Discover the Magic of Educational Theater at Upper Merion Performing Arts

We are committed to offer affordable options for the young performers in your life to be able to learn the fun of theater. We deliver on this promise by setting our prices at low yet competitive rates.

We are committed to building a safe, fun, and productive learning environment for your students.
We deliver on this promise by hiring educationally-trained theater arts staff who are experienced in the theater field, have knowledge of educational foundations, and are committed to kind and respectful teaching practices.

We are committed to making memorable theatrical productions for the cast and audience.
We deliver on this promise by building an amazing community through connection and respect.
We deliver on this promise by making solid well-rounded productions, as well!

We are committed to giving back to the community.
We deliver on this promise by donating half of our ticket sales from every show to local charities.

About UMPA
UMPA's mission is to provide equitable, affordable, and exceptional performing arts oppurtunities for students in the Upper Merion Area.

We achieve this goal by hiring exceptional staff, training them to meet our mission, and being open and honest to our community as we grow.

We hope you'll want to be apart of the growth of our community.

Follow us on our socials:
Instagram: @umperformingarts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555685729645

Intro to Musical Theater (K-5) - The Movies The Music (June 17th-21st)

1 week intro to musical theater camp for students entering grades K-5. Students will learn the basics of musical theater in a safe and welcoming learning environment. From auditions, to song and dance students will have a jam-packed week of fun. Students will put on a show by the end of the camp week for families and friends to come and watch their growth as a performer. Camp runs 9:00-3:00, Monday through Friday, June 17th-21st. Click on learn more to sign up! $250 Per Student Up to 30 Students

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Intro to Musical Theater (K-5) - BUGZ! The Musical (July 8th-12th)

1 week intro to musical theater camp for students entering grades K-5. Students will learn the basics of musical theater in a safe and welcoming learning environment. From auditions, to song and dance students will have a jam-packed week of fun. Students will put on a show by the end of the camp week for families and friends to come and watch their growth as a performer. Camp runs 9:00-3:00, Monday through Friday, July 8th-12th. Click on learn more to sign up! $250 Per Student Up to 30 Students

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Intro to Musical Theater (K-5) - Go Fish! The Musical (July 29th-August 2nd)

1 week intro to musical theater camp for students entering grades K-5. Students will learn the basics of musical theater in a safe and welcoming learning environment. From auditions, to song and dance students will have a jam-packed week of fun. Students will put on a show by the end of the camp week for families and friends to come and watch their growth as a performer. Camp runs 9:00-3:00, Monday through Friday, July 29th-August 2nd. Click on learn more to sign up! $250 Per Student Up to 30 Students

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Intro to Musical Theater (K-5) - A Barnyard Moosical (August 12th-16th)

1 week intro to musical theater camp for students entering grades K-5. Students will learn the basics of musical theater in a safe and welcoming learning environment. From auditions, to song and dance students will have a jam-packed week of fun. Students will put on a show by the end of the camp week for families and friends to come and watch their growth as a performer. Camp runs 9:00-3:00, Monday through Friday, August 12th-16th. Click on learn more to sign up! $250 Per Student Up to 30 Students

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Musical Theater Dance Intensive with Rebecca Futty

This dance intensive lead by local professional Rebecca Futty will elevate your students dance knowledge and skills. This 11 week program will push your students to learn the history and styles of some industry professionals. With smaller class size your student will be given the attention needed to improve throughout the class. The class will lead to a final showcase put on for families and friends. Wednesdays 6:00-8:00 Class Starts 9/4/2024 7th-12th Grade $150 per student WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4TH OFF

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UMPA Voice Lessons

Voice Lessons give an opportunity for your child to really own their voice. Instructor Sarah Barainyak will work with your students' voices to help grow their vocal confidence and control. Sign up for as many weeks as you’d like! *recommendation is every or every other week* Wednesdays 5:30-9:00 Class Starts 9/4/2024 5th-12th Grade $25 per session 30 minute sessions

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Intro to Musical Theater: Goldilocks the Musical

This is another Intro to Musical Theater opportunity for younger students. Students will take 11 weeks learning through dance, songs, fun, creativity, and community to put on a production of goldilocks and the 3 bears. Saturdays 1:00-3:00 Starts 9/7/2024 PreK-2nd Grade $150 per student WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4TH OFF

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Acting Intensive Class: Alice in Wonderland

Give your students an opportunity to be in a straight play, a straight play is one without sung music. This class will give your child the opportunity to work on acting 1st. What it means to act, what it’s like to own a character, to mold a character. All of this leads to a final production of Alice in Wonderland. Sundays 1:00-3:00 Starts 9/8/2024 3rd-6th Grade $150 per student WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4TH OFF

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Audition Prep Intensive with Sarah Barainyak

This 10 week audition prep intensive will give your student an opportunity to improve their audition abilities. This class will help teach your student what audition song or monologue to choose. Help your students grow their confidence and give them valuable constructive feedback to carry on throughout high school and college auditions. Mondays 6:00-8:00 Class Starts 9/9/2024 7th-12th Grade $150 per student WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4TH OFF

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Daniel Isajiw

Owner/Artistic Director

“Hello Everyone, I’m Mr. Daniel! I am so excited to meet and work with all of our new friends and families this summer! I’m currently the Drama Club Director for Upper Merion Area Middle School which has been so exciting. I’ve also worked as a kids director for multiple local theaters. I can’t wait to create a fun and safe space for our campers this summer! Hopefully you’ll join us!”

Kat Thorpe

Director/Choreographer (Summer Session 2024)

Hi, I'm Kat! I'm currently a college student studying communications, theatre, and music. In the past, I've worked as a director and choreographer for kids' camps and college productions. I'm super excited to teach and create theatre this summer at UMPA!

Sarah Barainyak

Music Director (Summer/Fall Sessions 2024)

Hi! My name is Sarah and I'm an Actor-Singer-Teaching Artist based out of the Philadelphia area. I graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Theater & Concentration in Acting. Since graduating, I have been working as a theater teacher, preschool teacher, and vocal coach! I'm so excited to work with your kids this summer and help foster their love for all things music & theater at UMPA. :)

Camryn Williams

Choreographer (Summer Session 2024)

After earning my degree in Accounting at Temple University, I pursue my passion for theater whenever I can! Whether it's attending Broadway shows, participating in community theater productions, or simply immersing myself in the magic of the performing arts, I finds solace and inspiration in the world of theater. I believe that one can excel in both the world of numbers and the realm of creativity, showing that life is truly a stage where one can play multiple roles with grace and passion. I am thrilled to be joining the team!

Logan Schlitt

Choreographer (Summer Session 2024)

“I am a rising sophomore at the University of Notre Dame studying psychology and theatre with a concentration in acting. I reside in Phoenixville, PA. I have worked in children’s theatre locally for the past four years whether as a director or choreographer. Outside of theatre, I love to write music and perform comedy improv. I look forward to being a part of the UMPA team! ”

Bri Silasavage

Assistant Director, Assistant Music Director (Summer Session 2024)

“Hi friends! My name is Bri and I am a current student in the secondary education program at West Chester University. I have a passion for the arts and have participated in various secondary and post-secondary programs. I'm dedicated to both the fun that can be had in theatre programs and the learning that can be done. I am beyond excited for this summer!”

Anna Walmsley

Assistant Director (Summer Session 2024)

Hi everyone! My name is Anna, and I'm so excited to be working with you all this summer! I really got into theatre my freshman year of high school, and I've been performing ever since! I currently attend the University of Central Florida to study English Literature and Education, and I work with students in schools and at summer camps on a regular basis. I can't wait to meet you all and get to work on some awesome shows!

Rosie Gorn

Assistant Choreographer (Summer Session 2024)

“I am so excited to join the staff of Upper Merion Performing Arts this summer, a program I would have loved to see here when I was younger. I am currently a Sophomore at Upper Merion High School and a member of the Upper Merion Underground Players. I developed my love of theatre for many summers as a camper at Wolf Performing Arts Center where I have helped other young people discover theatre as a Counselor in Training the last two summers where I did everything from help choreograph, stage manage, handle props and more. I have trained in theatre for 8 years and in dance for 13. I train in voice with Lexi Schreiber and Lauren Krigel at Wolf Performing Arts Center. I train in ballet and jazz at Macrina Academy of Dance and in tap with Sarah Logan at The Studio of Valley Forge. I can't wait to dive in and create with the campers this summer!”

Sara Forbes

Assistant Choreographer (Summer Session 2024)

Hi everyone! My name is Sara I am going to be a sophomore at Montgomery community college in the fall. Currently I am studying the education major and hope to become an elementary school teacher! I did dance for 9 years from 5-13 years old and did drama for two in middle school. I’m really looking forward to working with everyone this summer and hope it’s a fun experience for everyone!

Ann Picariello

Assistant Music Director (Summer Session 2024)

I am going into my junior year at the Upper Merion High School. I have been doing theater for 6 years now and have been in the choir for 4 years, as well as the high school's select audition choir, Viking voices, for 2 years. I love doing all forms of theater, whether that is on stage myself acting, singing, and dancing, or behind the scenes helping with stage crew and lighting.

Chloe McKinney

Costume Designer

Hello! I am recent graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and hold a BA in Fashion Merchandising. I currently am a costume designer for educational theaters and have experience costuming theatre productions, kids camps, and films. With a background in fashion, I like to incorporate my knowledge of fashion history into my costume design. I am so excited to be joining UMPA!

Our Location -
The Love Works Resource Center
UMPA couldn’t be more grateful to call the Love Works Resource Center our first home! The space is located at 740 N Henderson Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Updates and more photos of the space are located on our Facebook and Instagram pages @umperformingarts on both platforms.

Note: UMPA is not affliated with the church activities just using this space as our home.  
  • 740 N Henderson Rd, King of Prussia, PA, USA
  • The Love Works Resource Center