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
Fall 2026
Arlington Children's Theatre (ACT) is excited to partner with Lesley Ellis School to bring high-quality theatre education to students in grades K–8.
Beginning this fall, ACT will offer an engaging lineup of musical theatre, acting, improv, theatre design, and performance classes led by experienced theatre professionals. 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.
These classes are open to everyone! While they are hosted at Lesley Ellis School, students do not need to attend Lesley Ellis to participate. 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 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 ACT at info@arlingtonchildrenstheatre.org.
For questions about registration, please contact Lesley Ellis Director of Auxiliary Programs, Emily Roos at: eroos@lesleyellis.org.
Grades 3–5
Creative Drama
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.
Grades K–2
Songs & Scenes: Annie
Students will learn and perform songs and scenes from the beloved musical Annie. 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.
Grades 3–4
Songs & Scenes: Annie
Students will learn and perform songs and scenes from the beloved musical Annie. 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.
Grades 6–8
Acting Studio
Designed for students ready to dive deeper into performance, this class explores character development, scene work, objectives, and storytelling. Through collaborative exercises and rehearsal, students will strengthen their acting technique while building confidence on stage.
Grades 5–8
Theatre Design & Production
Perfect for creative minds who enjoy working behind the scenes, this hands-on class introduces students to the world of theatrical design. Participants will explore set, costume, prop, lighting, and sound design while learning how visual storytelling helps bring a production to life
Grades 1–2
Creative Movement & Dance
Young dancers will explore movement, music, and imagination through creative dance activities, storytelling, games, and introductory dance technique. This energetic and supportive class helps students build coordination, confidence, body awareness, and self-expression while developing a strong foundation in dance.
Grades 3–5
Dance & Choreography
Students will build dance technique, learn choreography, and explore a variety of movement styles in a fun and encouraging environment. 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.
Grades 5–8
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!"
Grades 9–12