Mini Stars: Storybooks

Once upon a time, every great performer found their voice through a story. In this beginning performing arts class, our Mini Stars will step into the enchanted forest with Snow White, fly to Neverland with Peter Pan, dive under the sea with Ariel, and follow the yellow brick road to Oz.

What to expect

Stars don’t just appear fully formed in the night sky. They begin small, they grow, and in time they light up everything around them like.. like Mini Stars. This fall, our performers ages 4 to 5 in Mini Stars: Storybooks explore music, drama, and movement through some of the most beloved tales ever told traveling to far away kingdoms, enchanted forests, and worlds full of wonder. Each 30-minute class unfolds like a new page, bringing stories to life through developmentally appropriate singing, pre-dance, and the very beginnings of storytelling and acting.

Why you'll love it

Little ones are natural performers. Mini Stars: Storybooks offers a warm, nurturing introduction to singing, movement, and storytelling… the three building blocks of every great performer. From whistling “Heigh-Ho” with Snow White to skipping along to “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” singing “I Won’t Grow Up” with Peter Pan to dreaming through “Part of Your World,” every class brings a beloved story to life. The session wraps with a sweet sharing at Charlotte Academy of the Arts, where families get a front row seat to watch their Mini Star light up the room!

Lindsey Ranz, Musical Theatre & Acting Teacher

Lindsey Ranz

Musical Theatre, Dance, & Acting Teacher

Lindsey Ranz is a passionate Theater Teacher, Director, and Choreographer originally from Colorado. She studied Film Acting at the Savannah College of Art and Design and Theater Education at the University of Northern Colorado, and holds an Associate’s Degree in Psychology. Lindsey has been involved in theater since the age of 15, when she first fell in love with the art form’s unique ability to tell stories, create connection, and spark a sense of wonder. Over the years, Lindsey has directed productions such as Carrie: The Musical and Young Frankenstein and has taught theater to students ranging from elementary through high school. She taught at Ascent Classical Academy, where her work emphasized the historical significance and enduring impact of theater across cultures and time. Most recently, she has enjoyed inspiring creativity and confidence as a Teaching Artist with Matthew’s Playhouse School of Theater and Summer Camps. We are thrilled to welcome Lindsey to the the CAA faculty! Lindsey’s first production with our Musical Theatre program was this summer’s production of The Little Mermaid Jr., in which she served as the Director and Choreographer. Lindsey will be teaching musical theatre classes this fall in addition to our Dance for Musical Theatre class. Lindsey’s teaching philosophy centers around equipping students with a well-rounded foundation in acting and theater, while encouraging curiosity, self-expression, and critical thinking. Her goal is to introduce young performers to a variety of tools and techniques — from Sense Memory work as adapted by Lee Strasberg to Uta Hagen’s renowned “9 Questions” for character development — so that every student can find their own approach and confidently step into the world of a character. Above all, Lindsey believes that theater is more than performing — it builds empathy, communication skills, and self-awareness, all of which serve students both on and off the stage. Her greatest hope is that her students walk away not only with a deeper understanding of the craft, but also with confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for the magic of storytelling.

Class details

Mini Stars: Storybooks meets every Wednesday from 4:15 to 4:45 PM for 12 weeks. Classes are led by one of our talented, caring instructors and designed especially for our brightest little stars ages 4 to 5.

What’s included

  • 12 weekly 30-minute classes
  • Charlotte Academy of the Arts t-shirt
  • A sweet sharing performance at the end of the session

Mini Stars: Storybooks

Sept 2 - Nov 18
Wednesdays, 4:15-4:45 PM
Teacher: Lindsey Ranz
Ages: Ages 4-5

$217 Enroll

What’s next

Your little one’s story is just getting started! Students may continue their performing arts adventure in our spring session, Mini Stars: Wishmakers. And when your child turns 6, a whole new chapter begins. They graduate up to our Rising Stars musical theatre class, where bigger stories, bigger stages, and even brighter moments await.