YOUTH Classes & LESSONS
TOOLS OF AN ACTOR
Sept 10 - Nov 12
Classes take place at the Bennington Public Library in Bennington, Nebraska
$95 | 3rd - 5th Grade Students Enrolled in Bennington Public Schools
In this energetic class, students will dive into the world of improv, learning the basic rules and techniques that make this form of acting so exciting! Through games, exercises, and acting out different scenes, characters, and scenarios, students will develop their creativity, quick thinking, and collaboration skills.
PRIVATE LESSONS
ART
$250 4-week class package or monthly subscription
Ages 6+
Lessons are 60 minutes each for 4-weeks. Monthly lessons are renewed every 4-weeks.
Instructors: Mia Dempsey
Find your inner artist and learn to be the next Vincent van Gogh or Jean-Michel Basquiat! Work on techniques such as hatching, cross-hatching, shading, and stippling, as well as exploring the seven principles of art: line, shape, form, space, texture, value, and color. Supplies are included in the price of tuition.
ACTING
$75 for a single class | $200 monthly subscription
Ages 8 - 18
Monthly lessons are renewed every 4-weeks. Lessons are 60 minutes.
Instructor: Abby Custer, Billy McGuigan
Explore personal techniques to creating compelling, complex characters. Curriculum topics include cold readings, monologue preparation, script analysis and developing the emotional and physical life of a character. The scripts studied in the class will be inspired by the students’ literary, theatre, film and television interests.
AUDITION PREP
$75 for a single class | Not available for a monthly subscritpion
Ages 8+
Instructor: Assigned based on Audition needs
Would you like additional help while getting ready for an audition? Whether it be selecting and rehearsing a song, practicing a monologue, creating a resume, preparing for a dance combination or creating a video submission, we’ll provide the extra set of eyes and ears to help you strengthen your skills in advance!
SONGWRITING
$50 for a single class | $150 monthly subscription
Ages 12 - 18
Monthly lessons are renewed every 4-weeks. Lessons are 60 minutes.
Instructor: Matthew McGuigan
Work with a Rave On Productions professional musician as you focus on basic songwriting styles and techniques. Over the course of sessions, different songwriting methods will be presented so students can learn to develop the necessary skills to compose lyrics and music. The instructor will help the student focus on melody writing and lyric structure, while encouraging the development of their own personal musical identity and critical listening skills.
MUSIC LESSONS
$50 for a single class | $200 monthly subscription
Monthly lessons are renewed every 4-weeks. Lessons are 30 minutes.
Questions? Email us at kate@billymcguigan.com.
GUITAR
Ages 8+
Instructors: Collin Smith
Fingers to the strings, strings to the frets, let’s rock! Learn skills from rich and diverse styles and genres! Providing all skill levels of instruction in rock, pop, blues, country and classical.
Piano
Ages 6+
Instructors: Elaine Stoner, Christian Shields, Alex Villa
Ben Folds or Beethoven, keys are for you! Students will learn the basics of piano technique, music theory and music reading. From that foundation, students will be able to explore different genres and styles that interest them such as classical, pop, rock, musical theater or jazz.
VOICE
Ages 7+
Instructors: Matthew McGuigan, Elaine Stoner, Audrey Saucier
Vocalize boldly! Begin your journey on how to sing using healthy vocal techniques in a range of styles including rock, pop, musical theatre and more. From beginners to advanced, students will receive tailored instruction based on their voice goals and needs. Lessons include warm-ups, exercises and rehearsing songs.
VIOLIN
Ages 5+
Instructor: Alex Villa
Fiddling with the basics of violin? Take it further into music theory, music reading and beyond! From a fun and interactive foundation, students will be able to explore different genres and styles that interest them such as classical, pop and rock.
BASS
Ages 7+
Instructors: Matthew McGuigan
Keep that low end groovy and jam the bass! All levels and music tastes are welcome. McGuigan Arts Academy is bringing you knowledgeable and fun ways to expand what this instrument has to offer.
DRUMS
Ages 6+
Instructor: Brandon Bakke
Realize your rhythmic retention by mastering the art of the groove! The heartbeat of any great ensemble comes from the drums, and our experienced teachers are here to guide you on your percussive journey. All skill levels are welcome, so sign up today and make some noise!
WOODWINDS (clarinet, flute, saxophone)
Ages 12+
Instructor: Andrew Sprague
Come explore what makes these instruments such an integral part in the many settings they champion! The incredible sounds within the woodwind family will be yours to create, offering all levels of instruction in saxophone, and beginner levels in flute and clarinet. Our academy lesson goers will learn through foundational instruction tactics like note reading and retention, as well as playing the varied styles and genres throughout these instrument’s histories.
Photo from 2023 student summer showcase concert at the Benson Theatre.