Our Story
Theatre On Skates Academy is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the performing arts through community engagement, education, and innovative productions. As a theater academy in Michigan City, we create opportunities for individuals of different ages and skating levels to explore artistic expression while developing their abilities on skates.
Our approach brings live theatrical storytelling, choreography, and vocal performance into the skating experience, creating a distinctive form of theatrical skating that connects physical movement with the performing arts.
Our skating classes are led by Michael Orr, a former U.S. Figure Skating national competitor and 1988 Novice Men Eastern Great Lakes Regional Champion. As a skating instructor, Michael brings years of competitive experience to structured classes that support skill development across different skating levels. Students can participate recreationally or explore performance-focused opportunities while learning on our synthetic ice surface. Through theatrical skating, participants can strengthen their skating abilities, express their creativity, and experience the excitement of bringing movement to staged productions.
Our Mission
Our skating and theater academy empowers children to build athletic stamina and creative confidence by blending performing arts with synthetic ice training.
Michael Orr
Director of Figure Skating
Theatre On Skates Academy
- Began coaching in 1998
- Registered PSA Rating in 1998
- USFSA Senior Gold Freestyle Medalist
- ISI Gold Judges Certification
- Triangle Foundation Sports Award, 2000
- Skater of the Year, 1985, Great Lakes Figure Skating Club
- Spirit of Detroit Award, 1997
- Coached athletes at U.S. Regionals through Novice events
- Coached adult medalists at Adult Nationals
- Certificate of Coach Participation, Olympic Fest, Mexico, 1993–1994
- Participant, International Gay Games, Amsterdam (1998) and Chicago (2006)
- Company Performer, Full Circle Dance Company, Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn, Michigan
- Five-time U.S. Figure Skating Championships National Competitor: 1988, 1994, 2009, 2010, 2011
- Seven-time U.S. Figure Skating Championships Sectional Competitor: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2009, 2010, 2011
- Five-time U.S. Figure Skating Championships Regional Competitor: 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1994
- 1988 Novice Men U.S. Regional Champion
What Sets Theatre On Skates Academy Apart
Our programs integrate expert skating instruction with the performing arts, offering a distinctive experience that extends beyond traditional ice lessons. Under the direction of a highly qualified instructor, participants refine their skating skills while engaging in choreography, theatrical storytelling, and stage performance as part of their personal and artistic growth.
We are so impressed by the patience and skill of our synthetic ice instructors during every single class.
Emma R.
Healthcare Sector
This academy provides a truly safe youth skating environment where my daughter feels completely comfortable expressing herself.
David M.
Education Sector
The arts and athletics combination offered here has done wonders for my son and his overall confidence.
Sarah T.
Retail Sector
Inspiring Creativity Through Theatrical Skating
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Subscribe to Our NewsletterTheatre On Skates Academy, based in Michigan City, Indiana, offers synthetic ice skating and performing arts programs for participants of all ages and skating levels.