Welcome to Smudged Academy!
Smudged Academy offers Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance, and Show Choir Classes as well as Performance Company Programs for children & teens in downtown Cornelia, Georgia. From first-time performers to seasoned artists, Smudged Academy offers classes designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, & develop strong performing arts skills.
Smudged Academy Classes | Tuesday Classes:
Rising Stars: Intro to Musical Theater (Ages 5–7) 4pm: Introduction to musical theatre basics including acting, singing, and dance.
Take the Stage: Acting Fundamentals (Ages 8–12) 4pm: Introduction to acting through improvisation, scene work, and storytelling.
Triple Threat: Musical Theatre Techniques (Ages 8–12) 5pm: Development of acting, singing, and dance skills.
Broadway Bound: Show Choir (Ages 5–12) 5pm: Focus on vocal technique, harmony, and performance through singing and dance.
Jazz Hands: Musical Theatre Dance (Ages 8–12 at 6pm & 12–18 at 7pm): Fundamentals of dance, rhythm, and stage movement.
Spotlight: Advance Acting (Ages 12–18) 6pm: Advanced acting technique, including script analysis, monologues, and character development.
Break a Leg: Audition Prep (Ages 12–18) 7pm: Training on audition skills like monologues, cold readings, and presentation techniques.
Smudged Performance Company | Thursday Rehearsals
Performance Company Program (Ages 8–18)
Rehearsals: Thursdays between 4:00–8:00 PM (exact rehearsal times will be announced after casting). Additional Saturday rehearsals will be scheduled throughout the semester as needed.
Fall Production: 🎭 Announcement Coming Soon!
Performance Dates:
Thursday, December 17 – 7:00 PM
Friday, December 18 – 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 19 – 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 20– 2:00 PM
Performance Company is Smudged Academy's premier production program for students ready to take the stage. Company members receive advanced performance training while rehearsing for our full-scale season production. Students build skills in acting, music, movement, collaboration, and stagecraft through a professional rehearsal process.
Smudged News
Smudged — for the purely imperfect.
Some stories leave fingerprints.
Smudged — for the purely imperfect. Some stories leave fingerprints.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smudged Academy
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Smudged Academy, a division of Smudged Productions, offers high-quality performing arts education for students of all ages and experience levels. From one-on-one private coaching and advanced training for singers, actors, and dancers looking to refine their craft to fun, confidence-building classes for students just beginning their performing arts journey.
Whether you’re stepping onto the stage for the very first time or preparing for your next audition, there’s a place for you at Smudged.
Explore our classes—Fall enrollment is officially open!
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Getting started is easy! Browse our Course Catalog to find the classes that are right for you, then visit our Scheduling Page to register.
Students enrolling in weekly classes or Performance Company can first select the appropriate Tuition Package to set up monthly payments before reserving their class. A $20 annual registration fee is required once per student each academic year. Semester payment options are also available for select programs.
Not sure where to begin? Send us an email—we'd be happy to help you find the perfect fit!
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At Smudged, we strive to create spaces where creativity, connection, and belonging thrive.
We believe the performing arts are about more than learning lines, songs, or choreography—they're about discovering confidence, building character, and finding your voice. Our programs emphasize collaboration, storytelling, compassion, and personal growth alongside exceptional performing arts training.
Whether a student dreams of Broadway or simply wants to grow in confidence and make new friends, they'll find a place to belong here.
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At Smudged Academy, our instructors—known as Sages—are experienced performers, educators, directors, choreographers, and musicians who are passionate about helping every student grow. More than teachers, our Sages are mentors who encourage creativity, build confidence, and help students discover their unique voice.
Every Sage is carefully selected not only for their artistic experience but also for their commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment. All Sages complete background checks and follow Smudged Academy's child safety policies.
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Tuition varies depending on the classes and programs you choose. Most weekly classes are $70 per month, per student, while Performance Company is $165 per month, per student. Private lessons are $60 per hour.
Families may choose to pay monthly through our tuition subscriptions or pay by semester when available. A $20 annual registration fee is charged once per student each academic year.
We also offer flexible payment plans through Affirm. If tuition is a barrier, we encourage you to reach out to learn more about our scholarship opportunities. We believe every student deserves the chance to experience the performing arts.
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Smudged Academy is led by Amber Elizabeth Watson, a director, choreographer, educator, and arts advocate with over 15 years of experience helping performers of all ages grow in confidence and creativity.
Amber has served as Director of Performing Arts at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Middle School, Vice President of Productions for Habersham Community Theatre, and has directed, choreographed, and taught throughout Northeast Georgia. Most recently, she co-directed and choreographed Descendants at Habersham Community Theatre.
She founded Smudged Academy with one simple mission: to create a place where students can receive exceptional performing arts training while discovering confidence, community, and a true sense of belonging.






