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 Summer, Your Child is Welcome to "Act Up" With Us During "Lights, Camera, Action! III" Theatre Session!
2025 Summer Session (June 14 – August 9)
Session Title: Lights, Camera, Action! III
Theme: Keepin’ It Real with Actin’ Up!
This summer, we’re stepping into the world of reality TV—scripted, yet strikingly real. In Lights, Camera, Action! III, participants will take on the challenge of making scripted scenes feel completely unscripted. Their goal? To create original, reality-style episodes with performances so believable, viewers will forget they’re watching actors.
Through hands-on workshops, students will explore the art of natural, on-camera acting—learning how tone, expression, movement, and spontaneity all work together to build trust with the audience. They’ll gain insight into how reality shows are structured and filmed, and they’ll learn to embody their characters in a way that feels authentic, emotionally grounded, and camera-ready.
Throughout the session, students will:
Develop believable characters for the screen
Practice improvisation and emotional realism
Explore the difference between stage acting and on-camera subtlety
Collaborate as cast and crew to film original episodes
Build confidence, communication, and storytelling skills
When the final edits of the episodes are complete, participants will enjoy a premiere where families and friends can enjoy the episodes.
If you’re ready to blur the line between fiction and reality—this is your moment to shine. Ages 8–17… WE. ACT. UP!
*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
Note: Rehearsals are held every Wednesday and two Mondays a month, and two Saturdays a month.
-Saturdays: (1:00 PM to 2:30 PM or 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM)
-Mondays: (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
-Wednesdays: (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
TIMES & LOCATIONS
Filming locations will vary primarily within Charles County. All actors will not be needed for each filming date. Dates and time slots will be given for each scene.
Rehearsal and Filming Dates & Times:
June 2025
Saturday, June 14 – Orientation and rehearsal – 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM or 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Saturday, June 21 – 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM or 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Monday, June 23 – 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday, June 25 – 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
July 2025
Wednesday, July 2 – 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday, July 5 – 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Monday, July 7 – 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday, July 9 – 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Rehearsals and Filming will be based on the availability you provided on this application and the episodes/film your child is cast in.Saturday, July 12 – TBD
Monday, July 14 – TBD
Wednesday, July 16 – TBD
Wednesday, July 23 – TBD
Saturday, July 26 – TBD
Monday, July 28 – TBD
Wednesday, July 30 – TBD
August 2025
Wednesday, August 6 – TBD
Saturday, August 9 – TBD
Additional filming days may be scheduled if needed.
———————-
*In-person rehearsal Address:
8 Jay Gould Ct.
Unit E
Waldorf, MD 20602
*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 (June 14). If absent from orientation, parent and child must meet with the director before participating in the summer 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” now! Questions? Email UpwardThrive@gmail.com.
Registration Ends Friday, June 13th
Join The Troupe
Don’t just participate, you can join the troupe. Click below for official membership benefits and eligibility.