Registration is now open for these upcoming workshops:
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CLOWNING AROUND – Grades 3-6Saturdays 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM; March 15-April 26 (March 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12, 26); Classes held at St. Anna’s Dodwell House There is an art to being silly on stage! In this 6-week course, students will learn the techniques of physical comedy and comedic storytelling as taught by two of the best in the business, Alex Smith and Becca Chapman, founders of Prescription Joy. Students will learn skills in teamwork, self-expression, physical character creation, and creative storytelling. Tuition $300. |
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MODERN SCENE STUDY – Grades 7-12Saturdays 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM; March 15-April 26 (March 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12, 26); Classes held at St. Anna’s Dodwell House This class is designed for serious student actors wishing to delve deeper into character creation with a focus on scene work from 21st-century plays. Students will study a variety of modern plays and learn modern techniques for analyzing text, creating a character, playing objectives and actions, self-direction, and proper rehearsal techniques. At the conclusion of the class, students will present a public sharing of their work. Tuition $300. |
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Sewing is FUNdamental: SEWING MACHINE BASICS – Grades 7-12Saturday and Sunday, March 22 and 23; 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Classes held at Loyola University Students interested in costume and fashion design will learn the basics of working on modern sewing machine equipment in this master class taught by an industry professional. This beginner-friendly course is designed to demystify sewing machines and empower students with fundamental skills to confidently operate and use a home sewing machine. Over two afternoons, participants will learn essential techniques, from understanding machine components and threading to selecting appropriate fabrics and performing basic stitching. Tuition: $150. Max 8 students. |
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STAGE MANAGEMENT BOOT CAMP – Ages 16 and upSaturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25; 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Classes held at Le Petit Theatre Stage Management is one of the most critical roles in any theatre production. In this two-day workshop, students will learn core techniques for script analysis, production communication, rehearsal tracking, and technical coordination. Perfect for aspiring theater professionals and students seeking practical tools to become confident, organized stage managers who keep productions running smoothly. Tuition $150. |
Financial Aid is available for all workshops. Email A.J. Allegra for details.
None of these workshops would be possible without the support of these amazing organizations: 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, and the Ella West Freeman Foundation.
Wild Bill Wood from WGNO’s Good Morning New Orleans stopped by the Young Conservatory Musical Theatre Intensive to learn more about Le Petit’s education programs. Check it out!
Le Petit Theatre’s Education Programs serve 2,000 students in the Greater New Orleans area annually.
The Student Matinee Series provides complimentary tickets to schools without access in the Greater New Orleans area, as well as critical transportation stipends for bussing. Outreach is focused on public schools to increase access to the arts for children who might not otherwise be able to visit the theatre. For most Student Matinee participants, their visit to Le Petit is the first time they have experienced live theatre. Educators receive an exclusive study guide to use with students before the show, and each student matinee can be followed by a relaxed discussion during which the cast interacts with students during a Q&A session. Through this program, Le Petit shares the unique experience of live theatre with the next generation of theatre lovers.
The Young Conservatory at Le Petit provides students ages 8 to 18 the chance to develop their talent, perform in productions, and gain confidence in a comfortable, creative, and fun environment. Students take classes in a variety of theatrical studies that are led by theatre professionals who have a passion for working with young people and a background in education. The Young Conservatory is tuition-based, but scholarships are available to qualifying students. We held workshops throughout the 2023-24 season, plus a Musical Theatre 2-week intensive program over the summer.
Our Workforce Development Program teaches young people the skills needed to work in the high-demand area of technical theatre. This is a hands-on training program in which students receive detailed instruction in areas such as carpentry, lighting, props, audio, video, wardrobe, and wig-making. Many young people wish to partake in the joys of theatre, but do not seek the spotlight on stage. This program is a wonderful and much-needed opportunity for such artistic young minds. In partnership with Loyola University’s Department of Theatre Arts and Dance, we held a Technical Theatre 2-week intensive program over the summer.
For its inaugural year, Le Petit’s Teen Council of dedicated students in grades 8-12 came together throughout the season to view and discuss Le Petit’s productions, read plays, and learn about all areas of the professional producing process from industry professionals.
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, and the Ella West Freeman Foundation.
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