Young Conservatory

Fall and winter workshop enrollment is here!

For Workforce Development and Young Conservatory workshops for the 2026-27 season, Le Petit is tying them all into aspects of our shows. Each workshop also includes a ticket for the student to attend the linked show, pending parent/guardian approval. Sign-ups for the spring workshops are coming soon.

Writers’ Room Live: Sketch Comedy Creation Lab

Get ready to laugh, collaborate, and perform! In conjunction with Le Petit Theatre’s production of Laughter on the 23rd Floor, students will work in teams to conceive, write, and rehearse their own original comedy sketches and bring them to life on stage. From brainstorming hilarious ideas to performing for an audience, this fast-paced workshop builds confidence, creativity, and teamwork, all while having a blast. The workshop culminates in a live performance, simulating a fast-paced writers’ room environment.

Skills: Comedy writing, collaboration, performance, character creation

October 17 & 18
10 AM – 2 PM (Saturday), 10 AM – 1 PM (Sunday)
Drop-off at 365 Canal Street each day, pick-up at Le Petit Theatre

Class Size: 15
Grades: 8-12

Deadline to apply for financial aid: September 19
Tuition: $150 (includes a ticket to Laughter on the 23rd Floor 2 PM matinee on Saturday, October 17)

Note: Lunch will be provided on Saturday; Sunday (12:30 to 1 PM) will be a showcase of the students’ work for parents

ENROLL HERE


Acting the Song: Vocal Performance & Storytelling Intensive

Bring your favorite song to life! In conjunction with Le Petit Theatre’s The Secret Garden, this personalized coaching experience will help students learn how to connect emotionally to their music, strengthen their vocal technique, and perform with confidence. Ideal for young performers preparing for auditions or looking to grow as musical storytellers.

Skills: Breath control, phrasing, emotional connection, audition technique

December 19
10 AM – 2 PM
At Le Petit Theatre

Class Size: 15
Grades: 5-8
Deadline to apply for financial aid: November 14
Tuition: $100 (includes a ticket to The Secret Garden 2 PM matinee on Saturday, December 19)

Note: Lunch will be provided on Saturday

ENROLL HERE

 

Need-based financial aid is available for all workshops on a limited basis. Apply for financial aid here.


The Young Conservatory program at Le Petit provides students from ages 8 to 18 the ability to develop their talents, perform in professional productions, and gain the confidence to succeed—all in a comfortable, creative, and fun environment. Young Conservatory students take classes in Voice and Diction, Clowning and Movement, Stagecraft, Stage Presence, and Ensemble Building. Classes are led by theatre professionals who have a passion for working with young people. Young Conservatory students will gain confidence, learn teambuilding, and grow their performing skills. The Young Conservatory program is fee-based, but Le Petit is committed to providing scholarships to ensure that all qualifying students have access to this important program.

  • LearnYoung Conservatory (YC) classes are exciting, engaging, and challenging. Courses such as acting, musical theater, clowning, and physical comedy offer something for every student’s taste and schedule. YC teachers and directors are active theater professionals who understand and enjoy working with young people.
  • DevelopThe YC teaches more than just acting. Students learn to incorporate the craft of theater into their everyday lives, developing concentration, imagination, professionalism, character, and self-confidence along the way.
  • Perform: Weekday and/or weekend rehearsals culminate in a production adapted or selected specifically for Le Petit’s Young Conservatory and performed by conservatory students on Le Petit’s historic French Quarter stage. YC actors are also given priority access to audition slots when Le Petit’s professional productions need to fill roles for child and teen actors.
  • SucceedBy training at the YC, students gain the creative and communication skills to succeed in just about anything. Many students from conservatory programs go on to study art in college, yet the skills they learn give them the confidence, presence, and knowledge to succeed in any career.

We believe there is no greater joy than watching a child have their first theatrical experience. By introducing children to theatre at an early age, we help them to develop critical thinking skills, increase their overall school performance, and help them develop into sentient and empathetic adults.

Le Petit Theatre has a long tradition of welcoming children through its doors dating back through most of its 108-year history, and in our 24/25 season, we are reaffirming our commitment to education. Not only will we grow our student matinee program to bring more students without access to theatre through our doors, but we will commit to having young people onstage, backstage, and fully integrated into the artistic process.

Le Petit Theatre’s Education Program is supported by a grant from the New Orleans Theatre Association (NOTA), the Favrot-Van Horn Fund, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the New Orleans Recreation and Culture Fund, The Rosemary B. and Brunswick G. Deutsch Foundation, the Ella West Freeman Foundation, Entertainment 2 Affect Change, and Entergy New Orleans.

At the top is a silhouette of four second line dancers. The first and last one have parasols, the second one is dancing, and the third one has a trumpet. Below in black text over yellow are the words NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FOUNDATION, INC.   On the left side is a yellow five-pointed star, a blue swoop, and red music notes. On the right side are the words NEW ORLEANS THEATRE ASSOCIATION.  

If you are interested in learning more about any of Le Petit’s education programs,
please contact education@lepetittheatre.com