Theatre Program

Winner: Seattle Children’s Theatre
Children can experience all aspects of the theatre arts through the Seattle Children’s Theatre’s school-year and summer classes.  From backstage to center stage, children work with professional artists in this participatory theatre education environment. Students learn self-confidence through acting classes and seminars like  Physical Comedy, Improv, Acting for the Camera and doing a Play in a Day and behind-the-scenes techniques like Stage Makeup and the more intensive Backstage classes for older kids — training them to work on the student crew for the summer season shows. “Great classes and instructors” are “creative, imaginative,” making for “top-notch drama instruction.” SCT also has interpreted performances and programs for the deaf, as well as specialty workshops like Dramashops.

Finalists:
SecondStory Repertory offers excellent instruction from working theater professionals. “The classes and camps are amazing!  Each child is given a part, learns how a show is produced from start to finish and performs in front of a live audience.  They come away with new friends, a new skill, and confidence; also begging to be a part of the summer production the following year.”

Studio East provides camps and classes on the Eastside, including after-school programs, workshops and homeschool classes.  Parents love Studio East for their “great instructors and wonderful scripts that include everyone.”

The Village Theatre in Issaquah and Everett offer “awesome, affordable classes for children and teens.” They have various programs to choose from: KIDSTAGE teaches skills for life as well as the theatre; the Village Theatre Institute is a new program requiring an audition or invitation; the Arts Adventures Preschool; and a partnership with the YMCA for wraparound care before and after camp.  

Youth Theatre Northwest on Mercer Island “gives every kid a chance to feel confident on stage” and “they create a community for both kids and parents.”“ Very professional children's productions.  Caring fun and talented teachers.”