The main point: Fall CAS music theatre classes will be held on the BW campus and begin on September 4. Registration is open now at cas.bw.edu.

The Whole Story

The Baldwin Wallace Community Arts School is launching year-round musical theatre experiences and training for children and adults. My 10-year-old-daughter, Reagan, recently participated in a fantastic Camp Broadway – one of the most rewarding experiences of her young performing life.

The CAS program is now run by Heidi Biever and affiliated with BW’s incredible Conservatory of Performing Arts. Biever has performed around the country and in international tours in roles such as Maria in "The Sound of Music" and Audrey in "Little Shop of Horrors."

BW is one of the most important musical theater programs in the Country. It is often called “The Julliard of the Midwest” and these new offerings are only going to solidify that reputation. The students that take CAS programming from current B-W faculty, alum, and current students, are destined to be the future stars of B-W and Broadway.

I cannot stress it enough – off all the theater training options I have witnessed, this B-W program is the best. The classes are held on campus – the building is incredibly safe and the instructors keep a sharp eye on your children for safety. There is plenty of free campus parking. And, for dads and moms like me that often have to wait around for pickup, there are tons of restaurants and shops close by to kill time.

According to a B-W Facebook post, the courses will feature:

Age-appropriate development

"As musical theatre embraces the disciplines of singing, movement and acting, I work with students to understand the whole process while continuing to build their confidence, work ethic and skills," Biever says. "I promote healthy musical theatre singing techniques and the Meisner approach to acting."

"I believe in age-appropriate development that relies on a curriculum that builds from year to year," she continues. "That allows students to achieve a variety of artistic and life goals that come with cultural development and training."

Artistic growth and fun

While her approach to teaching is thoughtful and well-designed, students will enjoy the opportunity to celebrate some of their favorite musicals on the stage and play the parts that they love.

"Our approach incorporates a variety of movement styles and lots of participation. A student is rarely off the stage. They will help to create some of their own ideas, including cool props, costumes and lighting that bring their performance to life."

Biever says, through it all, she works to nurture each student's individuality and strengths as an artist.

"They learn to rely on themselves and each other in new ways. And we have a lot of fun. I would describe myself as a loving educator that sees great potential in students of all ages, encourages them to bring their best and sets them up for meaningful growth." 

Casting a Wide Net

BW CAS music theatre student

Most of the new CAS music theatre classes for school-age students include a wide age range, and that's by design.

"Theatre is about building community both on and off the stage," Biever explains. "In our entry-level classes, we have had great success having a variety of ages in the classes, and feature students in a way that is appropriate for their age and skill level. Theatre stories usually require a range of ages in the story, and having older and younger students allows for this variety in the casting.

"When a student shows both the interest and work ethic for taking on a more advanced approach, one of our advanced classes would be recommended. The advanced classes will be offered starting in the Spring and Summer."

Adult artistic enrichment, too

There's even a class for adults who enjoy singing to take their Broadway belts out of the car or shower.

For the adults, "Although no experience is necessary, past participants generally have done some performing either in high school or college or are looking for a nurturing and fun activity to have some 'me time' during the week," Biever notes. "They will sing and move to musical theatre songs that they love and learn some new ones as well! It is a very bonding and positive experience. Adults need artistic enrichment as much as children!"

Leveraging BWMT talent

BW CAS music theatre campers 2025

Biever, who is married to BW's new music theatre music director, Richard Biever, also has plans to tap into the University's talented and often Broadway-bound undergraduates.

"We will have the talented BWMT students functioning as interns, interacting with the children — singing and dancing right along with them," Biever shares. "We are in the process of developing opportunities for the BWMT professors to give workshops and training to our students when available. It is an incredible opportunity to nurture the MT students of tomorrow."

Fall CAS music theatre classes will be held on the BW campus and begin on September 4. Registration is open now at cas.bw.edu.

Long story short, if you are a parent, and looking to advance your child’s development with singing, dancing, acting, and general performing, do not sleep on this new B-W offering.