2025-2026 Season - FULL TERM CLASSES
MUSICAL THEATER - The Sound of Music
The hills will be alive with the sound of music this season as we venture to Austria with this beloved classic musical! Backlight Musical Theater students will join professional and youth actors to be featured members of the cast of this full broadway musical. No auditions required, but all new students will need to have an introductory meeting with a Backlight staff member prior to being casted.
STUDENTS WHO ENROLL IN THIS EXPERIENCE WILL BE ASSIGNED TO ONE OF TWO CASTS.
1.CAST - "DO"
Rehearses from 11am-1pm on Mondays
Dress Rehearsal = Thursday, May 28 - 9am-5pm
Performance = May 30 @ 2pm (call time 12pm)
2. CAST - "RE"
Rehearses from 1:30pm-3:30pm on Mondays
Dress Rehearsal = Friday, May 29 - 9am-5pm
Performance = May 31 @ 2pm (call time 12pm)
Mandatory Theater Preview Day = Friday, May 22 11am-1pm (Cast "Do") & 1:30pm-3:30pm (Cast "Re") *there will be no rehearsal on Monday, May 25 due to Memorial Day
Dress Rehearsals & Performances will be at Christ Presbyterian Academy's Soli Deo Center
***If your student needs to be in a particular cast due to time conflicts, please note this in your registration, otherwise, you will be notified of your cast assignment on September 1***
The hills will be alive with the sound of music this season as we venture to Austria with this beloved classic musical! Backlight Musical Theater students will join professional and youth actors to be featured members of the cast of this full broadway musical. No auditions required, but all new students will need to have an introductory meeting with a Backlight staff member prior to being casted.
STUDENTS WHO ENROLL IN THIS EXPERIENCE WILL BE ASSIGNED TO ONE OF TWO CASTS.
1.CAST - "DO"
Rehearses from 11am-1pm on Mondays
Dress Rehearsal = Thursday, May 28 - 9am-5pm
Performance = May 30 @ 2pm (call time 12pm)
2. CAST - "RE"
Rehearses from 1:30pm-3:30pm on Mondays
Dress Rehearsal = Friday, May 29 - 9am-5pm
Performance = May 31 @ 2pm (call time 12pm)
Mandatory Theater Preview Day = Friday, May 22 11am-1pm (Cast "Do") & 1:30pm-3:30pm (Cast "Re") *there will be no rehearsal on Monday, May 25 due to Memorial Day
Dress Rehearsals & Performances will be at Christ Presbyterian Academy's Soli Deo Center
***If your student needs to be in a particular cast due to time conflicts, please note this in your registration, otherwise, you will be notified of your cast assignment on September 1***
Monday
11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Backlight Studios
Dance Team
Join the Backlight Productions competitive dance team as they train for their annual competition at Encore DCS in Chattanooga. Backlight Dancers focus on skills and technique that improve coordination and balance and are used in choreographed dances that are performed in the competition set. The Backlight Dance Team is suited for intermediate-experienced dancers and caters routines to meet every dancer where they are at.
*Students enrolling in Dance Team must communicate in their registration whether they would like to take part with their teammates in the Encore DCS dance competition in Chattanooga the weekend of April 17-19, 2026. Participating will require student's families to make the trip and arrange their own lodging for the weekend. Participating in the competition is not a requirement but must be stated up front so instructors can plan their choreography accordingly.
Join the Backlight Productions competitive dance team as they train for their annual competition at Encore DCS in Chattanooga. Backlight Dancers focus on skills and technique that improve coordination and balance and are used in choreographed dances that are performed in the competition set. The Backlight Dance Team is suited for intermediate-experienced dancers and caters routines to meet every dancer where they are at.
*Students enrolling in Dance Team must communicate in their registration whether they would like to take part with their teammates in the Encore DCS dance competition in Chattanooga the weekend of April 17-19, 2026. Participating will require student's families to make the trip and arrange their own lodging for the weekend. Participating in the competition is not a requirement but must be stated up front so instructors can plan their choreography accordingly.
Wednesday
1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Backlight Studios
Backlight KIDS!
Backlight Kids gives kids with IDD the opportunity to be introduced to theater, music and dance in a safe and supportive environment where they can build community and grow and never age out! Backlight Kids will be participating this season as Forrest Creatures in our Advanced Theater production of "The Chronicles of Narnia" in the winter. Then we are excited to announce that, this season, our Kids will get to play named characters as members of the Von Trapp family in our Musical Theater spring production of "The Sound of Music"!
The Chronicles of Narnia performance week schedule:
Dress Rehearsal=February 13 (times TBD)
Performances=February 14 & 15 @ 2pm (call times 12pm)
*Performance participation dates may be split depending on the amount of student enrollment. Please reserve all dates in the meantime
*Dress Rehearsal & Performances at Williamson County Performing Arts Center
The Sound of Music performance week schedule:
Dress Rehearsals=May 28 & 29 (9am-5pm)
Performances=May 30 & 31 @ 2pm (call time 12pm)
*Performance participation dates may be split depending on the amount of student enrollment. Please reserve all dates in the meantime
*Dress Rehearsal & Performances at Christ Presbyterian Academy's Soli Deo Center
Backlight Kids gives kids with IDD the opportunity to be introduced to theater, music and dance in a safe and supportive environment where they can build community and grow and never age out! Backlight Kids will be participating this season as Forrest Creatures in our Advanced Theater production of "The Chronicles of Narnia" in the winter. Then we are excited to announce that, this season, our Kids will get to play named characters as members of the Von Trapp family in our Musical Theater spring production of "The Sound of Music"!
The Chronicles of Narnia performance week schedule:
Dress Rehearsal=February 13 (times TBD)
Performances=February 14 & 15 @ 2pm (call times 12pm)
*Performance participation dates may be split depending on the amount of student enrollment. Please reserve all dates in the meantime
*Dress Rehearsal & Performances at Williamson County Performing Arts Center
The Sound of Music performance week schedule:
Dress Rehearsals=May 28 & 29 (9am-5pm)
Performances=May 30 & 31 @ 2pm (call time 12pm)
*Performance participation dates may be split depending on the amount of student enrollment. Please reserve all dates in the meantime
*Dress Rehearsal & Performances at Christ Presbyterian Academy's Soli Deo Center
Thursday
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Backlight Studios
2025-2026 Season - FALL TERM CLASSES
Improv Comedy Club w/ Oddity Improv
In this fun and engaging class led by Oddity Improv, students will explore the art of improvisational comedy through interactive games and exercises designed to boost creativity, build self-confidence, and encourage teamwork. Each week, students will practice thinking on their feet, expressing their ideas, and supporting one another in a safe, inclusive, and laughter-filled environment. **There is no on-stage performance for this experience. This session will conclude with an open classroom sharing where family and friends are invited to see what students have learned and celebrate their progress. This experience will also qualify students to participate in any collaborative comedy shows that may be organized over the course of the year. Open to all experience levels. Just bring your imagination and a willingness to play!
In this fun and engaging class led by Oddity Improv, students will explore the art of improvisational comedy through interactive games and exercises designed to boost creativity, build self-confidence, and encourage teamwork. Each week, students will practice thinking on their feet, expressing their ideas, and supporting one another in a safe, inclusive, and laughter-filled environment. **There is no on-stage performance for this experience. This session will conclude with an open classroom sharing where family and friends are invited to see what students have learned and celebrate their progress. This experience will also qualify students to participate in any collaborative comedy shows that may be organized over the course of the year. Open to all experience levels. Just bring your imagination and a willingness to play!
Tuesday
6:15 AM to 8:15 PM
6:15 AM to 8:15 PM
Backlight Studios
Glee Club
Step into a world of nostalgic holiday magic with our Golden Age Christmas Glee Club! This troupe is for people of all abilities who want to share the spirit of the season through song and seated movement. Inspired by the timeless charm of the 1940s–60s, we’ll bring classic holiday hits to life—think Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Nat King Cole, and The Andrews Sisters. Our rehearsals will culminate in a performance of selected music upon a float in the Franklin Christmas Parade on December 6th.
Step into a world of nostalgic holiday magic with our Golden Age Christmas Glee Club! This troupe is for people of all abilities who want to share the spirit of the season through song and seated movement. Inspired by the timeless charm of the 1940s–60s, we’ll bring classic holiday hits to life—think Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Nat King Cole, and The Andrews Sisters. Our rehearsals will culminate in a performance of selected music upon a float in the Franklin Christmas Parade on December 6th.
Wednesday
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Backlight Studios
ADVANCED THEATER - The Chronicles of Narnia
Join the Cast of The Chronicles of Narnia! Step through the wardrobe and into a world of wonder! In this exciting theater program, students will become the beloved characters from The Chronicles of Narnia, bringing C.S. Lewis’s timeless tale to life on stage. This inclusive experience will culminate in a professionally produced production—giving all the participants their well-deserved moment to shine on the stage!
*ADVANCED THEATER is for experienced actors who can learn content quickly and independently and are looking for a more professional experience to prepare them for the professional theater industry. There are higher expectations for Advanced Theater students to take on larger roles, receive necessary help at home, and come to every class prepared. Participating students cannot miss or be tardy for more than 3 rehearsals and doing so may compromise participation in the class and final performance. This experience DOES include auditions, however, every student receives a role in the play.
A Midsummer Night's Dream performance week schedule:
Dress Rehearsal=Friday, February 13 (times TBD - please reserve all day)
Performances=Saturday, February 14 & Sunday February 15 (show times at 2pm & call time at 12pm)
*Dress Rehearsals & Performances will be at the Williamson County Performing Arts Center
Join the Cast of The Chronicles of Narnia! Step through the wardrobe and into a world of wonder! In this exciting theater program, students will become the beloved characters from The Chronicles of Narnia, bringing C.S. Lewis’s timeless tale to life on stage. This inclusive experience will culminate in a professionally produced production—giving all the participants their well-deserved moment to shine on the stage!
*ADVANCED THEATER is for experienced actors who can learn content quickly and independently and are looking for a more professional experience to prepare them for the professional theater industry. There are higher expectations for Advanced Theater students to take on larger roles, receive necessary help at home, and come to every class prepared. Participating students cannot miss or be tardy for more than 3 rehearsals and doing so may compromise participation in the class and final performance. This experience DOES include auditions, however, every student receives a role in the play.
A Midsummer Night's Dream performance week schedule:
Dress Rehearsal=Friday, February 13 (times TBD - please reserve all day)
Performances=Saturday, February 14 & Sunday February 15 (show times at 2pm & call time at 12pm)
*Dress Rehearsals & Performances will be at the Williamson County Performing Arts Center
Thursday
5:15 PM to 7:15 PM
5:15 PM to 7:15 PM
Backlight Studios
2025-2026 Season - SPRING TERM CLASSES
New Works Writer's Lab
Exercise your playwriting skills as this season our New Works Writer's Lab students each take on the challenge of writing a 10-minute play that utilizes some surprise key ingredients (could be anything from "a mysterious disappearance" to "a can of Diet Coke"). These plays will be performed by professional actors before a live audience as we get to see how each playwright comes up with their own unique way of including these essential items in a completely original work of their own!
Final class is on May 19
Performances will be on Saturday, July 25 at Christ Presbyterian Academy Soli Dec Center Blackbox Theater
Exercise your playwriting skills as this season our New Works Writer's Lab students each take on the challenge of writing a 10-minute play that utilizes some surprise key ingredients (could be anything from "a mysterious disappearance" to "a can of Diet Coke"). These plays will be performed by professional actors before a live audience as we get to see how each playwright comes up with their own unique way of including these essential items in a completely original work of their own!
Final class is on May 19
Performances will be on Saturday, July 25 at Christ Presbyterian Academy Soli Dec Center Blackbox Theater
Tuesday
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Backlight Studios
Music & Songwriting
Backlight Music & Songwriting provides a space for music-lovers with IDD to grow in knowledge of basic music theory & accompaniment as well as songwriting. Backlight instructors and local songwriters work with students to write original songs that are arranged by local professionals and recorded at the end of the class experience in a local professional recording studio.
Presenting our newest addition to the Backlight umbrella - BACKLIGHT PUBLISHING & BACKLIGHT RECORDS!!
From here on out, music written in Backlight classes and arranged by local professionals will be published through ASCAP through Backlight Publishing, enabling them to be purchased for use or covered by other artists. Backlight Records will enable us to share our in-studio recordings (and organization!) with the world!
ALL STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE IN BACKLIGHT MUSIC & SONGWRITING WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A CONTRACT PERTAINING TO BACKLIGHT PUBLISHING & BACKLIGHT RECORDS REGARDING OUR POLICY ON CONTENT OWNERSHIP & ROYALTIES. We will be holding an informational webinar regarding this on Monday, January 5 at 8pm. There is a $100 class registration fee for this experience, however, students will not be charged until contracts are signed and students are committed to participating.
*This season's recording session & in-studio recital will be on Wednesday, May 13, at Inciite Recording Studios.
*There may be various special performance dates scheduled throughout the upcoming year (dates TBD) that are optional for band members to attend.
Backlight Music & Songwriting provides a space for music-lovers with IDD to grow in knowledge of basic music theory & accompaniment as well as songwriting. Backlight instructors and local songwriters work with students to write original songs that are arranged by local professionals and recorded at the end of the class experience in a local professional recording studio.
Presenting our newest addition to the Backlight umbrella - BACKLIGHT PUBLISHING & BACKLIGHT RECORDS!!
From here on out, music written in Backlight classes and arranged by local professionals will be published through ASCAP through Backlight Publishing, enabling them to be purchased for use or covered by other artists. Backlight Records will enable us to share our in-studio recordings (and organization!) with the world!
ALL STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE IN BACKLIGHT MUSIC & SONGWRITING WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A CONTRACT PERTAINING TO BACKLIGHT PUBLISHING & BACKLIGHT RECORDS REGARDING OUR POLICY ON CONTENT OWNERSHIP & ROYALTIES. We will be holding an informational webinar regarding this on Monday, January 5 at 8pm. There is a $100 class registration fee for this experience, however, students will not be charged until contracts are signed and students are committed to participating.
*This season's recording session & in-studio recital will be on Wednesday, May 13, at Inciite Recording Studios.
*There may be various special performance dates scheduled throughout the upcoming year (dates TBD) that are optional for band members to attend.
Wednesday
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Backlight Studios
Creative Movement
Creative Movement classes are for students who require direct assistance. These classes focus on seated movement, singing & clearly expressing emotions. Creative Movement students must provide an aid to attend class with them and they will have the opportunity to participate in Backlight's big Spring Musical, "The Sound of Music", as they perform various roles and in various numbers!
The Sound of Music performance week schedule:
Dress Rehearsals=May 28 or May 29 (time TBD)
Performances=May 30 @ 2pm & May 31 @ 2pm
*Both dress rehearsals may not be required but please reserve all dates and times
*Dress Rehearsal & Performances at Christ Presbyterian Academy's Soli Deo Center
Creative Movement classes are for students who require direct assistance. These classes focus on seated movement, singing & clearly expressing emotions. Creative Movement students must provide an aid to attend class with them and they will have the opportunity to participate in Backlight's big Spring Musical, "The Sound of Music", as they perform various roles and in various numbers!
The Sound of Music performance week schedule:
Dress Rehearsals=May 28 or May 29 (time TBD)
Performances=May 30 @ 2pm & May 31 @ 2pm
*Both dress rehearsals may not be required but please reserve all dates and times
*Dress Rehearsal & Performances at Christ Presbyterian Academy's Soli Deo Center
Thursday
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Backlight Studios