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.
Fall 2026 classes
Our Fall 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. Please note that attendance for classes, dress rehearsals, and performances is required. If a youth misses a class, their part might be reassigned.
Key dates:
Dress Rehearsal: November 2nd–5th
Performances: November 6th–8th
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Homeschool Classes: Tales Around the Campfire
Directed by: Jerrica Steger
Dates & Requirements:
Ages 8-13 Wednesdays, 9:30am-10:30am
Ages 14-18 Wednesdays, 10:45am-11:45am
Students will work together to write their own scenes and monologues, then perform them in their showcase. The theme is “Tales Around the Campfire.” A fun way to kick off the fall season with spooky, heartfelt, and silly stories all created in class. This is a wonderful opportunity for young writers to practice their skills and for actors to feel a connection to their own pieces. Students will learn the fundamentals of theatre: Theatre Etiquette, Stage Directions, Stage Positions, Projection, etc.
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101 Classes: Folk and Fairy Tales
Directed by: Jerrica Steger
Dates & Requirements:
Ages 8-10, Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30
Ages 8-10, Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45
Students will work together to learn scenes and monologues around the theme of folk and fairy tales. With the importance of becoming well-rounded performers, they will learn the fundamentals of theatre: Theatre Etiquette, Stage Directions, Stage Positions, Projection, etc. Using the tools they have learned in class, students will perform their whimsical pieces for their Showcase at the end of the semester.
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102 Classes
Directed by: Dustin Bartee
Dates & Requirements:
Ages 11-15, Tuesdays, 5:00-6:00
Ages 11-15, Tuesdays, 6:00-7:00
Ages 11-15, Thursdays 5:00-6:00
Want to have fun, make new friends, and keep growing as a performer?
Our aim in this class is for each student to take creative risks, collaborate with others, and enjoy the storytelling process in a supportive, safe place.
Through interactive games, your student will build confidence, develop creativity, and experience a strong sense of community.
Students will work on age-appropriate monologues, to be performed via a Showcase at the end of the semester.
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Advanced Class
Directed by: Dustin Bartee
Dates & Requirements:
Ages 11-18, Mondays 5:00-6:30 (Youth age 11-14 must be approved by the Director, otherwise sign up for our 102 class.)
This class is designed for dedicated young actors who are eager to strengthen their performance skills through challenging scene work and monologues.
Students will experience collaboration, constructive feedback, and ensemble work, all while building confidence and versatility as performers.
This is an ideal spot for students with previous acting experience and a natural step through our Academy program.
Class participants should be prepared to memorize material, engage in thoughtful discussion, and challenge themselves artistically.
The semester concludes with a Showcase of their scenes and monologues.
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Elite Ensemble (INVITE ONLY)
Directed by: Jerrica Steger
Requirements:
Ages 13-18
An advanced performance program designed to develop confident, versatile performers. Through scenes, monologues, and musical ensemble work, students refine their acting, singing, and stage presence while preparing for auditions and future performance opportunities. Guided by their director, students will begin building a professional acting portfolio and gain valuable behind-the-scenes experience by volunteering and assisting with the mainstage season. This immersive program equips dedicated young artists with the skills, discipline, and real-world experience needed to take the next step in their theatrical journey. The Elite Ensemble will participate in the Theatre Network of Texas Youth Conference June 2027
Meet our academy instructors
Jerrica Steger
BEGINNER YOUTH AND ELITE THEATER INSTRUCTORJerrica’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.
Dustin Bartee
INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED YOUTH THEATER INSTRUCTORDustin 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.