Education

Registration is now open for our Summer Student Theatre workshops:

Le Petit Theatre’s SUMMER STUDENT THEATRE featuring Slowpoke! The True Story of a Tortoise and Hare by Ethan Andersen June 23 – July 18 (no classes July 3-4); Classes held at Le Petit Theatre Performances Friday, July 18 at 7 PM; Saturday, July 19 at 7 PM; and Sunday, July 20 at 3 PM This summer LPT’s Workforce Development program for technical theatre and our Young Conservatory program for student performers will combine creative forces to present the new musical Slowpoke! The True Story of a Tortoise and Hare by New Orleans native Ethan Andersen.  In the mornings, Workforce Development students will learn from industry professionals in areas of scenic design, painting, costuming, prop making, lighting, and sound in order to design, construct, and run the Slowpoke! production.  In the afternoons, Young Conservatory students will gather to learn performance techniques and rehearse Slowpoke! under the direction of LPT Artistic Director A.J. Allegra. Students can participate in one or both programs depending on their interest and availability. Workforce Development Intensive (for technical theatre) June 23 – July 18 (no classes July 3-4) 9 AM – 12 PM; Monday – Friday Ages: Rising 8th – 12th graders Tuition $300 Limit 20 students RESERVE YOUR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPOT   Young Conservatory Intensive (for acting) June 23 – July 18 (no classes July 3-4) 12:30 PM – 4 PM; Monday – Friday* Ages: Rising 3rd – 12th graders Tuition $500 *note that on our final week, we may request to rehearse until 5 or 6 PM, depending on production needs Limit 40 students RESERVE YOUR YOUNG CONSERVATORY SPOT   Slowpoke! The True Story of a Tortoise and Hare is presented through special arrangement with Playhouse Jr. Licensing.

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, the Ella West Freeman Foundation, and Entergy New Orleans.

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, the Ella West Freeman Foundation, and Entergy New Orleans.

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