We hope you had a great Thanksgiving with your family! APA has so much to be thankful for. We are blessed with an incredible staff, hardworking students, and their dedicated parents. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for choosing APA for your child’s arts education.
We have such an exciting month coming up with lots of performances! Please make sure to read all of the information so you and your child are prepared for the upcoming events. We are looking forward to seeing our students perform this month!
– The APA Team
December Value: Building Confidence
At APA and NSDS, we encourage students to do their best and build confidence so they can take risks, pursue their goals, and grow both inside and outside the studio.
Looking Ahead:
- Monday, December 1st: Optional Kwik Trip Gift Card Fundraiser ends Today!
- Saturday, December 6th & Sunday, December 7th – Winter Music Concert @ Franklin Saber Center (multiple acts) – click HERE to purchase tickets
- Saturday, December 6th – APA Drama & Musical Theatre Showcase @ APA Oak Creek 7pm – click HERE to purchase tickets
- Saturday, December 6th – Friday, December 12th – In-Class FULL Dance Dress Rehearsal: Our IN-STUDIO dress rehearsal held at APA will be the week prior to our shows during your students normal class time. Students should arrive in full costume with hair and makeup done.
- Saturday, December 13th – Winter Dance Showcase @ OCPAEC (multiple shows) click HERE to purchase tickets
Want to see future dates @ APA? Check out our APA Calendar!
Stay in the loop!
In addition to our PDF/Paper calendar – never miss an important date or event—subscribe to the new Digital APA Calendar!
Apple users: Add to Apple Calendar HERE (Open in Safari or Apple Mail for best results)
Google users: Add to Google Calendar HERE
It’s the easiest way to keep up with performances, breaks, and special events all year long!
Holiday Parents Night Out – December 20th!
We’re excited to offer a festive Parents Night Out on Saturday, December 20th! Kids will enjoy a winter-themed craft, theatre games, a sing-along, and a cozy pizza-and-juice dinner—all led by our Theatre Team and older production students. It’s a creative, high-energy evening for the kids and a well-deserved break for you during the holiday rush!
Date: Saturday, December 20
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Location: Oak Creek APA
Hosted By: APA Theatre Department
Recommended Ages: 5–12
Cost: $35
- Pizza, drink, and all activities included.
- Children must be able to follow group instructions, participate safely, and remain with their assigned group.
→ Register HERE
Wicked Dance Party@ Next Step Dance Studio (sister studio)
Saturday, November 15th 12:30-1:30 pm | Cost: $25
This Wicked Dance Party will be filled with an introduction to dance, crafts, games and choreography. Dancers come in your favorite Wicked outfit or comfortable clothes you can dance in. Dancers will star in an end of the camp performance that the parents can watch. Parents come into class the last 5 minutes of class for performance.
→ Click HERE to register!
We’re hiring a Voice & Guitar Instructor!
Looking for a flexible and fun job that fits your family’s schedule?
We’re looking for a voice and guitar teacher to join our team! The teacher does not have to teach both instruments. Must have experience teaching children ages 5 through adult and a passion for sharing the joy of music.
Join our supportive, creative community at APA!
→ Apply Today HERE
APA Dance Masterclass Offerings!
What Is a Dance Masterclass? A dance masterclass is a special, one-time training session taught by a highly experienced instructor—often someone with professional, touring, or specialized background. Unlike a regular weekly class, a masterclass gives dancers the chance to:
-Learn new skills and strengthen technique
-Try different styles or choreography
-Train with a teacher they normally wouldn’t have access to
-Gain confidence, inspiration, and fresh motivation
Masterclasses are not just for competitive dancers. They are perfect for any student who wants to grow, be challenged in a positive environment, or simply experience something new and exciting. No long-term commitment—just a fun, focused learning opportunity!
NEW Winter Break Dance Masterclass:
Keep your dancer moving over Winter Break! Join Miss Sarah McClure for a special technique and conditioning workshop at APA Oak Creek. 2-hour workshop!
Dec. 30th | $25 | Ages 8–12 & 12+
→ Limited spots available — click HERE to register by 12/19
Hamilton Masterclass :
Broadway is coming to APA! Join our Hamilton Masterclass led by a cast member from the national tour. Dance, learn show choreography, and meet the performer! Don’t miss this rare opportunity
Jan. 24 | $35 | Ages 9–12 & 12+
→ Limited spots available — click HERE to register by 1/9
Give the Gift of Performing Arts to a Friend!
We’re excited to offer a new way for you to share dance or theatre with a friend!
APA gift cards will be handed out to students (or available at the front desk). These cards can be given to someone not currently enrolled and provide one free month of group classes (classes with openings only; excludes mini sessions; up to $79 value).
Simply write your name and your friend’s name on the back of the card and pass it along. They can register by calling us, stopping by APA, or signing up online—just have them mention the “Gift of Performing Arts” postcard.
If your friend registers after their free month and stays enrolled for two months, you both qualify for APA’s referral credit!
New students only. Must enroll by January 15, 2026!
Snow Days
APA will announce snow or ice closures by 3 PM (Mon–Fri) or 8 AM (Sat). Families will be notified by email.
Private Music Lessons Click HERE to review our makeup policy and see which teachers offer virtual lessons on snow days.
Student Absences:
Our winter music and dance recitals are coming up in December! If your student has missed several classes, please ensure they practice at home. Students who are not prepared with their music piece or dance routine may be asked not to participate in the recital.
Peppa’s Primer Dance Class
Age 2-3 year olds 6-week Mini Session III
Is your little one ready to try dance? Join us for Peppa’s Primer Dance Class, a fun, themed 6-week mini session running January 5th – February 14th.
→ Click HERE to register!
Costume Orders:
If you did not receive your costume yet, please reply to this email or see the front desk so we can update you on the status of your costume.
Required Dance Costumes/Shoes: Please check to make sure your dancer’s costume is ready to go for our in-class FULL dress rehearsal. Students MUST have the correct dance shoes for our performance. Please check with our front desk if you are unsure of what your dancer needs to wear.
Winter Showcase is almost here!
2025 Winter Showcase – Saturday, December 13th @ OCPAEC
Full details, including showtimes, ticketing, and procedures, are available here:
https://academywi.com/winter-dance-performances/
Key Dates:
– In-Class Dress Rehearsal: December 6th-12th (full costume required)
– Tickets on Sale: Monday, November 10th (VIP members receive pre-sale email)
Website Info Includes:
- Showtimes & Arrival Times
- Day-of Procedures
- Pre-Sale Flowers & Stuffed Animals
- Costume Photos
- Required Shoes, Hair, & Makeup
Parent Volunteers Backstage:
We’re looking for parent volunteers to assist younger classes backstage! Volunteers:
– Do not need to purchase a ticket
– Can watch their child’s performance from side stage
We’ll email final instructions the week of the Showcase. Sign Up HERE
Siblings in Different Showcases?
If your dancers are in different showcase times, APA will offer 4 free tickets to your second show.
A $52 credit (value of 4 standard tickets) will be added to your APA account to use toward future tuition.
Due to over 700 dancers performing, it’s difficult to place all siblings together; we prioritize scheduling by registration date.
Please email us if your dancers are in different shows so we can verify and apply your credit. Thank you for your understanding and for being part of our APA family!
The Winter Music Concert Is Almost HERE!
Franklin Saber Center (Franklin High School)
We are SO excited for our upcoming Winter Music Concerts on Saturday, Dec. 6th & Sunday, Dec. 7th!
For a reminder on all concert details, including where to purchase tickets, click HERE and scroll to Performance FAQs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We recommend printing your tickets for faster entry on concert day.
Scheduling Note:
We will schedule your musician on the same concert day as their teacher whenever possible.
Families with students performing on both dates will receive four free tickets for the second concert date. This credit will be applied directly to your APA account for future tuition.
To receive your credit, please email your ticket receipt to [email protected] and include student names and concert times.
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SPRING MUSIC CONCERTS — Save the Dates!
Saturday, June 6th & Sunday, June 7th
Franklin Saber Center
Music Lesson Make-up Policy / Snow Days:
Please review our policy HERE before the semester begins. Makeup lessons are not guaranteed.
All key APA dates—including concerts, holidays, and closures—are always available on the APA calendar.
Day-Time Private Piano or Violin/Viola Lessons:
When the seasons change, schedules start to change too. That’s why there’s no better time than now to look into daytime options for your music student! Perfect for preschoolers and homeschooled students!
Visit our website with the link and head over to the Music page.
Holiday Parents Night Out – December 20th!
We’re excited to offer a festive Parents Night Out on Saturday, December 20th! Kids will enjoy a winter-themed craft, theatre games, a sing-along, and a cozy pizza-and-juice dinner—all led by our Theatre Team and older production students. It’s a creative, high-energy evening for the kids and a well-deserved break for you during the holiday rush!
Date: Saturday, December 20
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Location: Oak Creek APA
Hosted By: APA Theatre Department
Recommended Ages: 5–12
Cost: $35
- Pizza, drink, and all activities included.
- Children must be able to follow group instructions, participate safely, and remain with their assigned group.
→ Register HERE
Hamilton Masterclass! January 24th!
Broadway is coming to APA! Join our Hamilton Masterclass led by a cast member from the national tour. Dance, learn show choreography, and meet & greet with the performer!
Date: Jan. 24
Location: Oak Creek APA
Cost: $35
Ages 9–12: 9:00–10:30 AM
Ages 12+: 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Don’t miss this rare opportunity—register by Jan. 9th!
→ Click HERE to register – space is limited!
Coming This January: The Witch’s Princess
A curse to break. A witch to face. A princess who won’t play by the rules.
This January, the APA Theatre Production Class presents The Witch’s Princess — a brand-new fantasy adventure full of humor, heart, and high-stakes magic. When a clever young princess sets out to slay a witch and save her kingdom, she discovers that the real villains may not be who she expected. Join us for this rollicking story of courage, friendship, and finding truth in unexpected places!
Join us January 24th and 25th at 7 PM!
The Winter Show Is Almost HERE!
Saturday, December 6th: APA Drama & Musical Theatre Show
Our Drama students will showcase a selection of monologues, highlighting their growth in character development, expression, and storytelling. Our Musical Theatre students will share beloved songs and scenes from the golden era of musical theatre, celebrating classic Broadway style and stage presence.
PLUS — audiences will enjoy a special sneak peek of The Witch’s Princess, our winter production premiering in January! We can’t wait to cheer on our student performers as they shine under the spotlight!
Time & Location: 7 PM at APA Oak Creek (9160 S Pennsylvania)
Tickets: Limited seating available – tickets may sell out, so please do not wait to purchase.
General admission tickets are available HERE for purchase.
Performer details:
- Call Time: 4:00 PM for dress rehearsal. Can bring a bagged meal/snack to have before the show.
- Attire: Students should wear concert black attire: a black collared button up or blouse , black slacks, and dress shoes (or all black sneakers) and black socks.
Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions!
6-Week Mini Sessions Continue!
These 6-week sessions are the ideal introduction for younger performers who want to explore the world of theatre. They provide a supportive environment where students can build confidence, develop new skills, and make lifelong friendships. These sessions end in an in-class performance for friends and family that is based on the session theme.
The final day of Session II classes will be Monday, December 1st, and our next session will begin on Monday, January 5th.
Session III: January 5th – February 14th
Check out our new themes and class offerings below!
Drama Jr (Ages 6–10): Puppet Play: Bringing Characters to Life
Students will create and perform short scenes using puppets while learning about voice control, movement, and storytelling. Click HERE to register
Musical Theatre Jr (Ages 6–9 & 9–11): Wicked Act 2
Continue the magic of Wicked as we explore songs and characters from the second act of this Broadway favorite! Perfect for fans of Elphaba, Glinda, and the world of Oz. Click HERE to register
You can see all our themes, and register Here
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Theatre Department Dress Policy:
ALL CLASSES (including mini sessions): Please come dressed ready to move, ensuring your clothing fits properly to prevent wardrobe issues while sitting, dancing, or stretching. Please wear clean athletic shoes, or bring a pair of jazz shoes to change into (for Musical Theatre Classes). Crocs/sandals, heavy boots, and snow boots are not permitted for safety reasons.
Important Reminders:
APA Spot the Sticker & Yard Sign Contest
Congratulations to license plate AMR-185!
One of our staff spotted your APA window sticker. Please contact the front desk to claim your $50 tuition credit.
Want to join in? Pick up a FREE APA window sticker at the front desk for your chance to win!
Yard Sign Contest
- Grab a yard sign from the lobby at either location.
- Place it in your yard, snap a photo, and share it on Facebook or Instagram with #APAproud.
- Each month, we’ll randomly choose a winner to receive a $50 tuition credit. Winners are announced on our social platforms, and we’ll reach out on your post.
Yard signs are first come, first serve—don’t miss out!
Stay Connected with APA
Do we have your most up-to-date contact information? To be sure you receive important details—like winter performance times, ticket information, and class updates—please take a moment to check your account.
If you need to update your primary email address, contact phone number, or add another contact, click HERE to update your account.
Facebook & Instagram: Interact with APA on social media!
We have fun contests, photos from classes, and more on both our Facebook and Instagram pages. Click here to join us on Facebook and here to follow us on Instagram!
Member Accounts:
You can see what your account has been charged, enroll in classes, etc. by going to our Member Log-In section on our website www.academywi.com or click HERE. Every family has their own account. Your username is the email address you gave us. If you need to update your email address, please contact us.
Referral Program:
Share us with a friend!
Earn Credits & Win an iPad Share APA with a friend and earn rewards!
- When a new family registers and mentions your name, you BOTH receive a $50 tuition credit.
- For every referral, your name is also entered into our APA Referral Raffle for a chance to win an iPad at the end of the season.
- Credits are applied after the new family has completed 2 months of enrollment.
- There’s no limit to the number of families you can refer!
