Walnut Street Theatre
Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theatre is a destination designed for students to embrace the beauty of theatre, no matter what. Walnut Street Theatre prides itself on a mission of providing accessible theatre exposure to children, especially those in poverty, and to help bring representation to lower-income communities. At Walnut Street School, students can explore the art of creative expression and engage in personal growth as they discover the glory of theatre and learn that they can follow their dreams. Walnut Street Theatre offers a range of programs available for children to learn about all aspects of theatre.
Bring the Walnut Street Theatre to your school
Walnut Street Theatre provides students with opportunities to explore the art of theatre without leaving the school. In the Disney musicals in Schools program, Walnut Street Theatre brings musical theatre to public elementary schools in the Philadelphia community. By introducing collaborative art, students can gain extensive knowledge of how theatre works, as Walnut Street Theatre works to build sustainable theatre programs for students who may not otherwise have affordable access to theatre exposure. The touring outreach program at Walnut Street Theatre, similar to the Disney Musical in Schools program, brings the world of theatre to community schools. The touring outreach program provides schools with curriculum-aligned education that is as exciting as it is educational. This program is an excellent way for teachers to incorporate the essential skills students learn from theatre into the classroom. Each program is designed specifically for the needs of the students it is assigned to, making the experience personalized and unforgettable. Students get to experience the fun that goes into putting on a theatre production, such as sets, props, and costumes.
Summer programs
Camp Walnut at the Walnut Street Theatre provides students with programs that can make summer a season of fun, with opportunities to learn about musical theatre and acting. In the Discovery Division for Beginning Students, students explore their talents and interests as they enhance their communication and collaboration skills through activities designed to bring their creativity to life. Students get to learn about playwriting, vocal technique, and improvisation as they prepare to perform entirely of their own. In the Development Division for Intermediate Students, the program, designed after the Discovery Division, challenges campers to apply their knowledge of theatre by participating in classes to help put on a scripted musical. Advanced skills are taught to students, focusing on audition coaching, stage movement, and camera techniques. This program is designed to be accessible for students of all abilities and all students are invited to audition. After completing the Development Division program, students who have improved are invited to participate in the Performance Division for Advanced Students. In this program, students are pushed to chase their aspirations to become professionals in the performing arts. With intense instruction, students work together to put on an entirely produced shows under the direction of industry professionals. These programs are designed to help students understand their creativity and interests and discover a potential future in the world of theatre.
Theatre School
Walnut Street School has its very own theatre school for both children and adults interested in entering the world of musical theatre. Many classes focus on the art of dance in musical theatres, with choreography lessons and the chance to perform songs from popular musicals. These classes show students how musical theatre can be physically stimulating, fun, and magical. Other courses available focus on teaching students in different areas of theatre such as performing, vocal coaching, acting and comedy improv. Classes offered in both the fall and spring provide exceptional opportunities for students of all ages to explore their interests in musical theatre and to work to enhance their passions.
What makes Walnut Street Theatre unique
Walnut Street Theatre’s mission to bring the beauty of theatre to underrepresented individuals and developing communities is what sets it apart from other theatres. With programs such as Adopt-A-School, students who may not have the resources to enter the theatre scene can be provided with affordable exposure to the fun of learning about theatre. Additionally, Walnut Street Theatre offers scholarships to help cover the costs of attending theatre school and provides other financial assistance for various programs. The art of musical theatre is an experience that all individuals should have the opportunity to explore, and Walnut Street Theatre’s goal of bringing musical theatre to as many students as possible demonstrates its commitment to the Philadelphia community.
