Ursuline Performing Arts Collective (UPAC)
UPAC is a rigorous, after-school training program for middle and high school students passionate about the performing arts. Open to students from all schools across the Louisville community. Rooted in encouragement, creative excellence, and faith-informed values, UPAC prepares young artists for the stage—and for life.
Students receive structured, progressive training in voice, acting, and dance, while building character, confidence, and community. Whether students aspire to perform professionally or simply grow in their craft, UPAC equips them with the tools they need to thrive.
Open to all high school students in the community
Tuition: $1,200 ($720 for SHA students)
Hours Per Week: 3.5 hours
Participation fee for SHA musical waived. Financial assistance applications available upon request.
Musical Theatre Jazz
Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 with Shannon O’Reilly
Voice
30-minute private lesson arranged through SHSA office based on student/teacher availability with emphasis on technique of vocal production.
• Suzanne Allen - availability Mondays and Thursdays
• Margareth Miguel - availability Mondays and Wednesdays
• Jesse Donner - availability TBD
• Ellen Emerson - availability TBD
History of Musical Theatre Group Voice Class
Mondays 5:00-5:30 PM with Terri Foster
(one semester only)
Foundations of Acting Class
Thursdays 5:15-6:15 PM with Joseph Glaser
Class includes acting technique, voice and speech work, movement and physical exploration, as well as contemporary and classical scene work. Students will develop a strong and clear voice, and greater freedom as a physical actor.
Open to all high school students in the community
Tuition: $1,350 ($810 for SHA students)
Prerequisite: Year One UPAC
Hours Per Week: 4 hours
Participation fee for SHA musical waived. Financial assistance applications available upon request.
Dance – Group Class (choose one)
Intro to Tap*
Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 PM with Rachel Grote
Modern
Mondays 4:30-5:30 PM with Lauren Frederick
Musical Theatre Jazz
Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 with Shannon O’Reilly
*Please Note: you do not need to purchase tap shoes. We have tap fit pullovers for tennis shoes.
Vocal
Musical Theatre Vocal Solos – Private one-hour lessons with a SHSA Voice Teacher. Please arrange through SHSA office at 502.897.1816.
• Suzanne Allen - availability Mondays and Thursdays
• Margareth Miguel - availability Mondays and Wednesdays
• Jesse Donner - availability TBD
• Ellen Emerson - availability TBD
Acting (For Year 1 and 2)
Thursdays 5:15-6:15 PM with Joseph Glaser
This group class includes acting technique, voice and speech work, movement and physical exploration, as well as contemporary and classical scene work. Students will develop a strong and clear voice, and greater freedom as a physical actor.
Arts Business/Entrepreneurial Mindset
Mondays 4:30-5:30 PM (Group Class) with Kathie Davis
In Year 2, UPAC students take part in a discussion-based class that helps them think like creative professionals. As the arts world continues to evolve, it’s important for young performers to develop the mindset and skills needed to navigate it with confidence.
This class helps students:
• Create a personal plan by exploring their mission, vision, and values
• Build strong, lasting habits that support long-term growth
• Learn the basics of money management as a working artist
• Practice networking and collaboration with local arts professionals
• Explore how to turn creative ideas into small-scale projects or ventures connected to the performing arts
Open to all 7th and 8th grade students in the community
Tuition: $950 annually
(40% discount for students cast in Anastasia)
Mondays 3:30-5:30 PM
Acting
Bimonthly: 3:30-4:30 PM with Suzanne Allen
Focus on audition prep, specifically how to choose a song, how to prepare a monologue with Suzanne Allen
Vocals
Bimonthly: 3:30-4:30 PM with Suzanne Allen
Group voice instruction on the foundations of breath control and tonal quality
Dance
Weekly: 4:30-5:30 PM with Lauren Frederick
Intro to Modern Dance
Year-end Mock Audition
Open to all 7th and 8th grade students in the community
Prerequisite: Intro to UPAC Year One
Tuition: $950 annually
(40% discount for students cast in Anastasia)
Mondays 4:30-6:30 PM
Acting
Mondays 4:30-5:30 PM scene partner acting/building a character with Suzanne Allen
Musical Theatre Jazz
Tuesdays OR Wednesdays at 5:30-6:30
Instructor: Shannon O’Reilly
Vocals
30-minute private instruction with SHSA staff
• Suzanne Allen – availability Mondays and Thursdays
• Margareth Miguel – availability Mondays and Wednesdays
• Jesse Donner – availability TBD
• Ellen Emerson – availability TBD
Year End Cabaret Performance