Arts on Fire

Who It’s For

Designed for adults of all experience levels, from first-time musical theatre performers to those looking to refresh or refine their skills. This class is perfect for anyone who enjoys acting, singing, storytelling, and performing — whether you’re pursuing personal growth, creative fulfillment, or preparing for auditions.

What You’ll Learn

In this supportive, skill-focused class, students work on solo musical theatre repertoire, learning how to bring songs to life with clarity, intention, and emotional depth.

Students will learn to:

• Choose songs that suit their voice, range, and casting type
• Develop believable characters and emotionally connect to song material
• Strengthen stage presence and performance confidence
• Communicate story and intention clearly through song
• Prepare and present material professionally for auditions

Classes include individual performance opportunities, guided coaching, and constructive, encouraging feedback.

Why It Matters

Musical theatre performance is first and foremost about about telling a story. This class helps students learn how to connect voice, emotion, and character so their performances feel authentic and compelling. Whether stepping into an audition room or performing for personal enjoyment, students gain tools that build confidence, presence, and expressive range on and off the stage.

Instructor Bio

A multi-disciplinary artist based in Durham region, Jessica MacNeill has over two decades of experience in the performing arts industry and she’s ready to share her knowledge and love of the arts with the aspiring performers of Arts on Fire! Select stage credits include: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Cinderella), The Sound of Music (Maria), Chicago (Roxie Hart), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Amadeus (Constanze), Tick Tick Boom (Susan), Peter and the Starcatcher (Molly). Other credits include five seasons as a principal singer/dancer at Canada’s Wonderland and performances at Broadway’s iconic cabaret venue, Feinstein’s/54 Below. Jessica is a graduate of Randolph College for the Performing Arts and has continued to hone her skills across North America, training with Dora Award and Tony Award winning legends. Whether you’re new to the stage or an experienced performer, Jessica has the right lesson plan for you and is ready to help you shine!

End Experience

By the end of the course, students will:

• Have audition-ready musical theatre songs prepared
• Feel more confident entering auditions and rehearsal spaces
• Demonstrate stronger storytelling, character development, and stage presence
• Leave with renewed creative confidence and performance clarity

Class Format & Schedule

🗓 8-Week Course
📅 Tuesdays, Jan 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24, Mar 3, 10, 17
📍 Arts on Fire Studio, Ajax
(Classes include vocal warm-ups, solo work, coaching, and group support)

Adult Musical Theatre offers a welcoming space to explore performance without pressure. Students appreciate the balance of structure and creativity, the supportive atmosphere, and the chance to reconnect with music and storytelling in a meaningful way.