03/13/2026
Do you know a young person that would love to be part of a creative theatrical project this summer? Walt Batycki (who is 1/2 of Ben Gardner's Boat!) is running several performing arts classes for grades 4 - 12 that will each culminate in performances! Check out the Heldeberg Workshop performing arts programs. There's lots of great instructors doing fun and inspiring work! If you're interested in what Walt's personally teaching, we've listed some brief descriptions below, but you certainly can't go wrong signing a young creative up for anything on offer.
July 13–17
T13 No Script?? No Problem!
Week: 2 | Grades: 3+
Turn play into plays! Learn the same improvisation skills actors use to create unscripted scenes on the spot. Through fast-paced games and creative challenges, you’ll practice listening, supporting your teammates, and saying “Yes, and!” to bold new ideas. Discover how the best comedy comes from honest, human reactions. Then step into simple improvised scenes where you’re writer, director, and actor all at once. Show off your quick thinking, confidence, and teamwork in a lively performance for friends and family!
Instructor: Walt Batycki
July 27–31
T16 Space Creature Among Us!
Week: 4 | Grades: 3 & up
Something is hiding aboard the ship… and it could be you! Create the brave (and suspicious!) crew of a spaceship that has picked up a shape-shifting alien. In each round, randomly selected performers become the creature while the crew works to complete missions and undo sabotage. Suspicion rises as crew members disappear, and quick thinking is essential. Build strong characters, practice improvising under pressure, and design simple props for your space adventure. Then invite Mission Control (your audience) to help uncover the monster in a thrilling live performance!
Instructor: Walt Batycki
August 3–7
T18 Lights! Camera! Laughter!
Week: 5 | Grades: 3 & up
Become a writer, actor, and director in your own over-the-top movie parody performed live on stage. Take epic battles, dramatic speeches, and shocking twists from favorite blockbusters and spin them into one hilarious original story. Create bold characters, exaggerate big moments, and discover what makes a story work—all while building strong teamwork skills. Then premiere your action-packed Summer Blockbuster for friends and family, complete with theatrical flair and big laughs!
Instructor: Walt Batycki
August 10–14
T19 Heldeberg Comedy Live!
Week: 6 | Grades: 4 & up
Become a star in our own sketch comedy show! You’ll kick things off with high-energy improv games that build listening skills, teamwork, and quick thinking. Then turn those skills into short, loosely scripted comedy sketches your team creates together. Brainstorm characters, punchlines, and ridiculous situations, and help design simple props and sets to bring your ideas to life. Everyone has a role—onstage and behind the scenes—and teamwork is the key. Then show off your new comedy skills in a fast-paced, laugh-filled performance for friends and family!
Instructor: Walt Batycki
https://www.heldebergworkshop.org/performing-arts/
