Classes

We offer an enormous variety of group classes to satisfy the music and performance interests of kids and adults alike. Our unique 12-week session model allows students to get on stage frequently and show family and friends the fruits of their labor throughout the year in a real theater that seats 150 people. This experience is extremely valuable and our instructors make it their mission to support them throughout their journey to the stage.

  • Musical Theater
  • Jazz & Musical Theater Dance
  • Pop Music Performance
  • Songwriting
  • Acting
  • Vocals
  • Full Scale Musical Production!
  • Hip Hop
  • TAP with Jessica Low
  • Young Professionals Audition Prep
  • Competition Performance Team (CPT)

Classes we offer

Musical Theater

Musical Theater is a form of art performance that includes song, dance, and acting. Musical Theater allows performers to share exciting stories by combining all-around artistic talent and collaboration. Whether you have experience in singing, acting, dancing, or no experience at all you can still learn and enjoy the experience of Musical Theater. In learning Musical Theater, many students gain a new sense of self-confidence, as they explore a wide range of roles and talents that teach you not only about musical performance but about your own identity too. Musical Theater invites collaboration from all kinds and levels of performers to come together, trust and challenge one another and put forth the performance of a lifetime.

Audition

Auditions are tryout-like interviews in which a sample performance is given by an individual in hopes of being selected for a certain role or job. All professional performers, singers, actors, dancers, and musicians typically must participate in auditions to further their goals and careers. As a performer, it is important to understand what goes on in auditions and what one can do to stand out and prove their talents to attain the role or job one wishes for. Preparing for auditions improves performers’ chances of succeeding in their chosen field of performance and improves many real-life skills such as professionalism, confidence, and public speaking, all of which carry out in other professions as well.

Dance

Dance is a form of expression which allows individuals to communicate emotions, stories, and energy through rhythmic body movement. There are many different styles of dance including hip-hop, tap, jazz, lyrical, and ballet. Dancers benefit from all of these styles both physically and emotionally. Physically, dance is a form of exercise that challenges the body through stamina, flexibility, and rhythm. Emotionally, dance provides a fun outlet for many to express themselves in ways that words cannot while building connections with others and exploring the passionate art of performance.

Acting

Acting is a form of storytelling performance in which actors and actresses assume and portray a certain role or character through expression, intonation, movement, and gesture. Actors and Actresses today have the opportunity to achieve and portray roles in many different mediums such as theater, television, film, and radio. Learning to act has many benefits for all ages and experiences. Acting is proven to improve one’s public speaking skills, teamwork, confidence, and professionalism. Through acting, many find new talents and passions within themselves while having fun and exploring various characters.

On Camera

Regardless of one’s chosen field of performance, it is likely that one will have to understand and master the art of being on camera. These days many performance mediums such as television, film, print, and social media all require performances to be delivered on camera. There are many different aspects to on-camera work, including content creation, performance, audition, production, and marketing. Learning and mastering these aspects provide individuals with various important skills that allow performers to further their careers and personal aspirations.

Music

Music is a combination of melody, rhythm, and harmony. These three elements take many forms in vocal and instrumental mediums. Whether one prefers classical, folk, rock, hip-hop, electronic, pop, jazz, country, or any of the other many styles of music, there is something music can provide for everyone. Research shows many benefits that music can have on one’s health and life including stress reduction, mood elevation, memory stimulation, and better overall physical health. Explore the world of music and experience positive change in a creative and exciting environment. 

Class Descriptions

Intro to Musical Theater – Designed specifically for our youngest stars-to-be, this class allows students the chance to explore music, movement and creativity through a variety of “triple-threat” activities just for them! They will jump into a story, observe all that surrounds them, embrace the characters, and sing and dance them through adventures. Perfect for the Pre-Kindergartner up to 1st grader who is interested in a taste of Broadway, this class will take a musical theater piece from beginning to end for performance. Students will learn about characters, blocking, choreography and singing to create a musical masterpiece.

Musical Theater Performance – Musical Theater 1 gives students a taste of putting on a show while developing new skills, exploring their hidden talents, and building their self-confidence. Songs and scenes from one musical will be selected for the class. This is the perfect class for the beginner interested in singing, dancing and acting. We will begin with theater games and exercises, then move quickly onto character and scene exploration, all the while teaching them the nuts and bolts of the theater and beyond. There will also be scene work culminating in a final performance. Each student will experiment with costumes, props, blocking and choreography culminating in their final performance.

Full-Scale Musical Production – Our Musical Production will be announced and run September through January and February through June. Every season the staff at Big Star Studios will chose a new musical to perform live in January and June. Students will study characters, songs and dance using their creativity, voices and expressions to bring the story and characters to life! This is an amazing experience for kids to learn what goes into bringing a full musical production to the live stage from beginning to end. Kids will learn so many valuable skills working as an ensemble while problem solving and building self-confidence. Collaboration with their teachers and peers in a creative environment that encourages kids to be in the moment, have fun and take risks!

Musical Theater: The Greatest Showman! – In this thrilling class, students learn and perform songs from The Greatest Showman, a show centered on the theme of self-acceptance, and pride in being different and unique. With songs like “The Greatest Show”, “A Million Dreams”, “This is Me”, “From Now On”, and more… students let their voices soar to these uplifting songs centered on identity and acceptance of self and others. These energetic songs inspire young performers to sing loudly and bravely, and dance with passion and confidence in group settings with featured solos. This class will be filled with spirit and movement and should be an uplifting highlight of the week and year for all its students!

LIN’s LYRICS: The Words of Lin Manuel Miranda – From stage musicals like In The Heights and Hamilton, to musical films like Moana and Encanto!, Lin Manuel Miranda is arguably the most prolific and popular composer/lyricist on the planet right now. In this class, we will explore the incredible words that Lin has brought to life in his recent works of art. Students will sing and rap at the speed of Miranda, and even try their hand at writing lyrics in his style as well! Every story begins with its words, and this class will immerse its students in some of the catchiest lyrics ever written! Come flow and grow!

World Premiere Musical – In this groundbreaking class, students will work with their teacher to not only put on a show, but to create it from the ground up! Students will engage in every part of the musical making process, including generating the idea, writing the story, writing the scenes, composing the score, and eventually directing, choreographing, and performing in it. As a team, students will gain access to every step of the creative process. The students will be forced to answer the question: What does our world need to hear from us? And they will answer that question through an epic journey from blank page to filled stage! Be a part of a world premiere musical and join this class!

Register Now

Intro to Hip HopThis class is for our younger age set ages 4-6 years old. These classes focus on the movement, choreography and music of the pop scene while keeping in the Broadway style our studio revolves around. Shining a spotlight on key personalities of this genre, this class is sure to be exhilarating and fun, giving your child experience not only with hip hop but with using dance to invigorate the song.

Hip Hop 1This Hip Hop class is for 2nd grade and up. These classes focus on the movement, choreography and music of the pop scene while keeping in the Broadway style our studio revolves around. Shining a spotlight on key personalities of this genre, this class is sure to be exhilarating and fun, giving your child experience not only with hip hop but with using dance to invigorate the song.

Hip Hop 2 – This class is for kids that have taken Hip Hop 1 or have Hip Hop experience. These classes focus on the movement, choreography and music of the Pop scene while keeping in the Broadway-style our studio revolves around. Shining a spotlight on key personalities of this genre, this class is sure to be exhilarating and fun, giving your child experience not only with hip hop but with using dance to invigorate the song.

Competition Performance Team Hip Hop Group 1 – This class is for our Competition Performance Team and is by audition only. These classes focus on the movement, choreography and music of the Pop scene while keeping in the Broadway-style our studio revolves around. Shining a spotlight on key personalities of this genre, this class is sure to be exhilarating and fun, giving your child experience not only with hip hop but with using dance to invigorate the song.

Competition Performance Team Hip Hop Group 2 – This class is for our Competition Performance Team and is by audition only. These classes focus on the movement, choreography and music of the Pop scene while keeping in the Broadway-style our studio revolves around. Shining a spotlight on key personalities of this genre, this class is sure to be exhilarating and fun, giving your child experience not only with hip hop but with using dance to invigorate the song.

Intro to Dance: Hip Hop, Jazz & Tap! Intro to Dance is a class that will introduce our youngest students to all three genres of dance that Big Star offers! We will cover all three of these styles of dance throughout the course of the class! If your child has not done dance with us and doesn’t know which class to sign up for this is the perfect introduction to all three!

Beginning/Intermediate Tap Since the earliest days on Broadway tap has been an integral part of being a well-rounded performer on the stage. This class will focus on basic technical skills, development of the ear and the ability to understand music. Skills will include flaps, shuffles, pickups, cramp-rolls and more! Students will practice a variety of choreography using many different rhythms and a wide range of music. The class will focus on proper tap technique and sounds and most importantly kids will have a fantastic time!

Intermediate/Advanced Tap with Miss Jessica Low – Big Star Studios is so excited to be offering tap with the talented Miss Jessica Low! Since the earliest days on Broadway tap has been an integral part of being a well-rounded performer on the stage. This class will focus on basic technical skills, development of the ear and the ability to understand music. Skills will include flaps, shuffles, pickups, cramp-rolls and more! Students will practice a variety of choreography using many different rhythms and a wide range of music. The class will focus on proper tap technique and sounds and most importantly kids will have a fantastic time!

Jazz & Musical Theater DanceDance is an integral part of the musical theater world, with most theatrical productions requiring performers to be “triple threats” (actors, singers and dancers). As such, Big Star Studios is pleased to announce a new choreography spotlight series! This class focuses on the movement, choreography and music of musical theater. Focusing on jazz, ballet and musical theater dance technique. Specific shoes will be required to participate in this class!

Advanced Jazz & Ballet – Dance is an integral part of the musical theater world, with most theatrical productions requiring performers to be “triple threats” (actors, singers and dancers). As such, Big Star Studios is pleased to announce a new choreography spotlight series! This class focuses, at a deeper level, on the movement, choreography and music of musical theater. Focusing on jazz, ballet and musical theater dance technique this class is designed to take our already talented students to another level. Specific jazz and ballet shoes will be required to participate in this class!

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Acting 101/102 – This is a beginning level introductory to acting class. Students will learn the six elements of acting (Thought/Theme/Ideas, Action/Plot, Characters, Language, Music and Spectacle). This class will also introduce kids to creating characters, memorizing dialogue, using their voice and body to show emotions. Students will have the opportunity to perform short scenes after learning the keys to acting. Whether students are looking to get comfortable speaking in front of people, gain confidence and get over stage fright or aspire to make it onto the big screen this class has something for everyone interested in acting!

Musical Theater 2 Performance – This class will inspire the older student to focus on characterization, dialogue, vocals, choreography, and on-stage skills. This class is for the student who wants to take the skills previously learned that much closer to becoming a “triple threat”. Depending on the skill level, students will have the opportunity for solo as well as ensemble work. Each student will experiment with costumes, props, blocking, and choreography culminating in their final performance.

Fall 2023 Musical Production: Matilda the Musical!Matilda is a story of a girl with big dreams and astonishing wit, intelligence… and special powers! She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, Miss Honey. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing– the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness and could be the school pupils’ saving grace! Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda Jr. is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by this story! Students will have a chance to learn a full musical and perform. Parts will be assigned to everyone who signs up. All students will be given a script to learn lines and music! This class is taught by two of our most talented teachers with an amazing amount of vocal, choreography and acting experience! There is a $70 materials fee for this class.

Register Now

Young Professionals Audition Prep – No matter what age you are, it’s never too early to prepare for ANY audition that may come your way! In this class, students of all ages will put together everything needed to be a professional auditioning actor! From organizing your materials (headshot/resume, audition book) to the techniques and strategies used in professional audition rooms, your young storyteller will learn everything it takes to enter the audition room prepared and confident. The class will culminate with real simulated auditions that will provide our students with the confidence they need to crush any general audition or callback. A must for any aspiring young professional. Class registration includes a discounted headshot session!

Register Now

Musical Theater Hamilton & the words of Lin-Manuel MirandaLIN’s LYRICS: The Words of Lin Manuel Miranda – 4th grade and up From stage musicals like In The Heights and Hamilton, to musical films like Moana and Encanto!, Lin Manuel Miranda is arguably the most prolific and popular composer/lyricist on the planet right now. In this class, we will explore the incredible words that Lin has brought to life in his recent works of art. Students will sing and rap at the speed of Miranda, and even try their hand at writing lyrics in his style as well! Every story begins with its words, and this class will immerse its students in some of the catchiest lyrics ever written! Come flow and grow!

Pop Music Performance (2nd grade & up) Pop music from the radio has always made its way to the Broadway stage, and in this class, students will get to jump into today’s hottest music (think Imagine Dragons, Olivia Rodrigo, BTK, Lady Gaga, or whichever artist is their favorite!) to create performances that could belong on the stages of tomorrow! Students will dive into their favorite pop songs, turning today’s hits into fully realized theatrical performances. Pop vocal technique, text analysis, and contemporary dance will be used to transform each performance into a live theatrical experience!

Fall 2023 Full Musical Production of Matilda the Musical Jr! Matilda is a story of a girl with big dreams and astonishing wit, intelligence… and special powers! She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, Miss Honey. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing– the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness and could be the school pupils’ saving grace! Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda Jr. is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by this story! Students will have a chance to learn a full musical and perform. Parts will be assigned to everyone who signs up. All students will be given a script to learn lines and music! This class is taught by two of our most talented teachers with an amazing amount of vocal, choreography and acting experience! There is a $70 materials fee for this class.

Young Professionals Audition Prep – No matter what age you are, it’s never too early to prepare for ANY audition that may come your way! In this class, students of all ages will put together everything needed to be a professional auditioning actor! From organizing your materials (headshot/resume, audition book) to the techniques and strategies used in professional audition rooms, your young storyteller will learn everything it takes to enter the audition room prepared and confident. The class will culminate with real simulated auditions that will provide our students with the confidence they need to crush any general audition or callback. A must for any aspiring young professional. Class registration includes a discounted headshot session!

World Premiere Musical – In this groundbreaking class, students will work with their teacher to not only put on a show, but to create it from the ground up! Students will engage in every part of the musical making process, including generating the idea, writing the story, writing the scenes, composing the score, and eventually directing, choreographing, and performing in it. As a team, students will gain access to every step of the creative process. The students will be forced to answer the question: What does our world need to hear from us? And they will answer that question through an epic journey from blank page to filled stage! Be a part of a world premiere musical and join this class!

Register Now

Songwriting with Mr. Eric(3rd grade & up) Does your young storyteller ever make up their own song, on the spot? We’ve all seen this amazing creative impulse, but it can be hard to figure out the next step. Well, THIS class is here to solve that problem! Storytellers of all ages will learn about verses, the pre-chorus, the chorus/hook, the bridge, and every element of the songwriting process. Guided by their teacher, students will create songs of their own, engage in lyric writing, and experience the immense joy that comes from making a song that has NEVER existed before! Registration for this class comes with a free digital demo of the student’s final presentation song, for friends and family to listen to for years to come!

Group Guitar Lessons – We believe group instruction is a great way to introduce your child to music instruction. Groups are also a great alternative or supplement to private music instruction. Learn in a fun, peer-supported environment with some of our best teachers. Students learn at their own pace and also work collaboratively as a group. Kids are innately musical and in this class will learn to keep a beat, participate with confidence and learn about performance!

Pop Music Performance – Pop music from the radio has always made its way to the Broadway stage, and in this class, students will get to jump into today’s hottest music (think Imagine Dragons, Olivia Rodrigo, BTK, Lady Gaga, or whichever artist is their favorite!) to create performances that could belong on the stages of tomorrow! Students will dive into their favorite pop songs, turning today’s hits into fully realized theatrical performances. Pop vocal technique, text analysis, and contemporary dance will be used to transform each performance into a live theatrical experience!

Musical Theater 2 Performance – This class will inspire the older student to focus on characterization, dialogue, vocals, choreography, and on-stage skills. This class is for the student who wants to take the skills previously learned that much closer to becoming a “triple threat”. Depending on the skill level, students will have the opportunity for solo as well as ensemble work. Each student will experiment with costumes, props, blocking, and choreography culminating in their final performance.

Musical Theater: The Greatest Showman! – In this thrilling class, students learn and perform songs from The Greatest. Showman, a show centered on the. theme of self-acceptance, and pride in being different and unique. With songs like “The Greatest Show”, “A Million Dreams”, “This is Me”, “From Now On”, and more… students let their voices soar to these uplifting songs centered on identity and acceptance of self and others. These energetic songs inspire young performers to sing loudly and bravely, and dance with passion and confidence in group settings with featured solos. This class will be filled with spirit and movement and should be an uplifting highlight of the week and year for all its students!

Musical Theater: Hamilton and More!LIN’s LYRICS: The Words of Lin Manuel Miranda – 4th grade and up From stage musicals like In The Heights and Hamilton, to musical films like Moana and Encanto!, Lin Manuel Miranda is arguably the most prolific and popular composer/lyricist on the planet right now. In this class, we will explore the incredible words that Lin has brought to life in his recent works of art. Students will sing and rap at the speed of Miranda, and even try their hand at writing lyrics in his style as well! Every story begins with its words, and this class will immerse its students in some of the catchiest lyrics ever written! Come flow and grow!

Junior/Pre-Teen/Teen Vocal Class Vocals are such an integral part of the musical theater world, every musical production will require performers to be “triple threats” (actors, singers and dancers) with singing at the top of that list! Big Star Performing Arts is pleased to announce our new vocal classes that will focus completely on vocal training. Teaching harmonies, register balance, breath control, range and stamina these classes will enhance our students singing voices while preventing vocal strain and injury.

Adult Vocal Class with David Austin We are pleased to announce our NEW Adult Vocal Class with David Austin! Vocals are such an integral part of the musical theater world, every musical production will require performers to be “triple threats” (actors, singers and dancers) with singing at the top of that list! Big Star Performing Arts is pleased to announce our new vocal classes that will focus completely on vocal training. Teaching harmonies, register balance, breath control, range and stamina these classes will enhance our students singing voices while preventing vocal strain and injury.

Register Now

Interested in viewing our class descriptions in a simple-to-read PDF?  Click the button below and print this PDF.  

GROUP CLASS PRICING & POLICIES

Tuition is due on the 1st of each month and is late after the 5th of the month. Big Star Studios is on a monthly billing system. Class tuition is billed on a 10-month payment scale (September – June) based on an average number of classes per month. Tuition is the same each month regardless of how many lessons there are in any given month. There will be a few months you get 5 lessons and some you may only have 2 or 3 lessons. We will accept cash or checks however; you must have a valid credit card on file for payment if your cash or check is not received by the 4th of the month your card on file will be charged for full tuition on the 5th. 

Monthly Studio Class Pricing

$135 for .5 hours (solos) optional
$95 for .5 hours (duos/trios) optional 
$65 for .5-hour group class (vocal) required 
$100 for 1.0 hour (group classes) dance/age group required
$140 for 1.5-hour (group classes) age group required

Monthly Unlimited Group Class Pricing 6.5+ (does not apply to Summer)

1 Child Unlimited: $640
2+ Child Unlimited: $770

 

A late fee of $25 will be charged to all accounts on the 10th of the month if they are not paid in full. If you are more than two months past due on your account your student will no longer be able to attend classes at Big Star Performing Arts Studio. If payment is returned for NSF or for any other reason, such as an expired card, your account will be assessed a $25 re-processing fee unless other means of payment are worked out by the 15th of the month.

Monthly auto-pay will charge your credit card on the 5th of each month. If you pay by check or cash you must pay in cash or with a check PRIOR to the 5th of each month. Payments can be made in person or sent in the mail. If cash or check is not received before the 4th of the month, your credit card on file will be charged.

Tuition is due on the 1st of every month and late on the 5th of each month. Your account will be charged a late fee of $25 if you are not current by the 10th of each month. Accounts more than 2 months past due will be frozen and your student will not be able to attend class until your account is brought current.

We are very understanding and are happy to work out any special payment arrangements if needed. Please contact us if you would like to talk to discuss.

We run 12-week sessions with a performance at the end of each session. This gives students the opportunity to withdraw from a class if they have other commitments during a given season. We offer a fall, winter, spring, and summer session. If you need to take a session off please provide notice to the office by the 15th of the month prior to the session ending. The following are the notice dates for withdraw from the next session:

• Fall Session               November 15th

• Winter Session         February 15th

• Spring session          May 15th

Dropping a Class:  Students are registered and her/his/their place is held in class for the entire school year, from registration through the June performance.  Unless the student is removed from class by notifying our office of the student’s departure, the parent or guardian will be responsible for tuition payments through June.  A simple notification will stop the billing process.

Refund Policy: Tuition, costumes, competition and travel fees are non-refundable.  No credits or refunds for missed classes.

Registration Fee:  A non-refundable registration fee is required for enrollment along with a standard registration online form.  The annual fee is $45. This fee covers bookkeeping, scheduling, website updates for individual families, and time spent on emails and phone calls registering. If you are registering for the first time this fee will be charged when you register. Existing families will be charged this fee yearly on February 5th.

Costume Fee:  Every competitive routine your child is in will require a costume. Once our instructors have picked the costumes for the pieces your child is in, you will be sent the links to purchase these pieces. If you can shop around and save money, that is fine and is left up to your discretion as long as the pieces the instructor has requested are purchased and brought in on the costume due date. In some cases, you will be able to look around on different sites for costume pieces but there will often be times you will have to purchase exactly what is provided in the costume link that is sent. This is often the case with a Solo, Duo and Trio costume where all the performers are in the exact same thing. There are also some cases where parents may have to reimburse Big Star for costumes that need to be ordered from sites that require studio licensing to order.

Costumes will be passed out during the two weeks prior to our performance. Our costume coordinator will contact each family to let them know their costume needs at least one month prior to our performance. This information will be sent via email and will often have links that make it very simple for you to order costumes.

 The last class prior to the final performance is a dress rehearsal.

Materials Fee for Pre Professional, CPT & Summer Stock Production: Occasionally you will see a materials fee for some of our programs. This fee covers the cost of downloading many pieces of music and the materials used during these specific classes. It may include but is not limited to: a script, sheet music, downloads and printing costs. This fee does not apply to all classes and you will be notified in advance if it is applied.

Inclement Weather and Cancellations: Although we do try to follow the Snoqualmie Valley Public Schools for the most part, Big Star Studios will not necessarily close every time SVSD closes.  Many times roads are clear and safe by 2:30 pm.

If in doubt:

Call or email the studio, check the website, check our Instagram or Facebook page, or email us!

Information Boards: Parents are responsible for reading the information that is posted on the bulletin boards, emails that are sent out and website information.  Every effort is made to make sure all these things are current and we are keeping you informed. Please check the information boards in the lobby regularly for updates as well as our website. Please pay attention to and read our emails. We try not to send you unnecessary emails so when you see something from us it will likely have pertinent information you need to read.