M2 Perfoming Arts Academy
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What is M2?
M2 is built on a simple idea: every young person deserves a place where they can be heard, take creative risks, discover what they can do, and know that they belong.
M2 Performing Arts Academy offers classes, camps, and performance opportunities throughout the year.
The program is designed to welcome both students who are discovering theatre for the first time and young people who want to deepen their skills and pursue more advanced performance opportunities.
The partnership between Merrimack Repertory Theatre and Middlesex Community College utilizes MCC’s theatre programs, and the professional environment of MRT – connecting young people with working artists, educators, technicians, and theatre professionals in their own community.
Fall Classes
Fall classes start September 12th & 14th.
Broadway Babies: Disney Musicals (Ages 4-6)
SATURDAY: 10:00am – 11:00am | September 12, 19, 26, October 3 with Showcase at 10:30am
LOCATION: MCC’s Academic Arts Center, 240 Central St., Lowell
CLASS CAPACITY: 8 students
COST: $300
Broadway Babies introduces young performers to the magic of musical theater through singing, movement, creative play, and storytelling. Students explore the basics of performance in a fun and encouraging environment, building confidence while expressing themselves through music and imagination.
Through age-appropriate theater games, simple choreography, and hands-on creative activities, children develop listening skills, teamwork, and comfort performing in front of others. The focus is on nurturing creativity, making new friends, and discovering the joy of being on stage. This class concludes with a special sharing for family and friends that celebrates the students’ growth, enthusiasm, and love of performance.
Broadway Kids: Popstars & Showstoppers (Grades 1-2)
SATURDAY: 11:00am – 12:00pm | September 12, 19, 26, October 3 with Showcase at 11:30am
LOCATION: MCC’s Academic Arts Center, 240 Central St., Lowell
CLASS CAPACITY: 8 students
COST: $300
Calling all future stars! In Popstars & Showstoppers, young performers discover the excitement of singing their favorite Broadway and pop-inspired tunes while learning the basics of stage performance. Through music, movement, imaginative play, and theater games, students develop confidence and self-expression in a fun and supportive setting.
Children will explore rhythm, vocal skills, character creation, and simple choreography while building friendships and learning to work together as an ensemble. With plenty of opportunities to shine, this class encourages creativity, curiosity, and a love of performing. Each class concludes with a showcase where students share songs and activities that highlight their growth and enthusiasm for the stage.
Improv (Grades 3-5)
MONDAY: 4:00pm – 5:30pm | September 14, 21, 28, October 5 with Showcase at 5:00pm
LOCATION: Merrimack Repertory Theatre Rehearsal Hall, 132 Warren St., Lowell
CLASS CAPACITY: 10 students
COST: $300
Improv is all about creativity, imagination, and having fun together. Through games, storytelling, and interactive exercises, students learn to think on their feet, make bold choices, and support their fellow performers. Young artists build confidence as they practice listening, collaborating, and bringing their ideas to life in unexpected ways.
By embracing the spirit of “yes, and,” students discover how to create characters, scenes, and stories as a team. Along the way, they develop communication skills, adaptability, and stage presence in a supportive and playful environment. The classes conclude with an informal showcase.
Musical Theatre Workshop (Grades 6-8)
MONDAY: 5:30pm – 7:00pm | September 14, 21, 28, October 5 with Showcase at 6:30pm
LOCATION: Merrimack Repertory Theatre Rehearsal Hall, 132 Warren St., Lowell
CLASS CAPACITY: 10 students
COST: $300
Students work on scenes, songs, and choreography from popular musicals while developing their skills as triple-threat performers. Through ensemble work and character exploration, participants gain a deeper understanding of honest storytelling through music, movement, and acting.
Designed for middle school performers, this class encourages creativity, discipline, and collaboration. Along the way, they build confidence, strengthen performance techniques, and learn how to support one another as part of an ensemble. The workshop culminates in an informal showcase where students share selections from their work with family and friends.
Spring Classes
Spring classes start February 20th & 22nd.
Broadway Kids: Disney Musicals (Grades K-2)
SATURDAY: 10:00am – 11:00am | February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20 and 27 with Showcase at 10:30am
LOCATION: MCC’s Academic Arts Center, 240 Central St., Lowell
CLASS CAPACITY: 10 students
COST: $300
Broadway Kids: Disney Musicals introduces young performers to the magic of musical theater through singing, movement, creative play, and storytelling. Students explore the basics of performance in a fun and encouraging environment, building confidence while expressing themselves through music and imagination.
Through age-appropriate theater games, simple choreography, and hands-on creative activities, children develop listening skills, teamwork, and comfort performing in front of others. The focus is on nurturing creativity, making new friends, and discovering the joy of being on stage. This class concludes with a special sharing for family and friends that celebrates the students’ growth, enthusiasm, and love of performance.
Musical Theatre Workshop (Grades 6-8)
MONDAY: 4:00pm – 5:30pm | February 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 with Showcase at 6:30pm
LOCATION: MCC’s Academic Arts Center, 240 Central St., Lowell
CLASS CAPACITY: 12 students
COST: $300
Students work on scenes, songs, and choreography from popular musicals while developing their skills as triple-threat performers. Through ensemble work and character exploration, participants gain a deeper understanding of honest storytelling through music, movement, and acting.
Designed for middle school performers, this class encourages creativity, discipline, and collaboration. Along the way, they build confidence, strengthen performance techniques, and learn how to support one another as part of an ensemble. The workshop culminates in an informal showcase where students share selections from their work with family and friends.
Audition Prep Workshop (Grades 9-12)
MONDAY: 5:30pm – 7:00pm | February 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
LOCATION: MCC’s Academic Arts Center, 240 Central St., Lowell
CLASS CAPACITY: 12 students
COST: $300
Build your confidence and sharpen your audition skills! Students will prepare and perform monologues and musical theatre songs while learning how to choose the right material, make strong acting choices, prepare song cuts, work with an accompanist, handle nerves, and feel confident in the audition room. Students will also learn about callbacks, headshots, résumés, and audition etiquette. Perfect for school, college, community, and professional auditions. All experience levels are welcome!
April Vacation Camp
April vacation classes run April 19th – 23rd.
Musical Theatre Camp: Hamilton (Grades 6-10)
APRIL VACATION CAMP: Monday, April 19- Friday, April 23, 9am – 4pm
LOCATION: Merrimack Repertory Theatre Rehearsal Hall, 132 Warren St., Lowell
CLASS CAPACITY: 15 students
COST: $400
Don’t throw away your shot! This camp is designed for middle school performers ready to take their skills to the next level. Students will explore choreography, vocal performance, character development, and the art of bringing a song to life through acting and storytelling.
Working in a supportive and collaborative rehearsal environment, participants will build confidence, strengthen their stage presence, and learn how to connect authentically with an audience. Along the way, they’ll gain valuable experience as both individual performers and members of an ensemble. The camp concludes with an informal showcase where students share selections from their work with family and friends, celebrating their growth and creativity. Showcase: Friday, April 23rd at 3:00pm.
Musical Theatre Camp: Hamilton (Grades 11 & 12)
APRIL VACATION CAMP: Monday, April 19- Friday, April 23, 9am – 4pm
LOCATION: MCC’s Academic Arts Center, 240 Central St., Lowell
CLASS CAPACITY: 15 students
COST: $400
Don’t throw away your shot! This Hamilton-inspired musical theatre intensive is designed for students in grades 11–12 ready to take their performance skills to the next level. Students will deepen their work in choreography, vocal performance, character development, and the art of bringing a song to life through acting and storytelling.
Working in a supportive and collaborative rehearsal environment, participants will refine their performance choices, strengthen their stage presence, and explore more challenging material as both individual performers and members of an ensemble. The camp concludes with a combined Hamilton showcase featuring performers from both camps for family and friends.
Showcase: Friday, April 23rd at 3pm
Summer Stage Camps
Summer Stage camps are held in late June.
Musical Theatre Camp: Frozen (Ages 4-6)
SUMMER STAGE CAMP: June 21 – 25 | Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 12:00pm
LOCATION: MCC’s Academic Arts Center, 240 Central St., Lowell
CLASS CAPACITY: 12 students
COST: $400
Let it go and let your imagination soar! Inspired by the magic, friendship, and adventure of Frozen, this camp is specially designed for young performers ages 4–6. Through singing, movement, storytelling, creative play, and theater games, children will explore the joy of performing while building confidence and making new friends.
Campers will learn simple songs and dances, create characters, and use their imaginations to bring stories to life in a fun, supportive environment. Along the way, they’ll develop listening skills, teamwork, and self-expression while discovering the magic of the stage. The camp concludes with a special sharing for family and friends, celebrating each child’s creativity, confidence, and love of performance. Showcase: June 25 at 11:30am.
Musical Theatre Camp: Encanto (Ages 4-6)
SUMMER STAGE CAMP: June 28 – July 2 | Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 12:00pm
LOCATION: MCC’s Academic Arts Center, 240 Central St., Lowell
CLASS CAPACITY: 12 students
COST: $400
What’s your gift? Inspired by the music, magic, and vibrant world of Encanto, this camp invites young performers ages 4–6 to celebrate what makes them unique. Through singing, movement, storytelling, creative play, and theater games, children will explore imagination, self-expression, and the joy of performing.
Campers will learn songs and dances, bring colorful characters to life, and work together to create magical moments on stage. In a fun and nurturing environment, students will build confidence, develop social skills, and discover that everyone has something special to share. The camp concludes with a joyful presentation for family and friends, showcasing the creativity, enthusiasm, and sparkle each child brings to the stage. Showcase: July 2 at 11:30am.
Musical Theatre Camp: K-pop (Ages 7-11)
SUMMER STAGE CAMP: June 21 – 25 | Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 2:00pm
LOCATION: Merrimack Repertory Theatre Rehearsal Hall, 132 Warren St., Lowell
CLASS CAPACITY: 15 students
COST: $400
Ready to take the stage like a K-pop star? This high-energy camp for ages 7–11 brings together the excitement of K-pop with the fun of musical theater. Through dance, music, performance games, and creative expression, students will explore what it takes to captivate an audience with confidence, style, and personality.
Campers will learn age-appropriate choreography, develop stage presence, practice performance techniques, and work together as a team while discovering the artistry behind their favorite K-pop performers. Along the way, they’ll build confidence, coordination, creativity, and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. The camp concludes with a special showcase for family and friends, where students can share their new skills and shine like true pop stars. Showcase: June 25 at 1:30pm.
Musical Theatre Camp: Descendents (Ages 7-11)
SUMMER STAGE CAMP: June 28 – July 2 | Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 2:00pm
LOCATION: Merrimack Repertory Theatre Rehearsal Hall, 132 Warren St., Lowell
CLASS CAPACITY: 15 students
COST: $400
It’s good to be bad! Inspired by the music, characters, and high-energy fun of Descendants, this camp is perfect for performers ages 7–11 who are ready to take center stage. Through singing, dancing, acting, and creative theater activities, students will explore what it means to be bold, confident, and true to themselves.
Campers will learn performance techniques, build memorable characters, and work together as an ensemble while bringing favorite songs and scenes to life. Along the way, they’ll develop stage presence, teamwork, and storytelling skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. The camp concludes with a special showcase for family and friends, celebrating the creativity, confidence, and star power each performer brings to the stage. Showcase: July 2 at 1:30pm.
All M2 Photos: Kate Brindley Photography