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 Spring, Your Child is Welcome to "Act Up" With Us During "Actin' Up Beyond The Stage III " Theatre Session!
2026 Spring Session (Feb. 21, 2026 – May 16, 2026)
Session: Actin’ Up Beyond the Stage III
Theme: Character & Reflection
“Actin’ Up Beyond the Stage” is a power packed spring session built around the theme of Character & Reflection, culminating in our mainstage dinner theatre production, Golden’s Bread & Butter. This original, socially relevant performance uses humor and heart to explore how everyday interactions reveal character and how self-reflection, or the lack thereof, continues to shape who we become.
In this session, participants will develop layered, believable characters while engaging in comedic scenes inspired by real-life situations. Students will strengthen their acting skills through ensemble work, scene study, timing, physicality, and emotional awareness, while also examining how character is formed through moments of reflection, accountability, and self-awareness, both on stage and beyond it.
This session’s performance is “Golden’s Bread & Butter,” a lively, laugh-out-loud dinner theatre experience that blends comedy with meaningful reflection. Set inside a bustling city bistro, the story follows an eventful day where servers and customers collide, revealing how everyday interactions expose character and invite self-reflection. As entitlement, impatience, and assumptions surface on both sides of the table, the play challenges everyone in the room to consider how self-reflection, or the lack thereof, helps shape who they are and how they treat others.
From first-time actors to seasoned performers, every participant will have meaningful stage time and the opportunity to shine in a thoughtfully crafted production that encourages self-reflection, personal growth, and strong character long after the curtain falls.
*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.
*Click the arrow above to expand.
TIMES & LOCATIONS
Rehearsal Dates & Times:
Note: Rehearsals are typically held every Wednesday and two Mondays a month and two Saturdays a month. Please pay close attention to dates and times. You will be able to choose times when you register.
February
- Saturday, February 21, 2026 — 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM or 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Monday, February 23, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, February 25, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
March
- Wednesday, March 4, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, March 7, 2026 — No Rehearsal – MPT (PBS) Filming for Journalism Club
- Monday, March 9, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, March 18, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, March 21, 2026 — 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM or 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Monday, March 23, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, March 25, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
April
- Wednesday, April 1, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, April 4, 2026 — No Rehearsal
- Monday, April 6, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, April 8, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, April 15, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, April 18, 2026 — 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM or 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Monday, April 20, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, April 22, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, April 29, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
May
- Saturday, May 2, 2026 — 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM or 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Monday, May 4, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, May 6, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, May 13, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, May 16, 2026 — 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM or 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Performances: Saturday May – 2, 16, & 23
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*In-person rehearsal Address:
The Upward Thrive Academy (UTA) Center in Waldorf – 12353 Washington Square, Waldorf, MD 20601.
*Some sessions may be at an alternate location within Charles County.
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 (Saturday, Feb. 21st). 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 “Actin’ Up Beyond the Stage III” now! Questions? Email UpwardThrive@gmail.com.
Registration Ends Friday, February 20th @ 12 noon.
