2026-27 Teen Council applications are now open!
Click here to learn more and apply.
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.
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Controlled Chaos: The Art of Storytelling through Props & Set DressingEver wondered how a stage comes to life? In conjunction with Le Petit Theatre’s production of Laughter on the 23rd Floor, in this hands-on workshop, students will transform ordinary materials into a fully realized vintage writers’ room, learning through set dressing how props and set details tell a story before a single line is spoken. Perfect for creative builders, designers, and detail-lovers, this experience brings history, imagination, and theatre magic together. Skills: Fake food creation, paper prop design, layering for visual storytelling, historical aesthetic awareness September 19 & 20 |
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Writers’ Room Live: Sketch Comedy Creation LabGet 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 Note: Lunch will be provided on Saturday; Sunday (12:30 to 1 PM) will be a showcase of the students’ work for parents |
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Painting the Stage: Scenic Art & Nature Illusion TechniquesTurn paint into magic! In conjunction with Le Petit Theatre’s The Secret Garden, students will learn how theatre artists create stunning landscapes, from stone walls to mossy forests, using professional scenic painting techniques. This workshop is perfect for visual artists who want to think BIG and see their work come to life on stage. Skills: Sponging, dry brushing, layering, large-scale painting techniques November 14 & 15 |
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Acting the Song: Vocal Performance & Storytelling IntensiveBring 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 Note: Lunch will be provided on Saturday |
Need-based financial aid is available for all workshops on a limited basis. Apply for financial aid here.
2026-27 Student Matinees
Laughter on the 23rd Floor – Thursday, October 8, 2026 @ 10 AM – SIGN UP HERE
Laughter on the 23rd Floor student matinee is at capacity.
You can still sign up for the waitlist at the sign-up link above, and we will reach out if seats become available.
The Secret Garden – Thursday, December 10, 2026 @ 10 AM – SIGN UP HERE
The Secret Garden student matinee is at capacity.
You can still sign up for the waitlist at the sign-up link above, and we will reach out if seats become available.
The Glass Menagerie – Thursday, March 4, 2027 @ 10 AM
August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom – Thursday, May 6, 2027 @ 10 AM
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – Thursday, June 10, 2027 @ 10 AM
SIGN-UPS FOR THE REST ARE COMING SOON!
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.
Le Petit’s Teen Council of dedicated students in grades 8-12 come 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, Entertainment 2 Affect Change, and Entergy New Orleans.
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