Spring 2026 Academy Session

Get Ready for McBride with Academy classes!
Our spring Academy session is four weeks on Saturdays-- April 11 / 18 / 25 and May 2. 
Classes are reserved for actors in 8th grade or older, and are $80 for the session.
While participation in the classes does not guarantee a spot in the cast, our classes are designed to help you grow as a performer and feel genuinely prepared and confident for your audition. 
​

Irish Dance 

Our summer mainstage prodution is set in Ireland, and will feature many Irish dance numbers. Get a head start and learn some basic Irish dance steps and combinations so your feet are familiar with patterns you may be asked to learn for auditions. Students do not need Irish dance shoes-- tap shoes or tennis shoes with a hard sole are fine. Private recordings of each class will be shared for practice at home or missed classes.

This class will be taught by long-time competitive Irish Dancer and Inspiring Arts mainstage alum Avery Cornwall.

Beginning Irish Dance -- 11:00am - 12:00pm
     *NO tap or Irish dance experience
​Intermediate Irish Dance -- 12:00pm - 1:00pm
     *At least 2 years of Irish dance or tap lessons OR cast as a tapper or Irish dancer in an Inspiring Arts show

Acting

Learn how to effectively use your voice, body, and expressions to create vivid characters that tell a compelling story on stage. We'll practice techniques for both Comedy and Drama, in exercises, scene work, and monologues using the script of McBrides Call. Come and polish your audition monologue, practice strategies for callbacks, or just strengthen your acting skills!

This class will be taught by Beth Kenniv, acting/voice teacher, playwright, and Inspiring Arts' Artistic Director.

Acting I -- 10:00am - 11:00am
     *Grades 8th - 12th
​Acting II -- 1:00pm - 2:00pm
     *Grades 10th - adult

Can't make it to the classes?

We will be offering several one-day Intro to Irish Dance intensives for those who can't commit to our classes. Come and learn some basic steps and combinations. Students do not need Irish dance shoes-- tap shoes or tennis shoes with a hard sole are fine.
This class is open to those in 8th grade or above. Each intensive is $50, and will be a simplified and condensed version of the class, but allow beginners and intermediate students to progress at their own pace. Students who took the dance classes are welcome to attend, but the intensives will cover the same basic material.
Irish Dance Intensives
Saturday, May 9 from 10:00a-12:30p
Monday, May 11 from 6:30p-9:00p
Spring 2026 Private Voice Lessons
Purchase a 4-lesson package and schedule with the teacher at your convenience.
Inspiring Arts Academy is thrilled to offer beginning and intermediate/advanced private voice lessons!
Our 35-minutes lessons are $35 - $40 per week and are scheduled with the instructor directly.
*Note: Our classes are meant to teach and practice skills, and (unless indicated) will not have a final performance.
ABOUT BEGINNING VOICE
Register for beginning lessons if you are not yet in high school and new to voice training. Beginner voice lessons are for the student who will benefit from one-on-one assessment, instruction, and encouragement to kickstart all the basics of voice training, including posture, breathing, tone development, projection, and confidence! Students will learn 2-3 new songs to build their personal musical repertoire. Beginning voice lessons will be taught by Derri Turnbo. With questions or to confirm scheduling prior to purchasing a lesson package, contact Derri at [email protected].
Derri Turnbo is a homeschool graduate with a degree in Voice from Cincinnati Christian University. Besides leading worship and serving on Staff at Vineyard Northwest Church, she has taught private voice lessons for 12 years to students of various ages. She specializes in teaching healthy vocal technique to support the singer’s voice in any style of music. She's excited to join Inspiring Arts as an Academy voice teacher and is looking forward to helping students discover and enjoy their true voice and use it confidently!
ABOUT ADVANCED VOICE
Advanced voice lessons are for students who have confidently sung in ensembles or onstage with Inspiring Arts and are now ready to take the next step in voice growth (generally high school aged or above). This level is perfect to prepare for an upcoming theater audition, college music audition, or just building vocal abilities for personal growth. Students will improve their vocal technique and develop the head, chest and mix voice, focusing on placement of the tone. Advanced voice lessons will be taught by Beth Kenniv. With questions or to confirm scheduling prior to purchasing a lesson package, contact Beth at [email protected].
Beth Kenniv is the artistic director of Inspiring Arts. Besides directing numerous stage productions, she has taught and directed choral music for over 30 years. With a degree in Vocal Music Education, Beth trained voices in large group and private settings to students of all ages in classical and musical theater styles. In our advanced lessons, Beth will assess the voice, and help remove any hindering habits and to build healthy vocal techniques that can be used in every style of singing. ​
If you are unsure of which level of lessons are appropriate for you, please email us at admin@InspiringArtsProductions!
​We want each student to be placed where the lessons will be most effective, and we reserve the right to switch a student mid-session if the situation warrants.
​Questions? Email us at [email protected]