Education: Grades 1-3 – Wheelock Family Theatre

About the Grades 1 to 3 Programs

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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

Now Extended through December 31!
Use the code “Holiday20” to save 20% on all winter weekend classes!

Weekend Classes

Characters Take the Stage: Trailblazers

A fun and physical introduction to the fundamental building blocks of drama (body, voice, mind, and imagination). With a theme selected to spark and support the creative process, students will participate in movement exercises, story reenactments, theatre games, improvisation, role-playing, music, dance, and visual arts. At the last class, family and friends are invited to join the group to watch the creative process in action. While the structure of the class remains the same, we introduce new materials and themes to explore each session! In this session, Trailblazers, students will explore characters brave and bold.

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

Tuition: $400

Sundays (Jan 30 - April 3) No Class Feb 20 & 27 9:30am - 11:00am
Taught by: Danny Bolton

Registration Disabled

Saturdays (Feb 5 - April 9) No Class Feb 19 & 26) - 9:30am - 11:00am 9:30am - 11:00am
Taught by: Alex Brodsky-Benedetti

Registration Disabled

Sing & Dance-a-Story: A Year with Frog & Toad

Inspired by the classic stories of best friends Frog and Toad, students will learn to “sing a story” by exploring the various voices that can be produced by using appropriate vocal techniques. Students will connect 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. 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 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: $400

Saturdays (Feb 5 - April 9) No Class Feb 19 & 26) - 9:30am - 11:00am 11:00am - 12:30pm
Taught by: Alex Brodsky-Benedetti

Registration Disabled

February Vacation Program

Our February Vacation week programs all invite students to adapt and create original stories. Inspired by our upcoming production of Make Way For Ducklings, a new adaptation of the beloved story.

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. Families will be contacted the week prior to the start of the program to register for either/both options. You’ll have the option to purchase by day or for the entire week.

Page to Stage: Fairytale Mash-Up

This program is full.Over the course of the week, students will work as playwrights, actors, and designers as they take well-known fairy tales and adapt them for the stage. What happens after “Once upon a time”? Adding their own unique twist to the plots, characters, and settings, these adaptations will not be your typical happily ever after. Students will learn first-hand what it takes to bring a story from page to stage. At the final class, family and friends are invited to join the group for a demonstration of learning as students share their adapted works.

All students participating in in-person programming must show proof of vaccination. Click here to review our current policies related to Covid-19.

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

Tuition: $450

Monday - Friday, Feb 21 - 25 9:00am - 3:30pm

Registration Disabled

April Vacation Program

Spend your April vacation at WFT: There’s No Place Like Home! April vacation is all about Musical Theatre! Classes will be tied to the main stage production of The Wizard of Oz. All classes will attend a matinee performance of our production of The Wizard of Oz during the week.

Along the Yellow Brick Road

This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email WFTed@bu.edu

Students in grades 1-3 will explore the iconic characters from the classic, The Wizard of Oz. With brains, hearts, and courage, students will grow their storytelling skills through an exploration of the scenes and songs from this beloved musical. All students participating in in-person programming must show proof of vaccination. Click here to review our current policies related to Covid-19.

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

Tuition: $450

Monday - Friday, April 18 - 22 9:00am - 3:30pm

Registration Disabled

Summer Programs

Please note, all grades refer to placement in the fall of 2022

Grades K to 1
Grades 2 to 3

Grades K to 1

Puppet Academy

Dive into the wildly creative and interdisciplinary world of puppetry arts! This summer, kids of all ages will have a unique opportunity to learn the secrets of crafting extraordinary characters and bringing them to life on stage and screen. Guided by a dream team of professional puppeteers, each day we will cover a different building and performance technique, from marionettes to mouth puppets, from hand puppets to shadows. We'll learn to see creative inspiration in found objects and materials, and to tell stories using movement and "visual vocabulary." Mini performances and fun creative challenges will take place throughout the week, along with mini performances by veteran puppeteers. No prior puppetry or theater experience is necessary. Join us for a fun and imaginative start to summer vacation!

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade | Type(s): In Person, Puppetry |

Tuition: $360/week or $90/day

FULL WEEK - Tuesday, June 21 - Friday, June 24 9:00am - 3:30pm

Tuesday, June 21 - ONE DAY 9:00am - 3:30pm

Wednesday, June 22 - ONE DAY 9:00am - 3:30pm

Thursday, June 23 - ONE DAY 9:00am - 3:30pm

Friday, June 24 - ONE DAY 9:00am - 3:30pm

Story Explorers: Book a Trip

A week of creative play! Students will work together and use their imaginations, bodies, and voices while traveling to realms both real and imaginary. Where will your travels take you? 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: $450

Monday, June 27 - Friday, July 1 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Alyse Clinton

Treasure Trunk Theatre: On the High Seas

Ahoy, me maties! 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 seafaring folk: pirates, mermaids, and adventurers to climb aboard and let your imaginations set sail. 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: $360

Tuesday, July 5 - Friday, July 8 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Erin Huiett

Story Explorers: Appetizing Adventures

This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email WFTed@bu.edu

A week of creative play! Students will work together and use their imaginations, bodies, and voices while exploring favorite tasty tales such as Dragons Love Tacos or Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Get ready to cook up something delicious! 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: $450

Monday, July 11 - Friday, July 15 9:00am - 3:30pm

Music Movers: Barnyard 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 animals, students will 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: $450

Monday, July 18 - Friday, July 22 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Jennifer Duval White

Treasure Trunk Theatre: Out of this World

This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email WFTed@bu.edu

5,4,3,2,1…. Blast off! 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. This class is truly out of this world: walk on the moon, blast off on a rocket ship, travel the solar system, and still be back for lunch. 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: $450

Monday, July 25 - Friday, July 29 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Josephine Ross

Story Explorers: Lost & Found

A week of creative play! Students will work together and use their imaginations, bodies, and voices while embarking on searches for lost objects, hidden worlds, and mysterious clues. Bring your spirit of exploration! 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: $450

Monday, August 1 - Friday, August 5 9:00am - 3:30pm

Music Movers: Jurassic Jive

This program is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email WFTed@bu.edu

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 dinosaurs, students will 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: $450

Monday, August 8 - Friday, August 12 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Emma Bergman

Under the Big Top: A High Flying Circus

Come one, Come all to the Greatest Show on Earth! We will bring our summer to a rousing finish with a 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 addition, Wheelock Family Theatre teaching artists will lead classes in physical comedy, musical theatre, and movement. 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 as we celebrate the end of another fun-filled summer at Wheelock Family Theatre!

Grades: 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade | Type(s): Acting, Clowning, Improv, In Person, Physical Comedy, Summer, Visual Arts |

Tuition: $450

Monday, August 15 - Friday, August 19 9:00am - 3:30pm

Grades 2 to 3

Puppet Academy

Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade | Type(s): In Person, Puppetry |

Tuition: $360/week or $90/day

FULL WEEK - Tuesday, June 21 - Friday, June 24 9:00am - 3:30pm

Tuesday, June 21 - ONE DAY 9:00am - 3:30pm

Wednesday, June 22 - ONE DAY 9:00am - 3:30pm

Thursday, June 23 - ONE DAY 9:00am - 3:30pm

Friday, June 24 - ONE DAY 9:00am - 3:30pm

Arts Alive! Night at the Museum

Students will let their unique artistry out to play as they enter the artist’s studio for a week of creative self-expression in this new class offering. A hands-on exploration of visual art inspired by museum masterpieces will provide the spark for a series of drama experiences answering the question, “What if the art came to life?” Be ready to get messy!
A final demonstration for family and friends will take place on the last day of class at 2:00 p.m.

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

Tuition: $450

Monday, June 27 - Friday, July 1 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Alex Brodsky-Benedetti

Characters Take the Stage: Comic Capers

Need a good laugh? A fun and physical introduction to the fundamental building blocks of drama (body, voice, mind, and imagination). Using the hilarious high jinks of classic comedies 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: 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): Creative Drama, In Person, Summer |

Tuition: $360

Tuesday, July 5 - Friday, July 8 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Matthew Brettschnider

Play Production Jr: The Stinky Cheeseman & Other Fairly Stupid Tales

Inspired by the wacky and wonderfully silly fractured fairy tales in this collection, students will develop characters through improvisation, movement, and vocal exercises to bring an original scripted story to life. 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 for a final presentation at 2:00 p.m. on the last day of class.

About the ShowThe Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, by John Glore. Though the characters may be familiar, each of your favorite storybook fables is uproariously derailed in this adaptation of Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith's quintessential children's book of fractured fairy tales. Everything from "Chicken Little" to "The Gingerbread Man" gets a complete makeover. Fun music and witty narration accompany the likes of ineloquent giants, sassy barnyard animals, colossal cow pies, and enough stinky cheese to go around. (From Playscripts.com)

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

Tuition: $765

Tuesday, July 5 - Friday, July 15 (Two Week Program) 9:00am - 3:30pm

Sing & Dance-a-Story: Unlikely Heroes

Inspired by the stories and music from well-loved musicals featuring characters that dance to the beat of their own drum, 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. 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 at 2:00 p.m.

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

Tuition: $450

Monday, July 11 - Friday, July 15 9:00am - 3:30pm

Arts Alive! Out of the Box

Students will let their unique artistry out to play as they enter the artist’s studio for a week of creative self-expression in this new class offering. A hands-on exploration of visual art inspired by the artistic spirit of those who think outside the box along with improvisational drama experiences that further develop individual creativity. A final demonstration for family and friends will take place on the last day of class at 2:00 p.m.

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

Tuition: $450

Monday, July 18 - Friday, July 22 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Moe Finnerty

Mini Musical: Disney's 101 Dalmatians KIDS

A fast-paced intensive program for young people ready to take the stage. In two weeks, students will work together to perform a 30-minute version of the musical 101 Dalmations. 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. Culminates in a performance demonstration for families and friends on the final Friday at 2:00 p.m.

About the show:Based on the classic animated film, Disney's 101 Dalmatians KIDS is a fur-raising adventure featuring Cruella De Vil, Disney's most outrageous villain, and 101 of the most adorable heroes to set their paws onstage. With a high-spirited score and lovable characters, this stage adaptation is certain to charm and delight all audiences.(from MTIshows.com)

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

Tuition: $850

Monday, July 18 - Friday, July 29 (Two Week Program) 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Kevin Williams, Lindsay Albert

Sing & Dance-a-Story: On Land & On Sea

Inspired by the stories and music from favorite musicals that take you Under the Sea or 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. 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 at 2:00 p.m.

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

Tuition: $450

Monday, July 25 - Friday, July 29 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Emma Bergman

Characters Take the Stage: Courageous Quests

Are you up for the challenge? 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: 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade | Type(s): Creative Drama, In Person, Summer |

Tuition: $450

Monday, August 1 - Friday, August 5 9:00am - 3:30pm

Mini Musical: Disney's Frozen Kids

A fast-paced intensive program for young people ready to take the stage. In two weeks, students will work together to perform a 30-minute version of Frozen. 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. Culminates in a performance demonstration for families and friends on the final Friday at 2:00 p.m.

About the show: Join Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Sven, and all of your favorite characters as they embark on an epic, ice-filled journey of self-discovery, camaraderie, and the real meaning of true love. Feature favorite Frozen songs such as “Love Is an Open Door,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” and “Let It Go,” as well as heartwarming new songs from the Broadway production. (From MTIshows.com)

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

Tuition: $850

Monday, August 1 - Friday, August 12 (Two Week Program) 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Sophie Rich, Lindsay Albert

Arts Alive! Shoebox Theatre

Students will let their unique artistry out to play as they enter the artist’s studio for a week of creative self-expression in this new class offering. Create an imaginary world inside a cardboard box. Inspired by toy theatre, scenic design, and object puppetry, students will be designers, puppeteers, and directors of their own Shoebox Theatre production. Students will also enlarge the experience by developing those scenes at full scale as an acting ensemble. Tiny Adventures, Big fun! A final demonstration for family and friends will take place on the last day of class at 2:00 p.m.

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

Tuition: $450

Monday, August 8 - Friday, August 12 9:00am - 3:30pm
Taught by: Rebecca Elowe