Woodbury Leadership Academy –

Introduction to Chess
Winter Session 2027

Thursday’s After School for WLA– For ages 8-18

Jan 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4 & 11, 2027

$139 Registration Fee, reduced rate for multiple kids

Click Here to Register

The Story Time Chess Method:
This session will be led by Jesse Martone who started playing chess after volunteering to oversee a school tournament 6 years ago. Since then he’s continued to oversee tournaments, teach students introductory lessons, and show them how to have fun by taking on new challenges.Chess was originally designed by tutors to teach kings strategic thinking and logic.

The Story Time Chess curriculum uses the original technique of looking at each piece as a theatrical character. Chess is taught in a simple and fun, engaging way that captivates kids. Multiple studies have shown that kids who play chess do better at math. No experience needed for introduction to chess.
Introduction to Story Time Chess includes a chess set to take home at the end of the term. 

  • 3:50pm – 4:00pm : Snack (bring a snack & water bottle)
  • 4:00pm – 5:00pm : Creative Drama Games.

Class size: 10 min; 25 max

Woodbury Leadership Acadamy –

Chess Club, Tournament Style Play
Winter Session 2027

Tuesday’s After School for WLA – For ages 8-18

Jan 26, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2 & 9, 2027

$99 Registration Fee, reduced rate for multiple kids

Click Here to Register

WLA Chess Club is designed for kids who understand the basics of chess and want a chance to get together with other kids for tournament play with a focus on sportsmanship and decorum. Mentoring focuses on advancing knowledge of tactics and strategy.

This session will be led by Jesse Martone who started playing chess after volunteering to oversee a school tournament 6 years ago. Since then he’s continued to oversee tournaments, teach students introductory lessons, and show them how to have fun by taking on new challenges.

  • 3:50pm – 4:00pm : Snack (bring a snack & water bottle)
  • 4:00pm – 5:00pm : Creative Drama Games.

Class size: 10 min; 25 max

WOODBURY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CREATIVE DRAMA GAMES CLUB
Winter 2027

Thursdays After School – 2nd Grade and Up

January 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4 & 11

$129 – Register multiple kids at once for $119 each

Click Here to Register
  • Creative Drama GAMES Club uses theater and imagination games to teach theater vocabulary and practices (including “Front of House!”) while encouraging creativity. No memorization or rehearsals. This club is recommended for kids who are new to theater, or for those who do not have the time to memorize lines.
  • 3:50pm – 4:00pm : Snack (bring a snack & water bottle)
  • 4:00pm – 5:00pm : Creative Drama Games.

 Class size: 10 min; 25 max

Semi-Private Acting Classes
Winter 2027 (Jan-Feb)

$89 Registration Fee after Audition & Acceptance
January 16, 23, 30, Feb 6, 13, 20, 2027  

9:30 to 10:30 ; For Ages 12-18
By Audition Only

By Audition Only - programs@merrillartscenter.org

Merrill Arts Center Semi-Private Acting for kids ages 12 to 18 taught by Shell Wolf, MFA.  These classes meet the students where they are and help them grow as performers.  Classes are designed to increase students’ current acting skills and learn new ones helping them feel more confident in future productions, identifying habits, and building their actor toolbox.

To audition, click on the link and email Shell a 1-2 minute monologue with a list of experience or resume at programs@merrillartscenter.org. Tuition isn’t due until after the student has been accepted into the class.

Shell has an MFA in theater from Minnesota State University, Mankato.  She is an actor and director and has worked with young people for over 20 years, helping them reach their full potential and helping them add to their acting toolbox.

Classes are from 9:30 to 10:30 Saturdays with a showcase on the final date for a private audience of invited family and friends. at MAC Studio Theater – 380 Rivertown Dr, Suite 200, Woodbury MN 55125.   Drop off is from 9:15 with classes starting promptly at 9:30.

Private Vocal Music Lessons

With Tyler Eliason

By appointment

Click Here to Sign Up
Tyler Eliason is a Music Teacher, Music Director and Vocal Coach living in Bloomington, with experience in theater around the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs. He graduated from Concordia College in 2018 with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education. He has 14 years of experience teaching Kindergarten through High School students. Outside of voice lessons and teaching, Tyler is theater performer in the Twin Cities with his most recent show being in A Chorus Line at Lyric Arts. He has worked as a Music Director for multiple venues including Jefferson High School, The Play’s the Thing Children’s Theater Company, Ashland Productions, Blue Water Theatre Co, Merrill Arts Center, Eden Prairie Players and many others. Tyler has received Outstanding Performances for high school productions with some having performed at the Spotlight Showcase.                                                                                                                             Tyler will help your child: Sing at pitch, grow in performance skills, grow in enunciation and vocabulary, find a musical style they enjoy, practice for auditions and performances, help manage any theater performer or future music career questions. His goal is for your child to be a confident and strong lifelong singer, whether they pursue performance in the future as a career or hobby.

WLA Chess Club – Tournament Style Play
Spring Session 2027 (Mar-May)

For ages 8-18

Registration Coming Soon

WLA Chess Club is designed for kids who understand the basics of chess and want a chance to get together with other kids for tournament play with a focus on sportsmanship and decorum. Mentoring focuses on advancing knowledge of tactics and strategy.

WOODBURY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CREATIVE DRAMA GAMES CLUB
Spring 2027

Thursdays After School – 2nd Grade and Up

March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 29, May 6, 13 & 20

$129 – Register multiple kids at once for $119 each

Registration coming soon
  • Creative Drama GAMES Club uses theater and imagination games to teach theater vocabulary and practices (including “Front of House!”) while encouraging creativity. No memorization or rehearsals. This club is recommended for kids who are new to theater, or for those who do not have the time to memorize lines.
  • 3:50pm – 4:00pm : Snack (bring a snack & water bottle)
  • 4:00pm – 5:00pm : Creative Drama Games. 

Please note: The final date of class is the final performance for the WLA Drama PERFORMANCE Club and the GAMES class will function as Front of House staff, hosting and attending the DRAMA CLUB PERFORMANCE Club final performance at 4:30.

 Class size: 10 min; 25 max

WOODBURY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY DRAMA PERFORMANCE CLUB
SPRING 2027

Thursdays After School – 2nd Grade and Up

March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 29, May 6, 13, 19 & 20

$139 – Register multiple kids at once for $129 each

Registration Coming Soon
  • Taught by Dayna Railton, Artistic Director of The Play’s The Thing Children’s Theatre Company.
  • Kids work together to bring a short workshop-style performance to life in a rehearsal setting. This is not a fully-produced play. To participate in a fully-produced stage production with professional designers, please visit https://merrillartscenter.org/about/auditions/ 
  • Students experience a rehearsal setting, learn the basic vocabulary of theater, memorize lines, and put on a short workshop-style performance for a small audience of parents and invited guests.
  • 3:50pm – 4:00pm : Snack (bring a snack & water bottle)
  • 4:00pm – 5:00pm : Rehearsal.
  • Term ending in a performance of an workshop-style play for invited audience. Please note: There will be an additional final dress rehearsal the day prior to the final performance.

Please note: There is an additional Wednesday Drama Club Dress Rehearsal the day prior to the final performance for parents at 4:30 on the final day.

Class size: 10 min; 25 max

 

Semi-Private Acting Classes
Spring 2027 (Mar-April)

$89 Registration Fee after Audition & Acceptance
March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2027  

9:30 to 10:30 ; For Ages 12-18
By Audition Only

By Audition Only

Merrill Arts Center Semi-Private Acting for kids ages 12 to 18 taught by Shell Wolf, MFA.  These classes meet the students where they are and help them grow as performers.  Classes are designed to increase students’ current acting skills and learn new ones helping them feel more confident in future productions, identifying habits, and building their actor toolbox.

To audition, click on the link and email Shell a 1-2 minute monologue with a list of experience or resume at programs@merrillartscenter.org. Tuition isn’t due until after the student has been accepted into the class.

Shell has an MFA in theater from Minnesota State University, Mankato.  She is an actor and director and has worked with young people for over 20 years, helping them reach their full potential and helping them add to their acting toolbox.

Classes are from 9:30 to 10:30 Saturdays with a showcase on the final date for a private audience of invited family and friends. at MAC Studio Theater – 380 Rivertown Dr, Suite 200, Woodbury MN 55125.   Drop off is from 9:15 with classes starting promptly at 9:30.

WLA Chess Club – Tournament Style Play
Fall Session 2027 (Sept-Nov)

For ages 8-18

Registration Coming Soon

WLA Chess Club is designed for kids who understand the basics of chess and want a chance to get together with other kids for tournament play with a focus on sportsmanship and decorum. Mentoring focuses on advancing knowledge of tactics and strategy.

WOODBURY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CREATIVE DRAMA GAMES CLUB
FALL 2027

Thursdays After School – 2nd Grade and Up

$129 – Register multiple kids at once for $119 each

Registration coming soon
  • Creative Drama GAMES Club uses theater and imagination games to teach theater vocabulary and practices (including “Front of House!”) while encouraging creativity. No memorization or rehearsals. This club is recommended for kids who are new to theater, or for those who do not have the time to memorize lines.
  • 3:50pm – 4:00pm : Snack (bring a snack & water bottle)
  • 4:00pm – 5:00pm : Creative Drama Games. 

Please note: The final date of class is the final performance for the WLA Drama PERFORMANCE Club and the GAMES class will function as Front of House staff, hosting and attending the DRAMA CLUB PERFORMANCE Club final performance at 4:30.

 Class size: 10 min; 25 max

WOODBURY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY DRAMA PERFORMANCE CLUB
FALL 2027

Thursdays After School – 2nd Grade and Up

$139 – Register multiple kids at once for $129 each

Registration Coming Soon
  • Taught by Dayna Railton, Artistic Director of The Play’s The Thing Children’s Theatre Company.
  • Kids work together to bring a short workshop-style performance to life in a rehearsal setting. This is not a fully-produced play. To participate in a fully-produced stage production with professional designers, please visit https://merrillartscenter.org/about/auditions/ 
  • Students experience a rehearsal setting, learn the basic vocabulary of theater, memorize lines, and put on a short workshop-style performance for a small audience of parents and invited guests.
  • 3:50pm – 4:00pm : Snack (bring a snack & water bottle)
  • 4:00pm – 5:00pm : Rehearsal.
  • Term ending in a performance of an workshop-style play for invited audience. Please note: There will be an additional final dress rehearsal the day prior to the final performance.

Please note: There is an additional Wednesday Drama Club Dress Rehearsal the day prior to the final performance for parents at 4:30 on the final day.

Class size: 10 min; 25 max

 

Semi-Private Acting Classes
Fall 2027 (Oct-Nov)

$89 Registration Fee after Audition & Acceptance
September 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2027  

9:30 to 10:30 ; For Ages 12-18
By Audition Only

By Audition Only

Merrill Arts Center Semi-Private Acting for kids ages 12 to 18 taught by Shell Wolf, MFA.  These classes meet the students where they are and help them grow as performers.  Classes are designed to increase students’ current acting skills and learn new ones helping them feel more confident in future productions, identifying habits, and building their actor toolbox.

To audition, click on the link and email Shell a 1-2 minute monologue with a list of experience or resume at programs@merrillartscenter.org. Tuition isn’t due until after the student has been accepted into the class.

Shell has an MFA in theater from Minnesota State University, Mankato.  She is an actor and director and has worked with young people for over 20 years, helping them reach their full potential and helping them add to their acting toolbox.

Classes are from 9:30 to 10:30 Saturdays with a showcase on the final date for a private audience of invited family and friends. at MAC Studio Theater – 380 Rivertown Dr, Suite 200, Woodbury MN 55125.   Drop off is from 9:15 with classes starting promptly at 9:30.