About The Conservatory
Sabra Michelle, Director of Education
"At Capital City Theatre Conservatory (CCTC), we spark the passion and hone the craft of the next generation of musical theatre artists, specializing in training teens and adult pre-professionals. Nestled in the vibrant heart of the Midwest in Madison, WI, we shape the ultimate triple- and quadruple-threat performers and technicians. Through a holistic mastery of song, dance, acting, and stagecraft, we empower versatile, confident, and creative artists ready to command any stage. Believing that art belongs to everyone, we break down financial barriers to ensure elite training is accessible to all. We don’t just teach theatre—we launch careers. Find your light."
All Classes
Performance Intensives
FYL ( Advanced & Intermediate) is a musical theatre intensive program designed to make the student a well-rounded performer.
What IF? - Actor Essentials - Imagination is an actor’s greatest source of freedom. It allows us to step into unfamiliar lives, uncover meaningful truths, and share those discoveries with an audience. Wherever we place our attention, the energy of the room follows. Through the unique perspective each actor brings, we gain deeper insight into the human experience, enriching both ourselves and those who watch.
STAR VEHICLE LABORATORY: Become Unforgettable - Ready to stop simply singing and instead start commanding the room?
In this two-week intensive, Adolpho Blaire empowers students to take absolute control of their performances by creating their ultimate, undeniable Star Vehicle. Get ready to take an artistic leap: from defining your fierce, authentic identity as Artist to taking the audience on a magnetic and unexpected journey. This course will ensure that you don't just leave an impression, you become absolutely unforgettable.
CRESCENDO - Bring your energy to the main stage!
Under the dynamic leadership of Broadway Tour and regional powerhouse Tatyana Lubov, this brand-new Show Choir unites passionate teens and adults to bring high-powered vocals, sharp choreography, and pure theatrical excitement to local festivals, civic celebrations, and major community events.
Master the stage in a single afternoon—unlock your boldest acting instincts in just four hours!
Intro to Improv - “Just a Taste”
Intro To Improv “Just a Taste” - Level 0 introduces people who are curious about improv but may be hesitant to commit to a multi-week course, a specific theater, are limited on time, are intimidated by potentially performing, or more. Level 0 introduces the fun and basic concepts of improv. We’ll focus on longform improv, which focuses on improv scene work without games. Longform is the style of improv used by Ben Schwartz and Friends.
improv
BACK STAGE ARTS
A good production team is a VERY important part of theatre. We bring in local experts in these fields and give students real HANDS ON experience, sparking a greater interest in the many behind-the-scenes aspects of a musical theatre career.
"Show & Tech" Stagecraft Tour & Capital City Theatre's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE at Madison College's Mitby Theatre.
Step through the stage door and into the magical world of stagecraft. The "Show & Tech" Stagecraft Tour will give you an exclusive, hands-on understanding of the inner workings behind a professional production—right before you watch the performance of Capital City Theatre's 2026 production of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE at Madison College's Mitby Theatre.
Stagecraft Studio
Beginner and Intermediate courses with top instructors that help you become a triple threat, and learn Broadway level choreography.
Fall Into Grace: 2-Week Ballet for Musical Theatre - As crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves begin to turn, it's time to refine your technique and bring new elegance to the stage.
Two Weeks to TAP! - Auditioning for a Tap Musical soon? In this Intro (or Refresh) to Tap, you will learn all the basics with drills and logic for building up to more advanced combinations quickly- 2 weeks for 2 hours each.
Dance
regular instructors
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Sabra Michelle, Director of Education
Sabra Michelle is known to Madison audiences as a Choreographer, Performer, and Teacher with CTM, Monona Academy of Dance, Disney Musicals in Schools, and Capital City Theatre, with whom she played Tessie Tura (GYPSY), Flossie/Lucy Schmeeler (ON THE TOWN), and choreographed their Award-nominated regional premiere of NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812.
Before moving to Madison, Sabra had a full career in New York City and touring internationally.
Regionally in the U.S., she is best known for her performing career playing leading ladies in musicals including Lola (DAMN YANKEES), Cassie (A CHORUS LINE), Roxie (CHICAGO), and many others. Sabra has done philanthropic work for Broadway Cares, performed in Jerry Mitchell’s BROADWAY BARES (3 times), and founded THE COUGAR BALL, celebrating Fabulous, Funny, Flirty Friends at Forty, Fifty, and Forever!
Sabra is currently the Vice President on the Board of Directors for DANCE WISCONSIN, a proud union member of IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) local 251, an Onboarding specialist for non-profit companies using Arts People, and a licensed real estate agent for your referral needs anywhere in the world! www.SabraMichelle.info
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Kristen Hammer, Ballet
Kristen Hammer began her training in Bloomfield Hills, MI under Mary C. Geiger at Geiger Classical Ballet Academy and its affiliate company, Michigan Classic Ballet Company. Her training continued at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and Boston Ballet. She went on to earn a B.S. degree in Dance Arts Administration from Butler University. Ms. Hammer has been a company dancer with Madison Ballet, Nevada Ballet Theatre, Deos Contemporary Ballet, Chicago Repertory Ballet, and more.
Ms. Hammer has performed across the nation as a guest artist with many notable organizations including Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago, Capital City Theatre (On the Town, It’s A Wonderful Life), Isthmus Dance Collective, Dance at Delafield, and for Marlene Skog of the UW Dance Department. She has choreographed over 50 pieces for both professionals and students. Ms. Hammer has taught ballet at academies across the nation including Joffrey Ballet Academy, Planko Classical Ballet Academy, Madison Ballet, Synergy Dance Academy, and Naperville School of the Arts. -

Dennis Mulliken, Acting Essentials
Dennis Mullikin is a Chicago and New York City based actor and teaching artist whose work is rooted in imagination, human connection, and truthful storytelling. A graduate of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting's Three Year Conservatory and the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater's BFA Theatre Performance program, Dennis has built a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary theatre.
His stage credits include Prince Henry in Henry IV Part 1, Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Peter in Stop Kiss, Orestes in The Furies, and King Cymbeline in Cymbeline. Drawing from the teachings of Stella Adler, Viola Spolin, and Stanislavski, Dennis is passionate about helping actors develop a deeper relationship with their imagination and creative instincts.
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Adolpho Blaire, artist enrichment series - "The star vehicle laboratory"
Adolpho Blaire has worked as an Actor, Director, Choreographer, Producer, Writer, Casting Agent, Dramaturg, and Teacher. His Bootcamp Classes (both in NYC and around the country) use a 3-pronged approach to empowering artists to reach their highest potential: Defining Branding, Strengthening Text and Interpretation Skills, and Life Coaching.
With over 15 years of Teaching, Adolpho’s students have found success on Broadway, National Tours, major Regional Theatres, Film/TV, Commercials and Cabaret Room as well as acceptance into every major Theatre College program in the country.
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D. Corey Helser, Stagecraft Studio
D. Corey Helser has spent a lifetime in theater and education. After receiving an MFA in Theater Production (emphasis in Lighting Design and Stage Management) from UW-Madison, he worked for American Players Theatre, Dance Wisconsin, Madison Rep, Madison Opera, and touring with The Melrose Motion Company. After too many days on the road, he began working for Madison College where he managed the Mitby Theater, taught Stagecraft, supported the student performance series, and eventually led the office of Conference and Event Services.
While still working for the college, he began Theater Support Services, LLC. Under that company he developed stage management software and consulted for several organizations, including the Stoughton Opera House and the Wisconsin Arts Board.
After leaving Madison College, he continues to design scenery and lighting for over a dozen shows each year. Beyond the stage, he is a musician and enjoys sailing when time and weather allow.
Past instructors
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Telly Leung
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E. Faye Butler
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Rebecca Larkin
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Anderw Keenan-Bolger
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Kaitlin Hopkins
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Lara Teeter
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Adam Pascal
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Kenny Ingram
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Jim Weitzer
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Michael Cassara