Education: Grades 1-3 – Wheelock Family Theatre

About the Grades 1 to 3 Programs

Learn More

Rooted in process-based story drama, students are introduced to the actor’s tools of body, voice, mind and imagination. Students develop characters, solve creative problems and enter the world of the story. Students have fun while also developing valuable literacy and life skills such as communication, critical thinking, collaboration, focus and creativity. Each session, there is a new theme to spark the imagination, creating a fun, new experience each class!

If you have questions about whether a program is the right match for your child or if your child needs accommodations to access any of our programming, please reach out to Jeri Hammond, Director of Education, at jerih@bu.edu

Weekend Classes

8-week sessions on Saturday & Sundays starting January 28 & 29 running through April 2nd. There are no classes on the weekends of 2/18, 2/19 & 2/25, 2/26 due to February school vacation week.

Stories On Stage: Imaginary Worlds

This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email wfted@bu.edu Get ready to enter magical and mystical realms where anything you can imagine is possible. Each week students will discover imaginary worlds as they travel through fiction’s most awesome stories, all while never leaving the classroom. Students will use their actor’s tools (body, mind, voice, and imagination) to create dynamic characters in the most fantastical and mysterious of places, even an imaginary world of their own making! Through theatre and hands on visual art experiences students will bring these stories to life. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place on the last day of class.

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): Acting, Creative Drama, In Person |

Tuition: $360

Saturdays (Jan 28 - April 2) No classes 2/18 & 2/25 9:30am - 11:00am
Taught by: Alex Brodsky-Benedetti

Sundays (Jan 29 - April 3) No classes 2/19 & 2/26 9:30am - 11:00am
Taught by: Josephine Ross

Musical Mashups: The Villain's Story

Limited space available!!! Inspired by the most dastardly (and delightful) Musical Theatre villains, students will have great fun bringing those characters to life who are “rotten to the core”. They will learn to “sing a story” by exploring the various voices that can be produced by using the appropriate vocal technique. Students will connect the voice to posture, gesture, and full-body movement through improvisation to create vivid characters. They will “dance a story” by learning to use creative movement to bring their storytelling to life. Not all actors need to dance, but learning how to use a creative and flexible range of movement will help young actors feel more confident on stage, develop physically interesting characters, and add another skill to their actor’s toolbox. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place on the last day of class.

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): In Person, Musical Theatre |

Tuition: $360

Saturdays (Jan 28 - April 2) No classes 2/18 & 2/25 11:00am - 12:30pm
Taught by: Alex Brodsky-Benedetti

Sundays (Jan 29 - April 3) No classes 2/19 & 2/26 11:00am - 12:30pm

February Vacation Program

Monday to Friday, February 20 – 24. February vacation is all about Musical Theatre! Students will attend our mainstage production of Make Way for Ducklings. Before-care (8 am to 9 am) and aftercare (3:30 pm to 5:00pm) are available for all programs for an additional fee.

Making a Musical: Jungle Jams (Grades Pre-K to 1)

This program is sold out. To be added to our waitlist please email wfted@bu.edu An action-packed one-week diving into the world of musical theatre by creating a short original musical. Utilizing popular music from across the decades, students will piece together scenes and songs to tell the story of jungle creatures that are “rockin’ around the clock.” While working on their musical, students will advance their acting, singing, and dancing skills. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place on the final day of the program.

Grades: 1st Grade, Kindergarten, Pre-K | Type(s): In Person, Musical Theatre, Vacation Week |

Tuition: $480

Monday, Feb 20 - Friday, Feb 24 9:00am to 3:30pm
Taught by: Kristala Smart, Alisa Cassola

Registration Disabled

Making a Musical: Happily Never After (Grades 1 to 3)

This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email wfted@bu.edu.
An action-packed one-week diving into the world of musical theatre by creating a short original musical. Utilizing popular music from across the decades, students will piece together scenes and songs to tell the story of a fairytale that didn’t go as planned. While working on their musical, students will advance their acting, singing, and dancing skills. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place on the final day of the program.

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): In Person, Musical Theatre, Vacation Week |

Tuition: $480

Monday, Feb 20 - Friday, Feb 24 9:00am to 3:30pm
Taught by: Nick Vargas, Alisa Cassola, Jennifer Duval White

Registration Disabled

April Vacation Program

Monday to Friday, April 17 – 21. Our April Vacation week programs all invite students to adapt and perform original stories. Students will see our mainstage production of Bud, Not Buddy. Before-care (8 am to 9 am) and aftercare (3:30 pm to 5:00pm) are available for all programs for an additional fee.

Page to Stage: Bedtime Stories (Grades Pre-K to 1)

Additional class just added! Limited space available. As cozy as your favorite pair of PJs, students will spend the week enjoying some of the most beloved of Bedtime Stories and imaginatively bringing them from “page to stage”. Through creative movement, imagination, and hands-on art activities, students jump into the world of a new story each day and set sail on this interactive theatre experience specially designed for our youngest students. The morning will be spent engaging in creative drama and movement and the second half of the day will be our Afternoon Arts Adventure: hands-on visual arts projects inspired by story illustrations. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place on the last day of class.

Grades: 1st Grade, Kindergarten, Pre-K | Type(s): Acting, Creative Drama, In Person, Vacation Week, Visual Arts |

Tuition: $480

Monday, April 17 - Friday, April 21 9:00am to 3:30pm
Taught by: Eva Murray, Alyse Clinton

Page to Stage: Mystery & Detective Stories (Grades 1 to 3)

This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email wfted@bu.edu It’s time to Get a Clue! Over the course of the week, students will work as playwrights, actors, and designers while being immersed into the mysterious world of the who- done-it. Suspects, witnesses, clues, a red herring or two and plenty of suspenseful twists and turns are in store as students learn first-hand what it takes to bring a mystery from page to stage. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place on the last day of class.

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): Acting, In Person, Vacation Week |

Tuition: $480

Monday, April 17 - Friday, April 21 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Jeri Hammond

Registration Disabled

Summer Programs

Our summer 2023 classes will be online and available for registration starting January 2, 2023.

Summer Programs

Please note, all grades refer to placement in the fall of 2023

Before care (8am to 9am) and after care (3:30pm to 5:00pm) will be available for all of our vacation programs for an additional fee. You’ll have the option to purchase by day or for the entire week.

Grades K to 1
Grades 2 to 3

Grades K to 1

Under the Big Top

This section of this program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email wfted@bu.edu Come one, Come all to the Greatest Show on Earth! We will kick-off our summer program with a rousing week-long exploration of the theatrical world of the circus. Professional Boston area circus artists will lead classes each day in circus skills such as clowning, juggling, tumbling, spinning plates, hula hoops, acrobatics, Chinese yo-yo, and more! In partnership with Cirque Us, students will learn the skill and storytelling involved in contemporary circus performance. All together, making for a three-ring circus of an experience!

Families are invited to join us under the big top at 2:00 p.m. on the last afternoon for a sharing of the week’s learning.

Grades: 1st Grade, Kindergarten | Type(s): Circus Arts, Clowning, In Person, Summer |

Tuition: $480

Monday, June 26 - Friday, June 30 9:00am - 3:30pm

Puppet Academy: Dream it. Make it. Share it.

Dive into the wildly creative and interdisciplinary world of puppetry arts! This summer, students will learn the secrets of crafting extraordinary puppet characters and bringing them to life. In partnership with Puppet Showplace Theater, students will work with professional puppeteers, as they 1. create a puppet, 2. learn the skills involved in bringing the puppet character to life, and 3. share their creations with an audience. Join us for a fun and imaginative start to summer vacation!

Families are invited to join at 2:00 p.m. on the last afternoon for a sharing of the week’s learning.

Grades: 1st Grade, Kindergarten | Type(s): In Person, Puppetry |

Tuition: $288

Wednesday, July 5 - Friday, July 7 9:00am - 3:30pm

Treasure Trunk Theatre: Jurassic Journeys

It’s positively prehistoric! Get ready to take an imaginative trip! Inspired by mystery objects found in the treasure trunk, students will head off on a new adventure each day using movement, creative problem-solving, and imaginative play. An engaging theme charts the course for a fun-filled journey. Adventure back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth and let your imaginations travel. The morning will be spent engaging in creative drama and movement and the second half of the day will be our Afternoon Arts Adventure: hands-on visual arts projects connected to the theme of the week. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place at 11:30 a.m. on the last day of class.

Grades: 1st Grade, Kindergarten | Type(s): Creative Drama, In Person, Summer |

Tuition: $480

Monday, July 10 - Friday, July 14 9:00am - 3:30pm

Characters Take the Stage: Pirate Adventures

Limited space now available! Calling all Seafarers! A fun and physical introduction to the fundamental building blocks of drama (body, voice, mind, and imagination). Using fantastical tales as a jumping-off point to spark and support the creative process, the characters will fly off the page as students participate in movement exercises, story reenactments, theatre games, improvisation, role-playing, music, dance, and visual arts. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place on the last day of class at 2:00 p.m.

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): Acting, Creative Drama, In Person, Summer |

Tuition: $480

Monday, July 10 - Friday, July 14 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Alex Brodsky-Benedetti

Mini Musical: Seussical Kids

This program is sold out. To be added to a waitlist please email wfted@bu.edu This program is a fast-paced intensive for young people ready to take the stage. In three weeks, students will work together to perform a 30-minute version of Seussical. While working on this musical, they will advance their acting, singing, and dancing skills while also learning more about production elements such as set, props, costumes, and sound and light design. A final performance demonstration for family and friends will take place at 2:00p.m. on the final day of the program.

About the show: Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat, our narrator, tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child, who gets in trouble for thinking too many "thinks." Horton's challenge is twofold — not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): In Person, Musical Theatre, Performance, Summer |

Tuition: $1290

Monday, July 10 - Friday, July 28 (Three Week Program) 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Sophie Rich, Lindsay Albert

Registration Disabled

Backstage Adventures: Seuss on the Loose

Who makes all those fabulous THINGS seen on stage? In this class, students will be introduced to some of the backstage secrets that result in onstage magic. Students will tour all of the behind the scenes spaces at the theatre and through hands-on experiences get to try their hands at design. Inspired by the wacky imagination of Seuss, students will create costume, scenic and prop designs that are whimsical and wonderful. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place on the last day of class at 2:00 p.m.

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): Creative Drama, In Person, Summer, Theatre Design, Visual Arts |

Tuition: $480

Monday, July 17 - Friday, July 21 9:00am - 3:30pm

Music Movers: Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Get ready to move and groove! Students will make their own music exploring rhythm and music dynamics such as loud/soft, high/low, fast/slow. Through creative movement inspired by different forms of transportation, students will fly, zoom and do the locomotion as they explore different ways of moving in a celebration of self-expression. In our Music Movers classes, dancing to the beat of your own drum is encouraged! The morning will be spent engaging in music-making and movement and the second half of the day will be our Afternoon Arts Adventure: hands-on visual arts projects connected to the theme of the week. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place at 11:30 a.m. on the last day of class.

Grades: 1st Grade, Kindergarten | Type(s): Creative Drama, In Person, Summer |

Tuition: $480

Monday, July 17 - Friday, July 21 9:00am - 3:30pm

Story Explorers: Stories of Mo Willems

A week of creative play inspired by the imagination of author Mo Willems and characters such as Elephant and Piggie and a Pigeon who Drives a Bus! Students will work together and use their imaginations, bodies, and voices while traveling inside favorite storybooks. The morning will be spent engaging in creative drama and movement and the second half of the day will be our Afternoon Arts Adventure: hands-on visual arts projects connected to the theme of the week. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place at 11:30 a.m. on the last day of class.

Grades: 1st Grade, Kindergarten | Type(s): Creative Drama, In Person |

Tuition: $480

Monday, July 24 - Friday, July 28 9:00am - 3:30pm

Sing & Dance-a-Story: Into the Wild

Inspired by the stories and music from favorite musicals that invite you to Move-It, Move-It out in the wild, students will learn to “sing a story” by exploring the various voices that can be produced by using the appropriate vocal technique. Students will connect the voice to posture, gesture, and full-body movement through improvisation to create vivid characters. They will “dance a story” by learning to use creative movement to bring a story to life. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place on the last day of class at 2:00 p.m.

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): In Person, Musical Theatre, Summer |

Tuition: $480

Monday, July 24 - Friday, July 28 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Alex Brodsky-Benedetti

Playmakers Junior: Kid Frankenstein

In this program students will develop characters through movement, and vocal exercises and bring to life this frightfully funny sci-fi fantasy Kid Frankenstein. In addition, they will learn about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into producing a play as they design and create set pieces, costumes, and props! Family and friends are invited to a final performance demonstration at 2:00 p.m. on the last day of class.

About the show: Frightfully funny laughs are in store in this bright new version of Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein. Frankie and Irving are science nerds who have an unusual idea for the upcoming Science Fair! When Doctor Frankenstein’s ancient secret book arrives from Transylvania, the friends are whisked into a sci-fi fantasy of time-warped, weirdly scary and lively adventure!

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): Acting, In Person, Performance, Summer |

Tuition: $1290

Monday, July 31- Friday, Aug 18(Three Week Program) 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Shamus Hunter McCarty

Treasure Trunk Theatre: Lands of Make Believe

Fantastical creatures in magical places await. Get ready to take an imaginative trip! Inspired by mystery objects found in the treasure trunk, students will head off on a new adventure each day using movement, creative problem-solving, and imaginative play. An engaging theme charts the course for a fun-filled journey. Calling all dreamers: what lies over the rainbow, down the rabbit hole or where the sidewalk ends? It’s whatever you can imagine! The morning will be spent engaging in creative drama and movement and the second half of the day will be our Afternoon Arts Adventure: hands-on visual arts projects connected to the theme of the week. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place at 11:30 a.m. on the last day of class.

Grades: 1st Grade, Kindergarten | Type(s): Creative Drama, In Person, Summer |

Tuition: $480

Monday, July 31 - Friday, August 4 9:00am - 3:30pm

Characters Take the Stage: Mythical Creatures

Limited space now available! If you could be a mythical creature, who would you be? A fun and physical introduction to the fundamental building blocks of drama (body, voice, mind, and imagination). Using fantastical tales as a jumping-off point to spark and support the creative process, the characters will fly off the page as students participate in movement exercises, story reenactments, theatre games, improvisation, role-playing, music, dance, and visual arts. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place on the last day of class at 2:00 p.m.

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): Creative Drama, In Person, Summer |

Tuition: $480

Monday, July 31 - Friday, August 4 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Alyse Clinton

Music Movers: Bug Boogie

Get ready to move and groove! Students will make their own music exploring rhythm and music dynamics such as loud/soft, high/low, fast/slow. Through creative movement inspired by favorite crawly critters, students will go buggy as they explore different ways of moving in a celebration of self-expression. In our Music Movers classes, dancing to the beat of your own drum is encouraged! The morning will be spent engaging in music-making and movement and the second half of the day will be our Afternoon Arts Adventure: hands-on visual arts projects connected to the theme of the week. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place at 11:30 a.m. on the last day of class.

Grades: 1st Grade, Kindergarten | Type(s): Creative Drama, In Person, Summer |

Tuition: $480

Monday, August 7 - Friday, August 11 9:00am - 3:30pm

Backstage Adventures: Fractured Fairy Tales

Additional spaces added! Who makes all those fabulous THINGS seen on stage? In this class, students will be introduced to some of the backstage secrets that result in onstage magic. Students will tour all of the behind the scenes spaces at the theatre and through hands-on experiences get to try their hands at design. Inspired by the world of Once Upon a Time, students will create costume, scenic and prop designs that celebrate happily ever (never?) after. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place on the last day of class at 2:00 p.m.

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): Creative Drama, In Person, Summer, Theatre Design, Visual Arts |

Tuition: $480

Monday, August 7 - Friday, August 11 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Eva Murray

Sing & Dance-a-Story: Under the Sea

This program is sold out. Email wfted@bu.edu to be added to the waitlist. Inspired by the stories and music from favorite musicals that take you Under the Sea, students will learn to “sing a story” by exploring the various voices that can be produced by using the appropriate vocal technique. Students will connect the voice to posture, gesture, and full-body movement through improvisation to create vivid characters. They will “dance a story” by learning to use creative movement to bring a story to life. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place on the last day of class at 2:00 p.m.

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): In Person, Musical Theatre, Summer |

Tuition: $480

Monday, August 14 - Friday, August 18 9:00am - 3:30pm

Story Explorers: Stories of Matt de la Peña

A week of creative play inspired by the imagination of author Matt de la Peña and books such as Last Stop on Market Street and Milo Imagines the World! Students will work together and use their imaginations, bodies, and voices while traveling inside favorite storybooks. The morning will be spent engaging in creative drama and movement and the second half of the day will be our Afternoon Arts Adventure: hands-on visual arts projects connected to the theme of the week. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place at 11:30 a.m. on the last day of class.

Grades: 1st Grade, Kindergarten | Type(s): Creative Drama, In Person, Summer |

Tuition: $480

Monday, August 14 - Friday, August 18 9:00am - 3:30pm

Grades 2 to 3

Under the Big Top

Come one, Come all to the Greatest Show on Earth! We will kick-off our summer program with a rousing week-long exploration of the theatrical world of the circus. Professional Boston area circus artists will lead classes each day in circus skills such as clowning, juggling, tumbling, spinning plates, hula hoops, acrobatics, Chinese yo-yo, and more! In partnership with Cirque Us, students will learn the skill and storytelling involved in contemporary circus performance. All together, making for a three-ring circus of an experience!

Families are invited to join us under the big top at 2:00 p.m. on the last afternoon for a sharing of the week’s learning.

Grades: 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): Circus Arts, Clowning, In Person, Summer |

Tuition: $480

Monday, June 26 - Friday, June 30 9:00am - 3:30pm

Puppet Academy: Dream it. Make it. Share it.

Grades: 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): In Person, Puppetry |

Tuition: $288

Wednesday, July 5 - Friday, July 7 9:00am - 3:30pm

Characters Take the Stage: Pirate Adventures

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): Acting, Creative Drama, In Person, Summer |

Tuition: $480

Monday, July 10 - Friday, July 14 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Alex Brodsky-Benedetti

Mini Musical: Seussical Kids

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): In Person, Musical Theatre, Performance, Summer |

Tuition: $1290

Monday, July 10 - Friday, July 28 (Three Week Program) 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Sophie Rich, Lindsay Albert

Registration Disabled

Backstage Adventures: Seuss on the Loose

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): Creative Drama, In Person, Summer, Theatre Design, Visual Arts |

Tuition: $480

Monday, July 17 - Friday, July 21 9:00am - 3:30pm

Sing & Dance-a-Story: Into the Wild

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): In Person, Musical Theatre, Summer |

Tuition: $480

Monday, July 24 - Friday, July 28 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Alex Brodsky-Benedetti

Playmakers Junior: Kid Frankenstein

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): Acting, In Person, Performance, Summer |

Tuition: $1290

Monday, July 31- Friday, Aug 18(Three Week Program) 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Shamus Hunter McCarty

Characters Take the Stage: Mythical Creatures

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): Creative Drama, In Person, Summer |

Tuition: $480

Monday, July 31 - Friday, August 4 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Alyse Clinton

Backstage Adventures: Fractured Fairy Tales

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): Creative Drama, In Person, Summer, Theatre Design, Visual Arts |

Tuition: $480

Monday, August 7 - Friday, August 11 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Eva Murray

Sing & Dance-a-Story: Under the Sea

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): In Person, Musical Theatre, Summer |

Tuition: $480

Monday, August 14 - Friday, August 18 9:00am - 3:30pm

68705405_10157455972501668_2617642435014033408_o1

Explore Other Age Groups

About the Grades 1 to 3 Programs

Learn More

Weekend Classes

Stories On Stage: Imaginary Worlds

Musical Mashups: The Villain's Story

February Vacation Program

Making a Musical: Jungle Jams (Grades Pre-K to 1)

Making a Musical: Happily Never After (Grades 1 to 3)

April Vacation Program

Page to Stage: Bedtime Stories (Grades Pre-K to 1)

Page to Stage: Mystery & Detective Stories (Grades 1 to 3)

Summer Programs

Summer Programs

Under the Big Top

Puppet Academy: Dream it. Make it. Share it.

Treasure Trunk Theatre: Jurassic Journeys

Characters Take the Stage: Pirate Adventures

Mini Musical: Seussical Kids

Backstage Adventures: Seuss on the Loose

Music Movers: Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Story Explorers: Stories of Mo Willems

Sing & Dance-a-Story: Into the Wild

Playmakers Junior: Kid Frankenstein

Treasure Trunk Theatre: Lands of Make Believe

Characters Take the Stage: Mythical Creatures

Music Movers: Bug Boogie

Backstage Adventures: Fractured Fairy Tales

Sing & Dance-a-Story: Under the Sea

Story Explorers: Stories of Matt de la Peña

Under the Big Top

Puppet Academy: Dream it. Make it. Share it.

Characters Take the Stage: Pirate Adventures

Mini Musical: Seussical Kids

Backstage Adventures: Seuss on the Loose

Sing & Dance-a-Story: Into the Wild

Playmakers Junior: Kid Frankenstein

Characters Take the Stage: Mythical Creatures

Backstage Adventures: Fractured Fairy Tales

Sing & Dance-a-Story: Under the Sea

Explore Other Age Groups

For more information on all programs and classes, click here.