Axelrod Performing Arts Academy Releases 2024-2025 Class Schedule

HOLMDEL, NJ — The Axelrod Performing Arts Academy has released its 2024-2025 schedule of classes for dance and musical theater.

The academy offers students “unique and comprehensive training” in dance and theater arts, as well as performance opportunities.

Primary-level classes (ages 3-7) will run from Sept. 23–June 14. Junior division (ages 8-12) and pre-professional (ages 13+) will run in sessions, with Fall Session 1 running from Sept. 9–Nov. 1 and Fall Session 2 running from Nov. 4–Dec. 20.

Classes are led by a highly trained group of professionals including Justin Christopher Odon, Juliette Margolies, Susan Marrazzo, Nicole Ceballos, Kathleen Pearlberg and Jessica Totaro.

“The academy stands apart from other dance studios or musical theater programs by fostering a true community for the arts,” Axelrod Performing Arts Academy Director Mary-Kate Schmidt said. “We have created a non-competitive environment where students are free to explore, learn and create. Our space brings together multiple artistic disciplines under one roof, encouraging collaboration among artists.”

In addition to the academy’s primary–pre-professional classes, they also offer masterclasses with dance and Broadway professionals on Thursday evenings.

Guest artists for the fall include Gabriel Soto (Wicked), Tamisha A. Guy (Martha Graham Ballet Company), John John Tarrayo (So You Think You Can Dance Season 16) and Lindsay Jorgensen (American Repertory Ballet) with more artists to be announced.

On Sept. 22, 12 academy students will perform on stage with Dionne Warwick at the inaugural Axelrod Performing Arts Center Gala, and from Nov. 22–24, the junior division theater program will present “Alice in Wonderland Jr.”

In April, the spring show will be "Beetlejuice Jr.," with auditions to be announced in October. On the first weekend of December, dance students will perform in the academy’s winter dance series “Winter Wonderland” alongside a company of professional dancers.

“Our mission is to offer high-quality, multi-layered arts education, where students not only perform but also grow and learn through the creative process,” Schmidt said.

For more information on the academy’s programs, you can visit the Axelrod Performing Arts Center website.

All classes take place in the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy studio located in the atrium at Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel.

Performances will take place on the stage of the new Bell Theater at Bell Works and the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal Park.