kayla Lees. Kayla caught the theatre bug around 20 years ago and has been working on and off
the stage ever since. She is a self-taught artist who has helped create sets, props and costumes
for hundreds of productions. She has worked on everything from community theater, to murder
mystery dinners, to Shakespeare, tv, indie films, even immersive horror and art experiences.
She is so excited to share her love and knowledge of theatre and creating!

Susie Young
Choreographer
Choreographer
Susie Young is a choreographer, director, educator, and community and cultural organizer based in Roanoke. She recently got her M.F.A. in Directing and Public Dialogue at VT in May 2023 after a fifteen-year career directing and choreographing in theaters and schools nationwide. She is an artist-in-residence with Roanoke City and works at The Cranwell International Center as a program coordinator. Her most recent work has been a series of performance projects exploring the intersection of theater, dance, and agriculture. She works in various ways with farmers and artists across the Roanoke Valley to make art projects that explore food systems and land connections.
Classes offered by our partners at Joeloe Productions and the Art Factory

Lyric Book Club
For ages 7-14. This is an opportunity that combines literature, art, and drama! Each week, we will discuss the chapters of the week, do a game or movement themed to the book, and do a hands on art activity! Books+Art+Drama= the most EPIC kid’s book club ever!
This Book Club is brought to by April and Joelle. April was an elementary education teacher for 16 years, and currently owns and operates the Art Factory in Blacksburg. Joelle has taught theatre, and held Storytime with Joelle, in the NRV since 2009. Both ladies are SUPER excited to team with The Lyric, and other businesses, to bring the excitement of reading to your family.
- A New Book selection will be coming soon!

Joelle’s Mini Actors Workshop
Do you have a youngster who thrives in front of an audience? Has a ton of energy? Enjoys making up stories or playing dress up? Then bring them to our Mini Actors class on Monday afternoons!
Mini Actors is a workshop class designed to engage young children in the techniques and basics of theatre. Each class has a theme to give your child a positive experience and an enjoyable learning atmosphere. Each month will feature a specific theme, curriculum, and presentation, so there is no “missing out” if you choose to sign up for one month, and not the other. Each month is registered individually.
Mondays 4:30pm-5:15pm at The Lyric Theatre in Blacksburg
Classes are 4 weeks long. Each month will feature a specific theme, curriculum, and presentation, so there is no “missing out” if you choose to sign up for one month, and not the other. Each month is registered individually. NOTE: “Click, Clack, Moo” is FULL. However, registration is still available for the following two sessions. Don’t wait – register now!
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Click, Clack, Moo – Feb 9, 2026 – Mar 2, 2026
-
Anansi – Mar 9, 2026 – Mar 30, 2026
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3 Billy Goats – Apr 6, 2026 – Apr 27, 2026





