CCT Academy
Where young artists grow, explore, and find their voice
Every class we offer is designed not only to develop skills, but to nurture thoughtful, collaborative, and courageous young people.
At Cookeville Children’s Theatre, our Academy is more than a place to take classes—it’s where confidence is built, creativity is sparked, and young people discover who they are through the arts
We believe theatre does something our world deeply needs: it teaches empathy.
What We Offer
The CCT Academy provides a range of classes and experiences for students ages 5–18, meeting them exactly where they are—whether they’re stepping into a class for the first time or ready to deepen their craft.
Acting & Performance
Students explore storytelling, character development, voice, and movement in a supportive, process-focused environment. From imaginative play to structured scene work, each class builds confidence and presence.
Creative Arts & Design
Our visual arts classes invite students to explore creativity beyond the stage—through painting, design, and hands-on projects that connect to storytelling and theatrical worlds.
Theatre Skills & Foundations
Students learn the building blocks of theatre—from collaboration and ensemble work to improvisation, script analysis, and performance technique.
Our Approach
We meet students where they are—and help them grow from there.
At CCT, the focus is not just on performance, but on process. We value curiosity over perfection, collaboration over competition, and growth over pressure.
Our teaching artists are working professionals and passionate educators who care deeply about each student’s experience. They create spaces where students feel safe to take risks, try new things, and be fully themselves.
Why It Matters
The skills students gain in the Academy extend far beyond the stage.
They learn how to:
Communicate with confidence
Work as part of a team
Think creatively and solve problems
Develop empathy and emotional awareness
These are life skills—ones that stay with them wherever they go.
