The Mid Maryland Performing Arts Center is home to two student performing groups, also known as the companies. There is a theater ensemble called Acting Up and a dance ensemble known as FX

The two companies (Acting Up and FX) require an audition which take place in May of preceding seasons. These companies are season long commitments. There is something for everyone.

FX is MMPAC’s resident student repertory company. All students who will be dancing in the upcoming season at a Jazz 340 level or above, are invited to audition for the company. Being a member of FX brings special opportunities as well as responsibilities. The company provides dancers with extra performance opportunities in the community, the opportunity to attend exciting national and regional conventions, and participation in an occasional competition. Dancers learn and perform repertory from different choreographers in a variety of genres and often work with guest instructors.

Company members are required to take classes in ballet, modern, jazz, and in other styles such as musical theater, tap, and lyrical. They also have weekly rehearsals to focus on company dances on Saturdays. As ambassadors of the studio, FX company members are expected to uphold the standards of MMPAC and to model discipline, respect, and a positive attitude.

We have expanded our company this year by adding a Junior Company to train alongside our FX members. Dancers ages 9 and up are invited to audition for FX Juniors. Junior members are required to attend FX rehearsals as well as take ballet (1-2 classes based on level), jazz, modern, and an elective (tap, musical theater, or lyrical) at their assigned level. Students are encouraged to take as many genres as they wish.

Parents of company members are active in all FX activities as volunteers. Participation and support are crucial for the success of this team.

FX is a great opportunity for dancers to gain pre-professional experiences and to build lifelong bonds with fellow dancers.

Production Class

Acting Up is a production class for musical theater performance. Students have the opportunity to participate in full productions throughout the season as well as engage in community performances and serve as studio ambassadors. This 90 minute company class is held weekly at the Frederick location.

Acting Up is open to students entering 6th-12th grade who have enrolled in musical theater for one season. Students accepted must also enroll in a musical theater class and a jazz class for technical training. There are no auditions for Acting Up, however students must submit an application for consideration.