We offer year-round classes for all ages

Below is our core mission when it comes to teaching classes:
Shaking the Tree Studio is a laboratory for tomorrow's theatre makers. By using the same principles we hold dear for play-making, we seek to provide students with rich and varied literature, allow them to explore it through immersion, and witness them experience a deeper connection of thought, feeling, and action, as a result.

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Winter Classes
February 1st - March 19th

The White Bear King Valemon & other Norwegian Fairy Tales

$199.00

Ages 8 - 11

Wednesdays

4:00 - 5:30

February 5th - March 18th

Instructor: Samantha Van Der Merwe

Magic and myth inhabit these stories in figures both familiar and strange. Giant trolls and talking animals are everywhere. The winds take human form. A one-eyed old woman might seem reminiscent of the Norse god Odin. We meet sly aunts, resourceful princesses, and devious robbers. The clever and fearless boy Ash Lad often takes center stage as he ingeniously breaks spells and defeats enemies to win half the kingdom. These stories, set in Norway’s majestic landscape of towering mountains and dense forests, are filled with humor, mischief, and sometimes surprisingly cruel twists of fate. 

We will explore a different story each week, and pick our favorite to present to family and friends at our final class.

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The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street- by Rod Serling

$199.00

Ages 11 -14

Mondays

4:30 - 6:00pm

February 3rd - March 16th

Instructor: Samantha Van Der Merwe

We will work on an episode from Rod Serling’s, The Twilight Zone. Students will focus on the text, and explore the genre of the Radio Play, allowing us to focus on atmosphere and sound. If we did add images to our words, how would our stage pictures look, and how would scenes pop out of the narrative? We'll present our play to family and friendsat the final class.

Neighbors fear that aliens have landed when a bright flash appears in the sky and strange things begin to happen. Incited by a young boy’s stories, people accuse each other of being an alien sent in advance. Panic and a mob scene leave readers questioning who the real monsters are. 

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Beginning Improv

$199.00

Ages 8-11

​Saturdays
​1:00pm - 3:00pm
February 1st - March 14th
Instructor: Emma Stewart


Have a blast learning the basics of Improvisation through tons of fun games and group activities! Discuss the fundamentals of what makes a scene fun and learn to apply it to your own acting, while learning skills that are crucial in theatre and life. The class will culminate in a showcase during the final class, to show off your new skills to loved ones.

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Intermediate Improv

$199.00

Ages 11-14

Saturdays 
​3:15pm - 5:15pm
February 1st - March 14th
Instructor: Emma Stewart


Expand your skills in comedy and improvisation through improv games and ensemble based activities. Work as a team to improve your awareness and group mind onstage, while learning skills that are useful in theatre and life. The class will culminate in a showcase during the final class, to show off your new skills to loved ones.

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She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen

$375.00

Ages 14 - 18

Tuesdays and Thursdays

4:30 - 6:00 on Tuesdays

4:30 - 5:30 on the first three Thursdays, and then 4:30 - 6:00 on the last four Thursdays

February 4th - March 19th

Instructors: Samantha Van Der Merwe & Ted Gold

Shaking the tree's high school program is a hands on creative experience for lovers of storytelling and the stage. Students come up with the design concepts, and star in the play, learning all aspects of theatre from technical skills to stagecraft. In each session we work on an exciting play by a brilliant author, so that students get to interact with quality material.

A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games, She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she stumbles into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was Tilly’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed young playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.

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Can't pay the full price right now?

We have options for you:
​If you would like to make separate payments for a class, EMAIL US HERE and we will bill you according to your ideal payment schedule.
If you would like to apply for a scholarship for your child, please EMAIL US HERE

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Shaking the Tree's Teachers

Ted Gold
​(Visit the ABOUT page)

Emma Stewart Emma Stewart is a student and PSU getting her bachelors in english, on the pre-elementary education track. She did theatre from a young age and is an alumni of Young Professionals Impulse Team, She loves that theatre teaches empathy and collaboration in a way that nothing else can.

Samantha Van Der Merwe
​(Visit the ABOUT page)

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Shaking the Tree Policies

Please CONTACT US if you have any questions, concerns or feedback on Shaking The Tree policies.

Class Cancellations and Refunds
During the regular school term (Fall, Winter, and Spring) tuition may be refunded until one week before the class starts. If a student withdraws less than one week before the start of a class and no more than two days after that class begins, Shaking The Tree will issue a pro-rated credit good toward any camp or class, which expires twelve months after the date issued. If a student withdraws three days after a class begins or later, no credits or refunds will be issued.

During the Summer term a refund on tuition may be issued until one week before the beginning of camp. In the week before camp, if a student withdraws Shaking The Tree will issue a credit good toward any camp or class. If a student withdraws after the first day of camp, no credit will be issued.

Observing Classes
New parents are welcome to observe on the first day of class (for the first 15 minutes) but after that, parents, siblings & friends will not be allowed to sit and observe students during class, even if hidden in the waiting area. We have learned by experience that it is very distracting, and sometimes stressful for students if people are watching and it is not conducive to the creative process. Please do your best to arrive at the end of class and not before.

Class Size Limit
In order for students to get the most out of their time at Shaking The Tree, the class size is limited to no more than 10 students for elementary aged students.

Missed Classes
Shaking The Tree does not offer make-up classes or credits for missed classes.