YOUTH ACADEMY
Igniting passion, encouraging expression
Performing doesn’t have
to be scary
With the right support, anyone can build the skills and confidence to act, sing, or dance on stage. At the Bastrop Opera House Academy, we create a supportive space for students to explore their creativity, grow as performers, and build life skills that go far beyond the stage.
Spring 2026 classes
Our spring session offers acting and vocal training for youth ages 8–18, with multiple levels to support beginners through advanced performers. Classes meet weekly and culminate in a live performance. A guardian meeting will be held on the first day of each class, and flexible payment plans are available.
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Beginner Acting (Alice in Wonderland) - 4:30pm
Instructor: Jerrica Steger
Dates: Wednesdays, 4:30–5:30 PM. Classes begin Wednesday, January 14th
Requirements: Ages 8–10
Performance: May 15 & 16
Tuition: $320
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Beginner Acting (Alice in Wonderland) - 5:45
Instructor: Jerrica Steger
Dates: Wednesdays, 5:45–6:45 PM. Classes begin Wednesday, January 14th
Requirements: Ages 8–10
Performance: May 15 & 16
Tuition: $320
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Intermediate - Tuesdays 4:30
Instructor: Dustin Bartee
Dates: Tuesdays, 4:30–5:45 PM Classes begin January 13th
Requirements: Ages 10–18, with Spring 2025 academy experience required for age 10
Performance: May 16 & 17
Tuition: $320
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Intermediate - Tuesdays 5:45
Instructor: Dustin Bartee
Dates: Tuesdays, 5:45–7:00 PM. Classes begin January 13th
Requirements: Ages 10–18, with Spring 2025 academy experience required for age 10
Performance: May 16 & 17
Tuition: $320
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Intermediate - Thursdays 4:30
Instructor: Dustin Bartee
Dates: Thursdays, 4:30–5:45 PM. Classes begin January 15th
Requirements: Ages 10–18, with Spring 2025 academy experience required for age 10
Performance: May 16 & 17
Tuition: $320
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Homeschool Theatre Academy
Instructor: Jerrica Steger
Dates: Wednesdays, 10:00–11:15 AM. Classes begin January 14th
Requirements: Ages 8-18
Performance: May 16
Tuition: $320
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Vocals With Symphony
Instructor: Cynthia Smith
Dates: Thursdays, 5:45–6:45 PM. Classes begin January 15th
Requirements: Ages 8–18 — This class is for young artists who want to develop their singing voice while learning songs in different musical theatre styles.
Performance: May 16 & 17
Tuition: $250
Summer camp
Every summer, we host an exciting multi-week camp filled with acting, singing, dancing, and performance. Stay tuned for updates on our next session!
Meet our academy instructors
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Dustin Bartee
INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED YOUTH THEATER INSTRUCTOR
Dustin fell in love with the performing arts near the end of high school, and those experiences have continued to grow through the years. In college, he traveled the country with a select Improv group, performing at conferences, camps, and churches. For 4 years, Dustin directed a youth skit troupe which toured all over Texas, as well as a fundraising production of 12 Angry Men in the round. From Shakespeare to solo shows, and everything else in between it seems, his recent delight has become musical theatre. In fact, you may even catch him and his family in a show at the Opera House sometime very soon. Dustin is thrilled to be working with the team at the Youth Performing Arts Academy, growing the joy of theatre to all ages.
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Jerrica Steger
BEGINNER YOUTH THEATER INSTRUCTOR
Jerrica’s love for theater started at a very young age. She has developed her skills through training and personal hands-on experience from age eleven to the present day. Traveling across the great slopes of Colorado, Jerrica went on tour bringing theater and workshops to schools that didn’t have a theater program. She also taught theater classes at a residential treatment center for at-risk youth. She earned her Performing Arts degree at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood, California. Jerrica also trained under former actor Keith Jefferson (The Hateful 8, Django Unchained.) She has since worked as a stage manager, choreographer, and assistant director for several productions. You may have seen her on the BOH stage in Oz! The Musical, Freaky Friday, The Addams Family and more. Jerrica is looking forward to joining the Academy Directing Team to Uplift, Inspire, and Encourage the youth in this program. -
Cynthia Smith
VOCAL INSTRUCTOR
Symphony, co-founder and past host of the ever popular “Lyrically Speaking Mixed Mic” of Southern California, is an educator, stage director, writer, actress, poet, vocal and acting instructor, certified John Maxwell International Speaker, personal speaking coach, and spoken word artist. Her ardent desire is simply to infuse others with the skills and confidence to achieve their highest level of personal success.