Performing Arts Academy Opening in Madison

A new performing arts school plans to start classes this fall in a Madison church.

Lyric Theater Academy, founded by Chatham resident Michael Callahan, offers classes designed to help second- through eighth-graders develop acting, singing, public speaking and movement skills with high-energy, fun activities, the academy announced in a news release.

Two classes of "Broadway Busters," one for grades 2 through 4, and one for grades 5 through 8, are scheduled to meet once a week from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday or Wednesday, from Sept. 17 to Nov. 21. Classes will be held at Madison Presbyterian Church and culminate in a performance Nov. 22.

Private vocal instruction and audition preparation also are offered.

Callahan, who studied vocal performance and music education at the Eastman School of Music, specializes in art songs and operatic repertoire. He has taught and directed various choruses and lyric theater productions, and is certified as a K-12 music teacher, supervisor and principal, the news release said. He lives in Chatham with his wife, Julia, and their two sons.  

“I am thrilled to be opening Lyric Theater Academy in Madison this fall," Callahan said. "I have a long history of providing first-class training in the performing arts and look forward to bringing this passion to the area my family has called home for the past 10 years."

He said the school will be a fun and nurturing place for students to grow through creative expression.