2026 Classes

TuesdayS

• Foundations of Theatre

• Improv Hour I for Middle School

• Building Basics

• Advanced Building

Fridays

• Improv Hour II for High School

• Little Stars

• Beginning & Advanced Tap

• Foundations of Singing I

Foundations of Theatre

Learn the basics of theatre and get your feet wet in the art of performing! During this class, we will work on voice (articulation, inflection, projection, pronunciation), movement and improv.  Students will learn basic theatre vocabulary and etiquette.  They will also focus on different acting techniques.  A Parent Showcase Night, featuring a short play, will happen each semester.  

InSTRUCTOR KATHRYN PEPERKORN

Kathryn Peperkorn has been teaching voice privately and in various colleges since 1993. From 2016-2021, she taught music and drama for the PACT academy of Natomas Charter School, in Natomas, California. Since 2021, she has taught music for students from preschool through 8th grade, directed musicals for Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran School in Fort Wayne, and has lead the music portion of the middle school musicals for Concordia Lutheran High School.

Ms. Peperkorn has performed numerous operatic roles in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Italy, including: Mimi in La Boheme; Mauregerite in Faust; Norma, in Anna Bolena to name some of her favorites. She loved her time singing with the Florentine Opera Chorus and was thrilled to be part of the Grammy winning cast of Elmer Gantry.

IMPROV HOUR

Are you good at thinking on your toes? Or perhaps you want to get better at it? Look no further! In this class, you'll learn how to think quicker and go with the flow as you and your friends act out fun stories off the top of your head! This class will help you become braver on stage, a stronger public speaker, and more confident in who you are.  This year, we are adding an Improv Hour for young performers, ages 8-11.

Instructor Audrey McCann has been acting and dancing since she was five. She earned an outstanding performer award and ranked first for a theater scholarship at Purdue Fort Wayne. Audrey taught dance for many years as well as instructing acting, and sign language for a special needs theater company, the Jesters. She has performed at local shows and helped direct nine productions for her alma mater before coming to Fire & Light, where she recently directed Godspell, Korczak’s Children, and Seussical Jr.

IMPROV I - TUESDAYS, Sept. 8 - Nov. 3

5-6 PM
Ages 8-11

IMPROV II - FRIDAYS, Sept. 11 - Nov. 6

5-6 PM
Ages 12 and up

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
1636 St. Marys Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46808

COST - $45

Building Basics

This class will cover the basics of wood constructions with an emphasis on safety.  We will construct at least one set piece for White Christmas, as we learn foundational construction procedures.  Students will be supervised while using miter saws, drills, a table saw and other hand tools.  Safety glasses and hearing protection will be provided.  

Instructor Terry Ellis has been working with Fire & Light since its inception in 2010.  Alongside his career in software technical sales, he has worked on sets and props for shows such as Fiddler on the Roof, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and 42nd Street.  Terry is in a continuous learning mode, as he tackles new projects and renovates older homes when time allows. 

TUESDAYS, Sept. 15 - Oct. 13 - 5:30-7pm
Ages 11 & up

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
1636 Saint Marys Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46808

COST - $25

Advanced Building

In this class we will construct more advanced stock scenery pieces such as stress skin platforms and flat frame carriages for both straight and curved stairs. 

Students should have either completed the Building Basics class, a Building Basics workshop or have a good knowledge of tool usage including drills, drivers, miter saws and table saws. Safety glasses and hearing protection will be provided.  

Instructor Terry Ellis has been working with Fire & Light since its inception in 2010.  Alongside his career in software technical sales, he has worked on sets and props for shows such as Fiddler on the Roof, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and 42nd Street.  Terry is in a continuous learning mode, as he tackles new projects and renovates older homes when time allows. 

TUESDAYS, Oct. 20 - Nov. 24 - 5:30-7pm
Ages 11 & up

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
1636 Saint Marys Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46808

COST - $25

LiTTLE STARS

This class is perfect for little ones who want to know about theatre, story telling and performing. Every week we will learn theatre terms, play theatre games and act out a story.

New Instructor Zoe Heilshorn is a veteran in Fire & Light productions such as 42nd Street, Annie, and Singin’ in the Rain. Zoe is a talented character actress, dancer, and singer - plus she’s loads of fun. Zoe will be joining the Fire & Light directing teams this season as well.

FRIDAYS, Sept. 11 - Oct. 30 - 5-5:45PM
Ages 5-8

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
1636 Saint Marys Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46808

COST - $60

BEGINNING & ADVANCED Tap

This class is divided into two levels - beginning and intermediate.  You'll learn the basics steps of tap - flaps, shuffles, cramp rolls, and ball change steps - and as you progress you'll find yourself learning combinations and some catchy moves.  Tap dancing utilizes rhythm, syncopation, and sound in addition to movement.  

Lead Instructor Laura Maxwell has been involved in the arts since she was seven years old. She has been a part of more than 25 shows with Fire & Light.  She was named best choreographer by Fort Wayne Broadway World Awards for her work on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  Laura is joined by Rachel Richhart, a fellow young F&L alumni. Rachel is a talented tap dancer and choreographer; her work was evident last season in our productions of Annie and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

FRIDAYS, Sept. 11 - Dec. 4 - 11-11:50 AM
Ages 9-18

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
1636 Saint Marys Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46808

COST - $60

Foundations of Singing i

This class is designed for younger students wanting to gain more skill in singing. Group activities will encourage basic music skill and knowledge. In addition to vocal technique, this class will focus on listening skills (ear-training), reading rhythm and how notes relate to the beat, and singing in unison with others, both in pitch and rhythm. This class will be activity-driven, so no one should get bored! Taught by Mr. Greg Otis!

Greg’s experience runs the gamut; from a private vocal coach, to participating and coaching barbershop quartets, to serving in music ministry as the Director of Worship Arts for Trinity United Methodist Church in Huntington. He has served as vocal director for such productions as The Sound of Music, Carousel, My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, Annie, and Singin’ In The Rain.