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2026 FALL CLASSES

HCT is committed to making theatre education accessible to all. If you require information about scholarships, please contact the Education Director, Kelsey Kott HERE

Studio One Act
Everything Is A Puppet!

Saturday, October 24th 1-4 PM Someone once said “an actor prepares…” but what does this actually look like in practice? The scene study intensive was designed for students looking for an accelerated acting class offering guidance in script analysis, character development, and rehearsal techniques. All of these skills are essential to becoming a responsible actor who explores the full depth of their characters. Students will be assigned a scene to work on throughout the class and will receive direct feedback from the instructor. This class is intended for students to be on their feet actively rehearsing in addition to discussing theory and receiving side coaching from the instructor. Students will receive their scene assignments prior to the day of the intensive. This class will be taught by Education Director Kelsey Kott.

$30

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Adults 18 and up
 

October 6-27 Tuesdays 5-7 PM *Special public performance Wednesday, October 28th @ 6 PM Devious. Compassionate. Impulsive. Courageous. Orderly. Brett Holland’s one act play An Experiment asks if any of these personality traits can help us survive extreme duress. The studio one act class is a new opportunity for students wanting to grow as actors while working on a role in a staged production. Students will be cast and rehearse throughout the class, culminating in a public performance in the Council Chamber at the end of the month. Optional auditions will be Monday October 5th at 5 PM. Class tuition covers one copy of the script, licensing fees, and design element fees. This production will be directed by Education Director Kelsey Kott.

$175​

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Ages 12-15
 

Saturday, October 24th 10 AM-12 PM Join us for an afternoon of puppet making just a few weeks ahead of HCT’s production of Hand to God by Robert Askins! Students will begin by making a paper bag puppet and giving it a distinct personality. They will learn how to manipulate the puppet to embody that personality. Then, students will move on to making a sock puppet just like the characters in the play. Students will get to keep their puppets! This class will be taught by Artistic Director Eric Seale, and all materials will be provided.

 

$50
(covers cost of materials)
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Ages 8-13
 

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Professional Development Sessions

The Art of Swordfighting Workshop

$30

 

Ages 10-12 10 AM-12 PM

Ages 13 and up 2-4 PM

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Saturday, November 7th Calling all swashbucklers! Get ready for a crash course in the art of swordfighting. Students will learn the basics of one-armed combat, using dowel rods as their weapon of choice. Students will also study the role of story-telling while they slash, parry, thrust, etc. Above all, students will learn that safety is non-negotiable, and that it is the responsibility of the actor to protect their partner while selling the fight to the audience. By the end of the workshop, students will be able to demonstrate a full combination, both as attacker and defender. This class will be taught by HCT Artistic Director Eric Seale. Eric is a certified actor-combatant who has been in stage combat for over 20 years.

Professional Development Session
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Available upon request. Prices may vary. HCT is proud to offer professional development sessions in public speaking, improvisation, team-building, etc. The skills taught in the theatre play a vital role in the holistic development of effective leaders, no matter what their profession is. Our professional development sessions will finesse your communication skills, promote critical thinking, and boost your confidence. If you are interested in hiring us for your next workplace event, complete the form below.

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Frozen Celebration Festival

Saturday, November 14th 10:00 AM-12:00 PM or 12:30-2:30 PM $25 (admits one adult and one child) $5 for each additional person in your party Do you want to build a snowman? Join us for a day in Arendelle with the Frozen Celebration Festival! The theater will be adorned with stations for students to explore including face painting, story time, arts and crafts, and more! Families are welcome to drop in and navigate their experience however they want. The goal of the festival is for students to enrich their connections with the characters and themes of Frozen, ahead of HCT’s production opening later this November! Arts immersion is key to developing young theater creatives and this festival is sure to delight artists of all ages.

NOTICE: HCT reserves the right to cancel any courses that do not meet the registration minimum. Tuition will only be refunded to students for any classes that do not meet the registration minimum. All classes will take place in person at HCT. If class is unable to take place in person for any reason, a virtual class may be possible at the discretion of the Education Director. HCT classes are NOT open to the public to watch; in class performances may welcome audiences by personal invitation only.

HCT is committed to not using generative AI in its productions, or as a company, out of respect for artists and their art.

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© HICKORY COMMUNITY THEATRE 2026
30 3rd ST NW Hickory, NC 28601

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