Young Conservatory

Summer Young Conservatory Workshop Registration Now Open!

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.

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


Our Young Conservatory workshops would not 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.


 

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 scholarship 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, and the Ella West Freeman Foundation.

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