The Academy

The Academy is the very foundation that Fire & Light was built on. We started in a church basement and have grown to over 100 students performing 5 shows a year. We offer a nurturing, educational environment where kids can learn all aspects of theatre arts from seasoned thespians in the areas of set design, painting and construction, sound and light facilitation, music, vocals and stage movement, acting, and direction and leadership skills. An accepting, creative environment that offers unconditional love is metamorphic. Over and over, we see shy, unsure kids gain confidence through working with others, strengthening skills, and learning to give their all on stage.

Our current 2024-2025 Academy is full, but click below to add yourself to our waiting list and we’ll be sure to keep you posted if a spot opens!

academy calendar

FAQ for Fire & Light Academy

1. Where does Fire & Light Academy meet?
   Our weekly rehearsals take place at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1636 St. Marys Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46808.

2. What is the overall time commitment?
   As a Fire & Light Academy Troupe member, your student can expect up to 7 hours of rehearsals per week over the course of two semesters. Currently, the Academy meets every Tuesday (1:30-4:30pm) and Friday (12:00-4:30pm). Note: Leads may need extra rehearsals with the production director. There will also be additional rehearsals during the Tech Week leading up to the show. Semesters shadow a traditional school schedule (Semester #1: Aug - Dec; Semester #2: Jan - May). In addition, we consider Fire & Light Academy to be a family affair! All families are asked to volunteer 20 hours per semester. There are a variety of ways to volunteer: costumes, set design, technology, meals, photography/video, marketing, warehouse, childcare, show security, event greeters - the list goes on! Please think of your gifts.

3. Do you have an attendance policy?
   All students are expected to be at rehearsals. Because we believe that commitment and focus are just as important as talent, if there are more than two excused absences, students risk losing their assigned part in our upcoming production.  This does not mean that your child cannot be in an extra-curricular activity, it just means that we need to know of their conflicts so that we can schedule around those if possible. During times that a family has several conflicts, it is likely that an actor will be in an ensemble or small role.

4. Does my child need prior theatre experience?
   Not at all! Interest, passion, and commitment are all that is required. 

5. How much does tuition cost?
   Tuition is $700 for the year per student, paid online through our website. There is also a requested $20 costume donation. This tuition total is divided into two payments: 1st semester payment due August 9, 2024, and 2nd semester payment due January 31, 2025.

6. Do you offer a payment plan?
   Yes! Tuition payments are broken into 2 payments of $350; One payment due in August and one payment due in January. Because Fire & Light is a year-long educational academy dedicated to increasing the skills of performers and technicians over a 9 month period, we lesson plan and budget for the entire year. As such, we ask that families commit to an entire season in the Academy. Your performers will be better because of this commitment.

7. Do I need to stay with my child during rehearsal?
   No! We have a team of dedicated directors, choreographers, and production members available during all rehearsals to ensure a safe, productive, and fun rehearsal for all.

8. Is Fire & Light Academy for homeschool families only?
   No. Our rehearsals do take place during traditional school hours, however. So a flexible school schedule would be needed to be part of the Academy Troupe that puts on full-scale shows. We also have after-school classes available in various arts enrichment, including the favorite “Foundations of Theatre.”

9. Do I need to purchase any costumes or supplies?
   Fire & Light Academy is blessed with a gifted costuming department and prop warehouse for all major production needs. The production director of the show will determine each actor’s basic costume requirements; however, girls will probably need tank tops, biker shorts and character shoes or rehearsal skirts, especially in the high school shows. Likewise, boys will probably need biker shorts or spandex under costumes and character shoes, especially in the high school shows. All students are required to provide a pencil, a highlighter, a 3-ring binder for his/her script.

10. When are the performances?
    Each semester, Fire & Light performs 5-6 classic productions for the Fort Wayne community and surrounding counties. Productions take place in November, December, January, May and June.