Actin' Up Theatre Troupe
WE. ACT. UP!
The Actin’ Up Theatre Troupe is a year-round program designed for youth and teens, ages 8-17. This program helps young actors develop a well-rounded understanding of the various aspects of theatre and its process, resulting in a greater appreciation for the arts and film. Participants focus on applying the arts constructively to self-improve and advance their communities; utilizing theatrical techniques to spread positive messages and promote wellness. Upward Thrive Academy, Inc. is a member of the International Thespian Society (troupe# 10110); a middle and high school honors association and our troupe is facilitated by Thespian Alumni.
Theatre presents opportunities for youth to safely enhance critical-thinking and problem-solving skills as they are introduced to new challenges within storylines. Musicals and readings of plays written from antiquity to modern-day, help boost academic vocabulary aptitudes and encourage historical and cultural appreciation. Motivational incentives such as achievement awards inspire participants to aim high to attain program goals.
Performances are presented throughout the local community and on film which helps youth to develop stage presence, public speaking, and other communication skills. This program is conducted through on-line and in-person trainings, workshops, and in-field events.
This Fall, Your Child is Welcome to "Act Up" With Us During "Actin' Up for the Holidays V!"
2026 Fall Session
Session Title: Actin’ Up for the Holidays V (2026)
Theme: A Keepsake Christmas: An Anthology of Holiday Stories
“Actin’ Up for the Holidays V” brings the warmth, laughter, and meaning of the season to the stage with A Keepsake Christmas—a collection of holiday stories inspired by Upward Thrive Academy’s Christmas Stories Marathon radio broadcast.
This fall, participants will transform these stories from the airwaves to the stage, bringing memorable characters and Christmas moments to life through acting, narration, music, and creative storytelling. From heartfelt tales to humorous holiday happenings, each story will offer something different while coming together to celebrate the memories, traditions, relationships, and moments that make Christmas worth remembering.
Throughout the session, actors will strengthen their skills in character development, stage presence, vocal projection, emotional delivery, comedic timing, ensemble work, and storytelling. Participants will learn how to move between narration and live action, create distinct characters, and work together to bring multiple stories to life as one cohesive theatrical production.
Like the treasured keepsakes we hold onto year after year, every story leaves something behind. A Keepsake Christmas gives our actors and crew the opportunity to create those moments on stage—making audiences laugh, reflect, celebrate, and perhaps recognize a little of their own Christmas memories along the way.
Participants will also have opportunities to perform throughout the season, with at least two smaller holiday performances leading up to our culminating production: A Keepsake Christmas on the main stage at Harmony Hall Theatre on January 16, 2027.
Whether stepping into the spotlight for the first time or returning for another Actin’ Up season, every participant will have an important part in creating a holiday production designed to be remembered long after the curtain closes.
*COVID Policy: If a participant or any members of their household test positive for COVID and/or are experiencing COVID-like symptoms , the participant must refrain from in-person sessions until all members of the family test negative, and all related symptoms have exhausted. Masks are encouraged during in-person rehearsals.
*Click the arrow above to expand.
TIMES & LOCATIONS
Rehearsal and Filming location primarily at the Upward Thrive Academy Building in Waldorf: 12353 Washington Square, Waldorf MD.
Rehearsal and Performances – Dates & Times:
Note: Rehearsals are typically held every Wednesday and two Mondays a month and two Saturdays a month. Normally, the Friday before a performance is also scheduled as a dress rehearsal. Please be aware that there are slight variations in the schedule due to the holiday season. Please pay close attention to dates and times.
Performance Note: Each participant will be scheduled to perform in at least one community performance during the session. Community performances will feature partial casts and crews, and individual performance assignments will be provided in advance. Every cast member will be included in the mainstage production at Harmony Hall Theatre on Saturday, January 16, 2027. Additional community performance opportunities may be added as the session progresses.
September 2026-Wednesday, September 30, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
October 2026-Saturday, October 3, 2026 — 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
-Monday, October 5, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Wednesday, October 7, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Wednesday, October 14, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Saturday, October 17, 2026 — 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
-Monday, October 19, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Wednesday, October 21, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Wednesday, October 28, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Saturday, October 31, 2026 — 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
-Monday, November 2, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Wednesday, November 4, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Wednesday, November 11, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Saturday, November 14, 2026 — 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
-Monday, November 16, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Wednesday, November 18, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Wednesday, November 25, 2026 — No Rehearsal (Thanksgiving Break)
-Saturday, November 28, 2026 — 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
-Monday, November 30, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Wednesday, December 2, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Wednesday, December 9, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
****** Friday, December 11, 2026 – Dress Rehearsal — Time TBD
****** Saturday, December 12, 2026 — Community Performance — Time TBD (Partial Cast & Crew)
-Monday, December 14, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Wednesday, December 16, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Wednesday, December 23, 2026 — No Rehearsal (Christmas Break)
-Saturday, December 26, 2026 — No Rehearsal
-Monday, December 28, 2026 — No Rehearsal
-Wednesday, December 30, 2026 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-Wednesday, January 6, 2027 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
****** Friday, January 8, 2027 – Dress Rehearsal — Time TBD
****** Saturday, January 9, 2027 — Community Performance — Time TBD (Partial Cast & Crew)
-Monday, January 11, 2027 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
****** Wednesday, January 13, 2027 — DRESS REHEARSAL — Time TBD
****** Friday, January 15, 2027 — DRESS REHEARSAL — Time TBD
****** Saturday, January 16, 2027 — MAINSTAGE PERFORMANCE — Harmony Hall Theatre
———————-
*In-person rehearsals: Upward Thrive Academy (UTA) in Waldorf – 12353 Washington Square, Waldorf, MD 20601.
*Some sessions may be at our alternate location in White Plains.
In case of emergency, a parent/guardian must remain in close proximity during in-person sessions.
*****Mandatory in-person orientation for parents and participants: In-person at the beginning of the first in-person session (Wednesday, September 30th). If absent from orientation, parent and child must meet with the director before participating in this session.*****
Actin’ Up Theatre Troupe is an Upward Thrive Academy, Inc. youth program. If your child loves to “act up,” register for “Lights, Camera, Action IV” now! Questions? Email UpwardThrive@gmail.com.
Registration Ends Friday, September 25th @ 7pm.
