The Theatre Arts Collective
Mission Statement: MTS’s Theatre Arts Collective (T.A.C.) is cultivating artists and performers alike through rigorous training, creativity, and community in all aspects of the theatre arts.
Goals:
develop skills in acting, voice, movement, and stagecraft
prepare students for future academic/professional theatre opportunities
foster collaboration and confidence
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Theatre Arts Collective Classes
MTS Beginning Acting
Riley Robinson is a licensed ELA and Theatre Arts teacher, an MTS veteran, and is happy to be working with these kids. Riley has eights years of classroom experience, and has taught several theatre summer camps. Riley loves giving young actors the tools needed to be successful. The best part is seeing their faces light up as they perform, bringing their characters to life.
This fun, 6-week course introduces students to the fundamentals of acting through imagination, movement, and ensemble-based exercises. Each class blends warm-ups, improvisation, and short monologue or scene work to build confidence and creativity. Students will give each other feedback in a “master class” style format. The session culminates in an informal in-class scene performance celebrating growth and teamwork. The class is crafted for youth ages 14-18, however college students up to age 21 are welcome.
6 weeks on Saturdays
Jan 24 – Feb 28, 9 am – 9:50 am
Ages: 14 – 21
Registration Fee: $120
*Fees are non-refundable
Beginning ActingBeginning Acting
Intro to Ballet Movement
Amie Tennant is so excited to be a part of The Theater Arts Collective and to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing community of talented artists. A dancer for over 22 years, Amie has taken her passion for performing and molded it into a great love for teaching and sharing inspiration and encouragement. Some favorite past choreography projects include Alice in Wonderland and Moana Jr (MTS), Godspell (Hold the Applause), Suessical Jr (Hold the Applause) and Pippin Jr (Fairfield Theater). She also teaches with VIIIZONS Dance Academy during the year, as well as performing in the VIIIZ adult company. Amie wants to thank all of the amazing teachers and students who have allowed her to come on this journey, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Intro to Ballet Movement will establish a basis of terminology, technique, and structure for dancers beginning their TAC journey. This beginner course is designed to allow dancers of all experience levels to solidify their knowledge of movement and prepare them as we move forward with the rehearsal process/weekend workshops. This class is highly recommended for all TAC students, and any other dancers looking to refresh their skills.
Class Dates: 2 weeks on Saturdays from Jan 24 – Jan 31, 10 – 10:50 am
Ages: 14- 21
Registration Fee: $40
*Fees are non-refundable
Intro to Ballet MovementIntro to Ballet Movement
Open Choreo
Amie Tennant is so excited to be a part of The Theater Arts Collective and to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing community of talented artists. A dancer for over 22 years, Amie has taken her passion for performing and molded it into a great love for teaching and sharing inspiration and encouragement. Some favorite past choreography projects include Alice in Wonderland and Moana Jr (MTS), Godspell (Hold the Applause), Suessical Jr (Hold the Applause) and Pippin Jr (Fairfield Theater). She also teaches with VIIIZONS Dance Academy during the year, as well as performing in the VIIIZ adult company. Amie wants to thank all of the amazing teachers and students who have allowed her to come on this journey, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Open Choreography classes are offering a great opportunity for dancers to explore different dance genres and work on skills needed to learn new pieces. Students will be introduced to jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and lyrical styles, while learning the history and basic techniques of each style. This is the “rep work” of dance: learning memorization and retention of new choreography. These skills will prepare students for audition processes and give them confidence moving forward in their dance careers.
Class Dates: 3 weeks on Saturdays from Mar 14 – Mar 28, 12- 1:30 pm
Ages: 14 and up!
Registration Fee: $60
*Fees are non-refundable
Open ChoreoOpen Choreo
How to Read Music Basic
Katherine Robinson is a Music teacher at Moriarty Elementary, teaching how to read music on a daily basis. She has also directed several junior shows such as “Into the Woods” and “Seussical”. She has taught several day camps and is excited to bring her expertise to MTS.
This class focuses on the nuts and bolts of how to read music. We will learn rhythms such as quarter notes, rests and many others. We will also learn how to read treble clef notes and understand pitch.
6 weeks on Saturdays
Jan 24 – Feb 28, 11- 11:50 am
Ages: 14- 18
Registration Fee: $120
*Fees are non-refundable
How to Read MusicHow to Read Music
Voice for Actors
Renato Estacio, EdD, MBA, MMus, is a bass-baritone with an extensive background spanning Broadway show revues at casinos, opera, education, and arts leadership. His recent operatic highlights include Dutch Schultz in Bumpy Johnson (Trilogy Opera), Zúniga in Carmen (Opéra Bastide), and Leporello in Don Giovanni (Teatro Miela), and Father in Seven Deadly Sins (dell’Arte Opera Ensemble). A seasoned director and educator, he currently directs the Drama Program at a local high school and has over 17 years of experience teaching voice. Renato is also a founder of multiple arts organizations and an award-winning artist, having recently won 2nd Prize in the International Grand Virtuoso, and semi-finalist for the La Marianne competition.
Using classical technique for both singing and theater, this six-week voice class will focus on projection, diction, breathing, health, technique, and inflection.
6 weeks on Saturdays
Jan 24 – Feb 28, 12 pm – 1 pm
Ages: 12- 18
Registration Fee: $120
*Fees are non-refundable
Voice for ActorsVoice for Actors
Supporting Skills: Resume and Self Promotion
Jasmine Sahd is a singer, artist, and performer residing in New Mexico. Recently joining the Musical Theatre Southwest community, she is eager to support and elevate the Albuquerque theater scene. Through her journey as a music student, Jasmine developed a strong passion for providing artists with the professional development often lacking in traditional curricula. While serving as a peer career advisor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music during her master’s program, she gained valuable experience helping fellow students with resumes, cover letters, and interview prep which she now aims to share with this community. Her mission is to empower emerging artists to effectively advocate for their careers.
This four-week course is designed for performers and creatives who want stronger professional skills to support their work on and off the stage. We’ll focus on building clear and effective performance and professional resumes, practicing how to talk about your experience in interviews and auditions, and learning how to promote yourself in a way that feels honest. The class is hands-on and low-pressure, with practical tools you can use immediately in casting rooms, job interviews, and creative spaces so you leave more confident and prepared.
4 weeks on Saturdays
Feb 7 – Feb 28, 9 am – 9:50 am
Ages: 14 and up!
Registration Fee: $100
*Fees are non-refundable
Resume BuildingResume Building
Intermediate Action
While it can be taken as a stand alone class, this 6 week class will be building on the foundations of Beginning Acting, deepening students’ understanding of character, script analysis, and emotional truth. Through partner scenes and guided rehearsals in a “master class” style format, actors refine their technique, listening skills, and stage presence. The class concludes with polished in-class performances that emphasize connection, authenticity, and artistry.
6 weeks on Saturdays
Mar 7 – Apr 11, 9- 9:50 am
Ages: 14- 21
Registration Fee: $120
*Fees are non-refundable
Intermediate ActionIntermediate Action
Acting Method Study
“Acting Method 4 week intensive“; Each TAC Production will have a method assigned to the vision* we will study “Meisner” in partner format for the production of “West Side Story” This class will be an in depth study into originating your character through emotional memory recall, building repetitive bonds, memorizing by Roté, living in truth, and much more. With partner scene preparation and a finale class performance. This four week class taught By TAC Spring season Director Natalie, is strongly encouraged by all TAC members. No age limit.
4 weeks on Saturdays
Mar 7 – Mar 28, 10- 10:50 am
Ages: All ages
Registration Fee: $100
*Fees are non-refundable
Method StudyMethod Study
How to Read Music: In Action
Six-Week Class: We will learn how to perform music starting with naming rhythm and treble clef notes in a real piece. We will also write our own musical pieces to perform using what we have learned.
6 weeks on Saturdays
Mar 7 – Apr 11, 11- 11:50am
Ages: 14- 18
Registration Fee: $120
*Fees are non-refundable
Read Music: In ActionRead Music: In Action
Show Production
A series of classes that emphasizes leadership and management; working with stage management; and working with other production directors. We take a sample of a theatrical work, analyze it, plan it, and create a vision while coordinating the moving parts. It includes:
- Project management and timelines
- Different stakeholders and their input
- Script analysis
- Preparing for blocking and rehearsals
- Hands-on coaching and execution (stage a scene and work through it)
4 weeks on Saturdays
Mar 7 – Mar 28, 10:30 am – 1 pm
Ages: College and up
Registration Fee: $200
*Fees are non-refundable
Show ProductionShow Production
Vocal Audition Prep
Melody Gallagher is a professional musician, opera singer, educator, and director from Denver, Colorado. She holds a degree from Denver School of the Arts, a Bachelor of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and a Master of Education from Eastern New Mexico University. She has performed several recitals and opera scenes and has held roles in musicals and operas such as The Pajama Game, Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Into the Woods, Little Women, and Faust. Melody has been teaching private voice lessons for 10 years and directing theatre and musical theatre for 8 years. Her program has sent students to schools such as AMDA, West Texas A&M University, and Eastern New Mexico University with substantial scholarships. She now music directs the Musical Theatre program with the National Dance Institute in Albuquerque, NM. Her recent performances include Verdi’s Requiem with the New Mexico Symphony Chorus, New Mexico Performing Arts Society’s Annual Opera Concert, Dolores with Opera Southwest, The Sound of Music with Landmark Musicals, and Music Directing Annie Jr. with Albuquerque Little Theatre. Her upcoming engagements include playing the role of Tuya in The Prince of Egypt with Musical Theatre Southwest (March 2026).
This course guides students through the essential skills needed to confidently prepare for singing auditions. Students learn how to select, prepare, and perform an audition-appropriate cut of music, with a focus on vocal technique, stylistic accuracy, and clear storytelling. The class covers audition etiquette, working with accompanists, marking music, and managing nerves. Through practice sessions and feedback, students build a polished audition package that showcases their strengths and helps them succeed in school, community, and professional audition settings.
4 weeks on Saturdays
Apr 4 – Apr 25, 10- 10:50 am
Ages: 12- 18
Registration Fee: $100
*Fees are non-refundable
Vocal Audition PrepVocal Audition Prep
Marketing Seminar
Getting seats filled includes different aspects of marketing, revenue management, and market analysis.
- Market analysis
- Concept design
- Planning to execution
- General and target marketing
- Pro and Post Forma analysis
1 day on Saturdays
Apr 11 – Apr 11, 10:30 am – 1 pm
Ages: College and up
Registration Fee: $30
*Fees are non-refundable
Marketing SeminarMarketing Seminar
Creative Drama
Madison Dodd is thrilled to be joining the MTS education team. Madison is an actor, director, educator and friend! Madison is originally from Kansas City Mo and moved to ABQ in 2023. Madison holds a BFA in acting with emphasis in musical theatre and a masters degree in elementary education. Madison has been teaching theatre for over a decade and has previously served as the artistic director for the Boji Bantam at the Okoboji Summer Theatre. Local acting credits include: Fusion, MTS, and Albuquerque Little Theatre. Madison looks forward to a wonderful session of learning with you!
Creative Drama:
Do you have a little one with a big personality? Or maybe a little one who is a little shy and ready to come out of their shell? Creative Drama might be the right class for you! This class is designed for students ages 5-8 who are just beginning their theatre journey. In this class we will: play theatre games, learn about “what is theatre and acting?” as well as support literacy growth through our read aloud component. This course will be 6 weeks from March 10th-April 14th. We will meet weekly on Tuesday nights from 4:00-4:50 PM at MTS. For our last session we invite families to join us for a small presentation. We hope you consider joining our theatre family!
6 weeks on Tuesdays
Mar 10 – Apr 14, 4- 4:50 pm
Ages: 5- 8
Registration Fee: $120
*Fees are non-refundable
Creative DramaCreative Drama
Improv
Improv:
In this class students will gain skills in creativity, quick thinking, problem solving and improve on their acting skills through the powerful medium of IMPROV! Students will learn a structured acting warm up, learn the rules of improv and engage in a wide variety of improv games. This is a mixed level improv class. All skill levels are welcome! We will be playing a wide variety of games in this course. This course will be 6 weeks from March 10th-April 14th. We will meet weekly on Tuesday nights from 5:00-5:50 PM at MTS. For our last session we invite families to join us for a small presentation. We hope you consider joining our theatre family!
6 weeks on Tuesdays
Mar 10 – Apr 14, 5- 5:50 pm
Ages: 12- 18
Registration Fee: $120
*Fees are non-refundable
ImprovImprov
Alexander Technique and the Voice
“Alexander Technique and The Voice” A Mind and Body study specifically designed to enhance your sense of self through performance. The art of preparation in the body, breath integrity, physical balance and alignment. Mind and voice meet in this class designed for vocalists who are seeking an in depth study of their instrument and its connection to your authenticity. AGES 16+ recommended as the “touch teach” method is applied.
2 weeks on Saturdays
Apr 18 – Apr 25, 9- 9:50 am
Ages: Ages 16 and up
Registration Fee: $40
*Fees are non-refundable
Alexander TechniqueAlexander Technique
Learning at MTS
Community-Focused: We are not just a theatre; we are a community. With MTS, you get the unique chance to learn, perform, and thrive alongside like-minded creatives who share your passion.
Expert-Led Workshops: Our world-class instructors bring Broadway experience and industry insights straight to your classroom, offering you unparalleled training in acting, singing, and dancing.
Flexible Learning: Whether you’re a budding actor, a gifted singer, or a nimble dancer, our curriculum has something for everyone. Choose from a wide range of courses designed to suit all skill levels and aspirations.
Showcase Your Talent: What’s learning without performing? Participate in our seasonal productions and discover the magic of live theatre while contributing to Albuquerque’s rich artistic landscape.
