Fall 2024 Young Conservatory and Workforce Development workshops now registering!
Find out more and register for the Young Conservatory workshops STORYTELLER SOCIETY (for grades 3-7) and TEEN IMPROV (for grades 8-12) here.
Find out more and register for the Workforce Development workshops SCENIC PAINTING (for grades 7-12) and CARPENTER’S TOOLBOX (grades 8-12) here.
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 Program serves 2,000 students in the Greater New Orleans area annually. While certain Education Program initiatives were hindered by the pandemic, this season we returned to a full-force program slate which included some exciting new additions.
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 ability 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. Students are matched with professional mentors who help guide them through their chosen area of focus and help them successfully complete the program. 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.
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 107-year history, and in our 23/24 season, we are re-affirming 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 the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Ella West Freeman Foundation, and a Wisner Grant from the City of New Orleans. The Student Matinee Program is supported by a grant from The Helis Foundation. The Theatrical Workforce Development Program is supported by a grant from the New Orleans Theatre Association (NOTA).
