MRTC’s Next Adult Master Class:
Mastering Music Direction

Saturday, June 21st, 2025 11AM - 12:30 PM

CLASS DETAILS:

Please Note: This registration page is for actors who are 18+. If you are an incoming freshman - incoming senior, you will need to register for the student version of this master class here.

When: Saturday, June 21st 11AM - 12:30PM

Where: First United Methodist Church (618 8th St, Columbus, IN 47201)

What: Mastering Music Direction - The fifth in a series of Master Classes by Mill Race Theatre Company for adults. To register as a student (incoming freshman - incoming senior), visit our Student Master Class page here.

Cost: $20 - You must register in advance using the form on this page in order to attend this class.

What to expect: Participants will be guided through the basics of music directing (vocal and pit), shown examples of how to cut audition excerpts, choose appropriate warm-ups, be given industry tips and tricks, and more

How to prepare: All items are optional, but it is recommended to bring a notebook for taking notes, a pencil, and a highlighter. Additionally, you can review our participation waiver in advance here. Paper copies will be present at the master class. A waiver must be signed by each participant or by a parent/guardian for minors.

Clinician leading the workshop: Jenny Gafron (She/Her) and Riley Carter (He/Him)

Clinician’s Bio: Jenny Gafron is excited to be back volunteering for MRTC again. In addition to being a professional music director and teacher, Jenny also spent several years as an MRTC Board Member and participant, performing in Twelfth Night in 2022 (“Fabian”) and Seussical (“Wickersham #1”) in 2023. Jenny began Music Directing in 2016 when she began her teaching career as a choral and musical theatre educator in Indianapolis. While in Indiana, Jenny founded two award-winning show choirs and led two high school show choir programs (including Columbus’ own, North High School) to many top five and grand champion placements. Jenny has 20+ years of theatre experience and earned her Bachelor of Music, in Music Education (vocal emphasis), degree from Millikin University. She currently teaches middle school music and choir in the Chicago suburbs, directing and music directing their annual musical, as well.

Riley Carter is currently serving as one of the band directors at Geneva High School, and Fabyan/Harrison Elementary School in Geneva, IL. He is going into his 7th year of teaching and was formerly the director of bands at Dixon High School, and the music department head of Dixon Public Schools. Riley graduated in 2018 with an undergraduate degree in Music Education and another in saxophone performance from Illinois State University. He also completed his Master’s Degree in Music Education at Vandercook College of Music in Chicago in the summer of 2023. Riley fell in love with musical theater and pit orchestra while in high school. He has played in several pit orchestras including: Cabaret, Jekyll and Hyde, Chicago, and will play in the Drowsy Chaperone this summer. Riley’s first pit directing debut came this past school year where he music directed Seussical! The Musical at Geneva High School. Riley hopes to give some great first impressions on how new pit directors can get used to working in the industry. 

Next Master Class: Intro to Stage Combat

FAQs

  • I’m not familiar with First United Methodist Church,  how do I get there?
    Driving West on 3rd Street, turn right onto Franklin St. Drive a few blocks north to 8th Street, turning right onto 8th. Pass Lafayette Street and turn left into the First United Methodist Church parking lot. Park anywhere in the lot, and enter the building through the doors on the left side of the playground - which is located on the East side of the church, off of the lot you will park in. MRTC representatives will be inside the doors and able to guide you to the choir room for class. What happens if I register and can’t attend a class?
    Please notify our Program Manager, Brittany Davis, at masterclass@millracetheatre.org and let her know you will be unable to attend. While we can’t provide a refund for the class, you can use the credit toward our final master class later this summer.

  • I have other questions not answered here, how do I get them answered?
    Reach out to our Program Manager, Brittany Davis, at masterclass@millracetheatre.org with any additional questions.

Register Now

  • When: Saturday, May 17th 2PM - 4PM

    Where: Dancers Studio (1804 22nd St, Columbus, IN 47201)

    What: Audition Techniques - The fourth in a series of Master Classes by Miill Race Theatre Company for adults (in this case actors ages 13+ as 13+ are considered for adult parts in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). This will be a more advanced audition techniques class. For the kids class (ages 8-12), learn more on our Student Master Class page here.

    Cost: FREE - We’re pleased to make this class free and accessible to all in partnership with the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory production staff. You must register in advance using the form on this page in order to attend this class.

    What to expect: Interested in auditioning for this summer's production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Interested in learning more about auditioning in general? Join MRTC Masters this Saturday, May 17th to learn more! Bring a 16-32 bar cut of a song you think you might like to sing, we will cover everything from how to mark your cuts to what to wear! Expect to work in front of your peers, and be prepared to cheer one another on as we learn some Audition Techniques! Shoes will need to be taken off to enter the dance studio room, so wearing or bringing socks may be a good idea, though not required. Additionally, you can review our participation waiver in advance here. Paper copies will be present at the master class. A waiver must be signed by each participant or by a parent/guardian for minors.

    Clinician leading the workshop: Brittany Marie Davis

    Clinician’s Bio: Brittany Michelle Davis is an actor/singer/dancer based in Indianapolis. IN. She has been dancing since the age of four, specializing in tap and musical theatre dance styles. While pursuing her Bachelor's of Music in Musical Theatre from Anderson University (graduated 2021), Brittany fostered and expanded her love for dance and its function of storytelling in musical theatre. As a current choreographer and constant student of dance, Brittany is excited to share her love of dance and story building through this master class!

  • When: Sunday, October 27th, 2024 from 2PM - 4PM

    Where: The Columbus Township Fire and Rescue - Station 221 (931 Repp Drive, Columbus Indiana 47201)

    What: Special Effects Makeup - the third in a series of Adult master classes presented by Mill Race Theatre Company for adults ages 18+ in the Columbus, Indiana area! This class will be combined with high school students, but students need to register separately - click here for more details.

    Cost: $20 - You must register in advance in order to attend this class.

    What to expect: Come learn all about special effects makeup with our Masters clinician, Johna Wilson! Gear up for spooky season learning tips and tricks to manufacture cuts, bruises, and more! This class is one you won't want to miss!

    What to bring: Materials will be provided for students to practice. Students may bring their own eyeshadow palates and brushes if they want to try recreating things with their own makeup.

    Clinician leading the workshop: Johna Wilson

    Clinician’s Bios: Hello! My name is Johna Wilson, I am an Advanced EMT and Primary Instructor at Columbus Township Fire and Rescue.  As a Primary Instructor I have been teaching EMT classes for about 8 years, to help make the skills more realistic I use moulage (make-up) so that the students are able to learn different techniques while simulating treatments.  I have also assisted in larger trainings doing moulage for Columbus Regional Hospital and Shelbyville EMA with their Armed Aggressor Trainings. I love learning new ways to apply make-up, so here is hoping we can learn from each other!

  • When: Sunday, September 29th, 2024 from 4:30PM - 6:30PM

    Where: Dance by Design (1503 Cottage Ave, Suite B, Columbus, IN 47201)

    What: Intro to Stage Combat - the second in a series of Adult master classes presented by Mill Race Theatre Company for adults ages 18+ in the Columbus, Indiana area! If you are still in high school, this master class is also being offered to your age group - click here for more details.

    Cost: $20 - You must register in advance in order to attend this class.

    What to expect: In this workshop, students will learn how to become a movement-based storyteller with the use of staged violence. Students will also learn the anatomy of the sword, best safety practices, basic movement, parries, attacks, and Prise de Fer ("Taking the Blade"). Then students will put it all together with a combat routine. Students should wear clothes that they can move in comfortably, and bring clean tennis shoes to wear in the studio as this is a heavy movement-based workshop. Students are encouraged to bring water as well.

    Clinician leading the workshop: Ian Miller and Samuel Lynch

    Clinicians’ Bios:

    • Ian Miller has a degree in Musical Theatre from Anderson University. Ian currently works at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, and teaches voice at Bach to Rock Carmel. Ian received his stage combat education at the University of Central Illinois. He is certified in Sword and Shield, Small Sword, Single Rapier, and Theatrical Firearms.

    • Samuel Lynch holds a degree in Musical Theatre from Anderson University. Currently working as an independent artist, Samuel has been a creative consultant on a variety of artistic endeavors. His works have been anywhere between independent films like Hellcat, for Heartland Film Festival, to local community theatre productions. Samuel has been working closely with Ian Miller to hone his combat prowess and is working towards his certification. 

    Next Master Class: Intro to Special Effects Makeup

  • When: Saturday, April 27th, 2024 from 4PM - 6PM

    Where: Sonya's Dance Zone (3140 N National Rd, Columbus, IN 47201)

    What: Musical Theatre Dance - The first in a series of Adult master classes presented by Mill Race Theatre Company for adults ages 18+ in the Columbus, Indiana area! If you are still in high school, this master class is also being offered to your age group - click here for more details.

    Cost: $20- You must register in advance in order to attend this class.

    What to expect: Come for a fun afternoon of Musical Theatre Dance! We will explore a brief history of dance in musical theatre and it's function, and then participants will be led through a dance warm up, learn some basic steps, and then learn and perform a short musical theatre combo! All experience levels are encouraged and welcome! Please wear appropriate dance shoes (nothing that will detach from your feet!) and clothes you can move and sweat in. Please bring water! 

    Clinician leading the workshop: Brittany Michelle Davis

    Clinician’s Bio: Brittany Michelle Davis is an actor/singer/dancer based in Indianapolis. IN. She has been dancing since the age of four, specializing in tap and musical theatre dance styles. While pursuing her Bachelor's of Music in Musical Theatre from Anderson University (graduated 2021), Brittany fostered and expanded her love for dance and its function of storytelling in musical theatre. As a current choreographer and constant student of dance, Brittany is excited to share her love of dance and story building through this master class!