Our Educational Programs include Private Voice Lessons, Theatrical Workshops (in collaboration with Almost New York), and a variety of arts classes throughout the year.

Explore below!

After you sign up, you will receive a packet with a placement song and monologue to submit to determine cast roles (due December 20). Registration closes December 18th.

About 101 Dalmatians Kids:

Based on the beloved animated classic, 101 Dalmatians Kids brings the heartwarming and adventurous story of Pongo, Perdita, and their pack of puppies to the stage. This delightful adaptation, perfect for young performers, follows the daring rescue of the Dalmatian puppies from the clutches of the villainous Cruella de Vil.

In this version, young actors will have the chance to portray the iconic characters from Disney’s 1961 film, including the heroic Dalmatians, their human owners Roger and Anita, and the bumbling villains Horace and Jasper. With its catchy score and witty dialogue, 101 Dalmatians Kids is both a fun and educational experience for young performers.

The show’s themes of bravery, family, and teamwork are central to the plot, and the musical numbers, such as “Cruella de Vil” and “Dalmatian Conga,” provide an engaging mix of humor and emotion. This version of 101 Dalmatians is a fast-paced, 30-minute musical designed specifically for kids, making it accessible and enjoyable for young audiences and performers alike.

Students will not only learn the fundamentals of musical theater but will also have the chance to collaborate, make new friends, and grow their confidence as performers. Whether it’s their first time on stage or they’re seasoned young actors, 101 Dalmatians Kids offers an unforgettable experience in the magical world of theater.

About the Workshop:

Join us for an exciting musical theater experience as we bring Disney's 101 Dalmatians Kids to life! This workshop is designed for young performers ages 7-11 and provides an opportunity for students to hone their acting, singing, and dancing skills. Participants will audition within the workshop for their roles prior to winter break and will work towards a full performance of this classic tale in February. No previous experience is necessary – just a love for performing!

Workshop Details:

There are 30 spots available per session, so be sure to sign up early!

Dates & Times:

  • Workshop 1: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

  • Workshop 2: 7:15 PM - 8:15 PM

Auditions:

Students will audition for roles prior to winter break. More information on audition materials and preparation will be provided soon.

Workshop Dates:

  • Monday, January 6

  • Wednesday, January 8

  • Monday, January 13

  • Wednesday, January 15

  • Monday, January 20

  • Wednesday, January 22

  • Monday, January 27

  • Wednesday, January 29

Dress Rehearsals:

  • Monday, February 3

  • Wednesday, February 5

  • Friday, February 7

Performances:

  • Workshop 1 Performances:

    • Saturday, February 8 @ 12:00 PM

    • Sunday, February 9 @ 3:00 PM

  • Workshop 2 Performances:

    • Saturday, February 8 @ 3:00 PM

    • Sunday, February 9 @ 12:00 PM

Cost:

$250 per student (includes all workshop sessions, materials, and costumes).

Location:

All rehearsals and performances will take place at the North Canton Playhouse Mainstage (525 7th Street NE, North Canton Door 4B).

What to Expect:

  • Students will develop confidence and skills in acting, singing, and dancing while working with experienced directors.

  • The workshop will culminate in two full performances of 101 Dalmatians Kids, where students will showcase their hard work in front of a live audience.

  • More information about costumes, props, and performance tickets will be provided closer to the performance dates.

Almost New York Studio is led by Lisa Paynter and collaborates with the North Canton Playhouse to produce acting workshops and classes throughout the year (ages 7yr-18yr) as well as an annual Summer Musical Workshop (7yr-14yr). Private voice lessons are also offered. The philosophy of this studio is to promote confidence, creativity, teamwork and to encourage a love for the Arts!

MINDY WHITESMITH

PRIVATE VOICE TEACHER

CONTACT INFO@NORTHCANTONPLAYHOUSE.COM

Mindy received her Bachelor's of Music Education with a focus in vocal pedagogy (teachers include Dr. Patricia Boehm, Amanda Joyce-Abbott) choral conducting (Dr. Scott Dorsey) and piano pedagogy (Nicole Lee) from the University of Mount Union (2005). Upon graduating, she became part of the North Canton City School District and served students of all ages as a music teacher, musical theatre director and choral director for 15 years. During her tenure she has appeared as a clinician and guest conductor for many Ohio and Pennsylvania festivals and adjudicated events. Mindy holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from The University of St. Mary's. She has served as the Assistant Program chair for the American Choral Director's Association (ACDA 2008) and has had several articles published in the ACDA magazines focusing on music, movement and the student brain. Mindy has also taught undergraduate music courses at Malone University and continues to instruct private voice lessons in the local area as well as direct musicals and workshops at the North Canton Playhouse. When she is not directing a show she is happiest just hanging out with her family. In her spare time she enjoys drinking coffee, weight lifting and reading.

LEXI JOHNSON

PRIVATE VOICE TEACHER

CONTACT INFO@NORTHCANTONPLAYHOUSE.COM

Lexi received her Bachelor of Arts in Music with a focus in voice (teachers include Dr. Katherine Rohrer and Dr. Laurie Lashbrook) from the University of Akron (2020). While earning her degree, she taught as a music teacher and tutor with Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS) working with immigrant and refugee families. During the pandemic, she was a freelance vocalist working on remote projects around the globe. She is currently a vocal instructor at the North Canton Playhouse and has also assisted with and participated in various workshops and productions since 2004. She first started at NCP when she was seven years old and is thrilled to be a long-time member of the Playhouse family! In her free time, she enjoys going for walks, spending time with family, and hanging out with her cat.