Educational Programs
Our educational programs offer hands-on experiences to help young performers build confidence, creativity, and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. From acting and musical theater to stage skills and performance workshops, students of all experience levels are encouraged to learn, grow, and shine.
2026–27 Classes
Our new after-school classes give young performers a structured path to build confidence and create something they're proud to share.
Across the year, students have the opportunity to learn from experienced teaching artists as they explore many areas of theater, such as dance, improv, musical theater, and tech. Each term wraps with a showcase where students perform what they've been working on for families, friends, and the community.
Throughout the year, teen workshops provide our older ACTors with hands-on experience with industry professionals.
Grades K–8
Whether your child is stepping onto the stage for the first time or looking to build on their existing skills, our classes provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where young artists can grow in confidence, creativity, and collaboration.
Arlington Children's Theatre (ACT) is partnering with Lesley Ellis School to bring high-quality theatre education to students in grades K–8. This fall you'll find the same high-quality theater education in a new location. As with all ACT programming, classes are open to everyone!
We warmly welcome current ACT families, new families, Lesley Ellis students, homeschool students, and anyone in the community looking for high-quality theatre education.
How to Register
Registration for ACT classes will be managed through the Lesley Ellis system. For those new to this platform:
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Create an account (or log in if you already have one).
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Select "Add Student" and enter your child's information.
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Once your student has been added, the available classes will automatically filter based on their age/grade.
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Scroll to the bottom of the class listings to find the "ACT at LES" section.
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Select your desired class(es) and complete your registration.
For questions about curriculum or class structure, please reach out to Max Moline at mmoline@arlingtonchildrenstheatre.org.
For questions about registration, please contact Lesley Ellis Director of Auxiliary Programs, Emily Roos at: eroos@lesleyellis.org.
Mondays | 3:30–4:30 PM | Grades 3–5
Improv
Think fast, take risks, and have fun! Students will learn the fundamentals of improvisational theatre through engaging games and exercises that build confidence, creativity, listening skills, and collaboration. No memorization required—just a willingness to say “yes, and!”
Mondays | 4:30–5:30 PM | Grades 5–8
Roll Play
Roll the dice, be a hero, and learn to act and perform in a small group of friends and fellows, with the help of tiny plastic dice! Students will learn tabletop roleplaying game rules, etiquette, storytelling skills and social and emotional learning while working together to save the day!
Musical Theatre Performance
Tuesdays | 3:30–4:30 PM | Grades 6–8
Students will build vocal performance skills, learn choreography, and discover ensemble building. Through creative exercises and performance opportunities, dancers will develop musicality, coordination, confidence, and teamwork. The trimester concludes with a showcase performance for family and friends.
Tuesdays | 4:30–5:30 PM | Grades 3–5
Acting
Through theatre games, improvisation, storytelling, and character exploration, students will develop creativity, communication, and confidence in a fun and supportive environment. This class encourages imagination, teamwork, and self-expression while introducing foundational acting skills.
Songs & Scenes: Beauty and the Beast
Wednesdays | 3:30–4:30 PM | Grades K–2
Students will learn and perform songs and scenes from the beloved musical Beauty and the Beast. Through acting, singing, movement, and character exploration, participants will develop performance skills, confidence, creativity, and teamwork while bringing the story to life. The trimester concludes with a showcase performance for family and friends.
Songs & Scenes: Beauty and the Beast
Wednesdays | 4:30–5:30 PM | Grades 3–4
Students will learn and perform songs and scenes from the beloved musical Beauty and the Beast. Through acting, singing, movement, and character exploration, participants will develop performance skills, confidence, creativity, and teamwork while bringing the story to life. The trimester concludes with a showcase performance for family and friends.
Acting
Thursdays | 3:30–4:30 PM | Grades K–2
Through theatre games, improvisation, storytelling, and character exploration, students will develop creativity, communication, and confidence in a fun and supportive environment. This class encourages imagination, teamwork, and self-expression while introducing foundational acting skills.
Thursdays | 4:30–5:30 PM | Grades 6–8
Shakespeare
Through theatre games, improvisation, storytelling, and character exploration, students will become the most brilliant bards using the works of Shakespeare! Students will develop creativity, communication, and confidence in a fun and supportive environment. This class encourages imagination, interpretation, teamwork, and self-expression while introducing and improving foundational acting skills, using the works of the most prolific playwright of all time.
Grades 9–12
Led by experienced teaching artists, teen classes go deeper into craft while keeping the energy fun and the pressure low.
Grades 9–12
Teen Improv Lab
Saturdays from 4:30–6 PM
October 17–December 12 (no class Nov 28 for Thanksgiving)
This class introduces students to the fun and fast-paced world of improvisation. Through games, exercises, and group activities, students build confidence and quick thinking. The class wraps with a showcase performance where students share quick wits and bold choices.
Registration is closed.