In this engaging and research-driven class, young performers will step into the role of a dramaturg as they dive deep into the world of Oliver!, both on and off the stage. Designed to support a youth theatre company preparing for a production of the classic musical, this class will help students build a deeper understanding of the story’s historical context, social themes, and theatrical significance.

Together, we’ll explore the time period Oliver! is set in—Victorian England—and examine the real-life social issues it presents, such as poverty, child labor, and class inequality. But we’ll also zoom out to look at when the musical itself was written (the 1960s), why that era matters, and how other musicals from that time—like West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Sound of Music—reflected changing ideas in theatre and society.

Through a mix of discussion, research projects, creative presentations, and script analysis, students will learn how dramaturgy brings deeper meaning to performance. They’ll discover how understanding the world behind a musical enriches the way we bring it to life on stage. This class is perfect for curious minds who want to explore the “why” behind the work—and learn how history, context, and storytelling are all connected.

There are entrances to the church on Woodland Ave/4th St./Craycroft Rd.. Please park in rear parking lot and walk your student onto church grounds. The site coordinator will be located at the ramada for you to sign in/out.