Founded in 2009, Acting Up is a Christ-centered theater program dedicated to using the performing arts as a way to minister to our community. Through theater, we cultivate natural talent, develop performance skills, and foster teamwork—equipping students with tools they can use both on stage and in everyday life.

Our mission is to glorify God in all we do, encouraging students to pursue excellence in their craft while embodying integrity and humility. Whether in rehearsal or in performance, in class or in the community, we seek to reflect the example of Jesus—placing people above production and serving with a spirit of love and grace.

Offering classes for 2nd grade through adult, Acting Up provides a safe, nurturing environment where students of all ages can learn, grow, and shine—on and off the stage.

Classes begin in fall and will conclude after their productions in the spring.  Registration opened April 1, 2024. We encourage early registration in spring for the next season as classes may fill up. Students will learn audition techniques, improvisation, choreography, ensemble singing, and stage movement.  

See the calendar page for exact dates and times. 

Auditions for MainStage and JTF will be held in person July 21, 2025. After you register you will receive audition information. 

Click below to sign up for an audition slot, but to audition you need to be registered for a class.

Auditions for Spotlight and Kids will take place the first couple of weeks of class with information sent a few weeks before. 

The Journey Begins

Five unforgettable stories. One incredible journey

This season, we invite you to embark on a thrilling adventure across land, sky, and sea. From the African savannah, to the streets of New York, from enchanted lands to faraway islands, each of our productions tells the story of young heroes who dare to dream, grow, and rise to the moment. 

Through laughter, courage, friendship, and discovery, The Journey Begins celebrates the powerful transformations that come when we follow God.

Each show this season is about a journey—through identity, purpose, belonging, and ultimately discovering what (or Who) home really is. 

MainStage Company  

The MainStage Company is a group of more skilled and seasoned actors/performers who are ready to progress in the next level of theater education in a fast paced and more advanced class grades 9-12. (Students may audition into this group if younger.)

The class meets Monday nights from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and Thursday night 5p-6:30p during the Winter/Spring semester.

Fall of 2025-Nov 20 & 21 

(Dates subject to change.)

Jack and the newsboys fight for justice and unity, building a family and community out of hardship and revolution.

Spring of 2026-March 26-28th

(Dates subject to change.)

Dorothy learns that what she was looking for was inside her all along—and sometimes the long way around is the only way home.

Spotlight Company 

This group is geared toward middle school and will focus on theater basics and gaining a better understanding of the workings of musical theater.

The class meets Monday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. and will end their season with a musical presentation of Dreamworks Madagascar Jr. 

Spring 2026-March 12-13

(Dates subject to change)

The zoo crew learns home isn’t about geography—it’s about friendship, acceptance, and who you do life with.

Kids Company (grades 2-5)  

A theater class for students grades 2-5.  The class meets Tuesday from 5:00-6:30 p.m.  They will present Disney's Lion King Kids March 3rd  to end their class. In addition to preparing a kids show, they will learn the basics of musical theater including music, choreography, and acting through fun and interactive games.

Simba journeys from loss and confusion back to purpose and identity, reclaiming his rightful place and learning he was always meant for more.

Junior Theatre Festival Competition Troupe (6th grade and up audition only) - January 16-18, 2026 

Auditions will take place July 21.

This group is for more skilled performers who want the challenge of a fast paced, challenging group to work to perform a fun clip at competition. This group rehearses on Thursdays from 630-830p. This group traveled to the Cobb Galleria in January for adjudication and theatre workshops. The troupe was awarded Excellence in Ensemble in 2025.

Donate

If you'd like to donate to help support our ministry we have an Amazon wishlist of things we are working to keep stocked or for future shows, click below.

Tickets and Additional Information

For additional Drama dates and ticket information for all the Drama productions, visit the Calendar page.

Our Staff

    ALLY HECK and her family have been members at First Redeemer since 2013. She is the Director of Acting Up and the Director of Kids' Worship & Creative Arts at First Redeemer. She has been the high school drama director at Fideles Christian School and taught classes for middle and high school in communications and public speaking. She is also an actor in film and TV in the Atlanta area and has been in a few community theater shows including A Christmas Carol, Noises Off, and Sound of Music.  She studied Organizational Management in college and has held a position in the corporate world in customer service management.  Ally is excited to teach kids to shine for Jesus on and off the stage. Her favorite reminder is to be a light for Jesus in everything. John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Daniel Williams has been involved with over 30 productions with Acting Up at First Redeemer Church since he started as a student back in 2017. Ever since he graduated high school in 2022, he’s been simultaneously studying at the University of North Georgia and has stuck around here to help as a Production Assistant. After many years of interning, Daniel is so excited to be the new Assistant Director here at Acting Up! Some of his favorite shows he’s taken part in putting on here are Newsies, Beauty and the Beast Jr., Mary Poppins, and Bye Bye Birdie. Daniel is so grateful for the incredible support he’s found here and can’t wait to help the next generation of performers become stars on the stage!

Audrey Norton is thrilled to return to Acting Up as the choreographer. She started performing in shows here in 2012, where she danced under the leadership of her Mother, Kim Norton. When Audrey left Acting up in 2021, she found her love for choreography when she worked with her mother on shows at North Forsyth High School. While there, they received recognition for their work in the 2023 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards. She is currently a student at the University of North Georgia, where she is pursuing a degree in computer science. She is excited to join the team, and cannot wait to nourish the students love for dance.