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."
Every season we SING, DANCE, ACT, & TECH.
Check back often for our varied seasonal programming geared toward ADULTS and TEENS.
Classes are kept small for maximum intensive individual training.
Classes by season
Fall
(Sept-Oct-Nov)
"Show & Tech" Stagecraft Tour
& Capital City Theatre's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Saturday November 21, 2026 10a-5:30pm, includes 2pm matinee ticket of
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Mitby Theatre at Madison College)
1 day: $50
Winter
(Dec-Jan-Feb)
December Dancing: Ballet for Musical Theatre
Tuesdays in December, 2026 7:30-9pm
4 weeks: $100, drop-in: $25
Bring your characters to life this December with a beginner-friendly ballet class where technique meets storytelling. Designed specifically for teen and adult musical theatre performers, this class shows you exactly how ballet mechanics serve your acting. You will learn how a strong core creates a confident stage presence, how extended lines project emotion to the back row, and how precise footwork drives a narrative forward.
Bring your energy to the stage!
Capital City Theatre Conservatory CRESCENDO
Saturdays: Dec (excluding 12/26) 2026, Jan, Feb 2027 9-11am
12 weeks: $300
Meet Crescendo —a high-energy, multi-generational act bringing Broadway-style song and dance directly to the public. We bridge the gap between traditional theater and street performance, popping up at festivals, parks, and stages near you. Broadway energy; community heart!
Master the stage in a single afternoon—unlock your boldest acting instincts in just four hours!
Intro to Improv - “Just a Taste”
Sunday, Dec 6, 2026 10am-3pm
$50
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.
Keep your skills sharp and learn how to pick up and nail dance combinations quickly and confidently.
Dance Audition Combo Pickup
Thursdays in January, 2026 7-8:30pm
4 weeks: $100, drop-in: $25
Sharpen your instincts and dominate your next dance call with Audition Combo Pickup at the Conservatory! This high-energy class is designed specifically for Teens and Adults who want to master the art of the fast-paced dance audition.
In the audition room, time is luxury you don't have. This series trains your brain and body to pick up, polish, and perform complex choreography under pressure.
Tuesdays January 12- February 2, 2027 7-9pm
Performance: Saturday, February 6 at 7pm
4 weeks: $200
The spotlight is calling, the glasses are poured, and Cabernet Cabaret is officially back!
Led by our fearless leader, Gail Becker, the Conservatory’s highly anticipated, Adults-Only (21+) performance series returns for an unforgettable night of music, storytelling, and sophistication.
Under Gail’s expert artistic direction, you will step out of the audience and onto the stage. This unique performance track blends elite artistic training with a relaxed, social atmosphere—giving adult performers the ultimate space to shine.
Intro to Improv - Weekend Intensive
Sat-Sun, Jan 23-24, 2027 10am-3pm
$200
Curious about improv but unsure whether you’re ready to commit to a multi-week course or perform in front of an audience? This welcoming, two-day intensive offers a fun and low-pressure introduction to longform improv—the scene-focused style performed by groups such as Ben Schwartz and Friends.
Spring
(March-Apr-May)
Intro to Improv - Weekend Intensive
Sat-Sun, Apr 24-25, 2027 10am-3pm
$200
Curious about improv but unsure whether you’re ready to commit to a multi-week course or perform in front of an audience? This welcoming, two-day intensive offers a fun and low-pressure introduction to longform improv—the scene-focused style performed by groups such as Ben Schwartz and Friends.
Bring your energy to the stage!
Capital City Theatre Conservatory CRESCENDO
9-11am
12 weeks: $300
Meet Crescendo —a high-energy, multi-generational act bringing Broadway-style song and dance directly to the public. We bridge the gap between traditional theater and street performance, popping up at festivals, parks, and stages near you. Broadway energy; community heart!