Join us for Pied Piper Theatre's 2026 Holiday Intensive - The Day Before Christmas

The Day Before Christmas is a 60‑minute holiday musical written by Ken Jones (story/book), with Jamey Strawn on music and Christine Jones on lyrics Heuer Publishing+1. It is designed as a comedy‑themed Christmas musical suitable for both children and adults, blending festive cheer with lighthearted chaos.

The show takes place at the North Pole just before Christmas Day. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves, reindeer, forest animals, and even the toys themselves are busy preparing for the biggest night of the year. The team works hard to get the sleigh ready and deliver gifts worldwide — but their plans are disrupted when Jack Frost decides to stop the festivities with a bit of comical chaos and calamity.

(Ages 8 - 16)

Rehearsals will be Tuesdays and Thursdays at Metz Middle School from 6:30-8 pm beginning October 6 and ending at Metz on December 10.  We will be off for Thanksgiving.  

Tuesday and Thursday, December 1 and 3 rehearsals will be at the ARTfactory.

Tech week will begin on Monday, December 7 and continue through Tuesday, December 8, Wednesday, December 9 and Thursday, December 10.

There will be four ticketed performances on December 11 at 7, December 12 at 10 am and 2 pm and December 13 at 2 pm

Class members will receive two complimentary tickets to be used on the performance of their choice.

Instructors: Melanie Terrazas, Director; Savannah Lagana, Music Director and Julianna Gedney, Assistant Director and Stage Manager

Tuition:  $400 ($340 for members)

Do you have a young one that loves books, stories, and art? Why not combine all their interests in this exciting new three-week class for kids!

Artist and teacher Stephanie McGee will walk students through the process of using paper to craft a story, using basic art materials to turn their ideas into cherished memories! 

Once all the pages have been created, the last day will focus on binding their books into something they can be truly proud of!

All supplies will be provided.

Ages 6-8

Fridays 4:30-6:30 pm

November 13-20

Registration Fee: $76

2026 is the year to give back to yourself, and there's no better place to start than this free installment in our ARTful Wellness series!

Winter time is approaching, so why not prepare by painting a beautiful figure on a simple ornament?

Come paint a cardinal (Virginia's state AND official holiday bird!) perched on a holly branch, with a round wooden ornament as your canvas. Professional artist and instructor Emily Thomson will show you how to paint step by step to make your ornament your own! Whether for yourself or someone special in your life, express yourself through the paints and explore the feelings surrounding this magical time of year through art. 

Ages 15+

Friday, November 13

6:30-8:30 pm

Registration Fee: FREE!!

This free wellness class is brought to you in partnership with UVA Health.

Join us for this beginners class all about the digital art application "Procreate". 

In this 2-day course, students will go over things from the beginning such as brushes, erasers, smudging, canvas size, how resolution works with digital art, all the way up through how to use layers and why they are important.

Professional digital artist and streamer Jon Flanders will work you through a guided project using their gained knowledge to let them become more comfortable with making art of your own at home digitally.

Please note that students will need to bring their own iPad and digital pencil, and will need to have Procreate downloaded prior to the start of class!

Ages 15+

Sundays 12:30-3:30

November 15-22

Registration Fee: $114

2026 is the year to give back to yourself, and there's no better place to start than this free wellness class!

Discover the process of scratching, inking, and hand-printing your own stylized tree-inspired artwork.

In this beginner-friendly wellness printmaking class, you’ll be introduced to simple relief carving and hand-printing techniques.

As you create, pause and consider: What helps me stay rooted during a changing season? Create a simple black-and-white tree print that reflects your own sense of growth, rest, strength, or change.No detailed drawing or extensive carving is required - just a willingness to make marks, get inky, and enjoy the reveal of your design on paper.

No experience is needed, and all materials are provided.Please note: We will be using beginner-friendly carving tools. Safe tool use will be demonstrated at the start of class.

Participants should feel comfortable using small, sharp tools and following safety guidance throughout the workshop.

Ages 15+

Monday, November 16

6-8 pm

Registration Fee: FREE!

Do have a love for theatre and acting, but want someplace to hone your craft? This class is for you!

Students will develop the actor’s ability to embody the character in a scene. We will discuss and utilize acting techniques to reach the goal of a deeply real character that the audience can connect to.

Actors will get to perform their scenes in front of an audience at the end of this class.

Ages 15+

Saturday, November 21

6-9 pm

Registraton Fee: $28.50

Are you interested in tap, but don't know where to start? Interested in a fun new way to express yourself and move? This brand new class is for you!

Starting from the ground up with ankle work and toe taps, this progressive course will focus on the beginner steps for the foundations of Tap.

Students will need to provide their own tap shoes.

Please note that this class will not meet on 12/6.

Ages 15+

Sundays 12-1:30 pm

November 22 - December 20

Registraton Fee: $114

Interested in musical theatre, but intimidated by the dancing? Need a refresher in the basics? This class is for you!

In this course students will get a better understanding of the most common jazz moves found in musical theatre today. You will learn regularly used terminology, and practice stringing these steps together through repetition and combinations.

While not required, character or jazz shoes are recommended. At the very least you will need a comfortable shoe without too much grip.

Please note that there will be no class on 12/6!

Ages 15+

Sundays 2-3:30 pm

November 22-December 20

Registration Fee: $114