A Place to Begin, Belong, and Grow
At Wheelock Family Theatre, we believe theatre education is about more than preparing for a performance. Through joyful, process-based experiences, students develop creativity, confidence, collaboration, and empathy—skills that last a lifetime.
Whether discovering theatre for the first time or deepening an existing passion, every student is welcomed into a community where imagination is celebrated and every voice matters.
Theatre Matters
We believe theatre creates opportunities for young people to experience joy, build meaningful relationships, and grow through creative exploration. In our classrooms and rehearsal spaces, students are encouraged to take risks, reflect on their experiences, and discover the confidence that comes from being part of a supportive artistic community.
By centering student voice, collaboration, equity, and process over perfection, we help young people develop not only theatrical skills, but the creativity, empathy, and resilience that will serve them throughout their lives.
Our process-based curriculum is guided by six core values that shape every class, rehearsal, and creative experience.
Cultivate Joy
We create joyful spaces where imagination flourishes, curiosity is celebrated, and every student feels welcomed, inspired, and excited to explore the creative process together.
Celebrate Growth & Reflection
We encourage students to embrace challenges, take creative risks, reflect on their experiences, and recognize their growth as artists, learners, collaborators, and leaders.
Connect Through Process
We value the creative journey as much as the final performance, encouraging exploration, collaboration, and reflection as students discover, create, and grow with confidence.
Commit to Equity
We strive to ensure every student has the support, opportunity, and sense of belonging needed to thrive while celebrating the diverse identities and experiences they bring.
Co-Create Community
We build inclusive ensembles where every individual belongs, every perspective is valued, and meaningful connections are formed through shared creativity.
Center Student Voice & Choice
We empower young people to make creative decisions, share their ideas, express themselves authentically, and take ownership of their artistic journey with confidence.
Explore Our Programs
Hover over each box to learn more.
Saturday Programs
Year-round process-based classes for students from Pre-K through Grade 12
Vacation Week Programs
Creative adventures inspired by the stories on our stage during February and April school vacations
Design & Performance Programs
Advanced opportunities for students to deepen their artistic experience on stage and backstage
Summer Programs
Immersive theatre experiences where students create, collaborate, and perform all summer long.
“Whether he’s building puppets, learning performance techniques, or working on a show, he is always excited and fully engaged. WFT has become a place where he feels confident, valued, and inspired to grow.”
-Wheelock Family Theatre Parent
Every Artist Starts Somewhere
Every young artist’s journey is unique. Whether students are drawn to acting, musical theatre, or design, our process-based curriculum grows alongside them—building skills, confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of theatre. Explore our three unique learning pathways (Acting, Musical Theatre, Design & Production) below.
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Imagine
Discover the joy of storytelling through creative drama, imaginative play, and ensemble-building.
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Develop
Develop the actor's toolkit through character, voice, movement, and scene work.
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Create
Strengthen performance skills while exploring diverse theatrical styles and genres.
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Grow
Refine your artistic voice through advanced acting, collaboration, and creative leadership.
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Imagine
Explore music, movement, rhythm, and imaginative play in a joyful environment.
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Develop
Build foundational skills in singing, acting, and dance while learning musical theatre technique.
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Create
Grow as a versatile performer through a variety of musical styles and ensemble experiences.
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Grow
Deepen your artistry through advanced performance, storytelling, and creative expression.
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Imagine
Discover visual storytelling through creative art-making and theatrical exploration.
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Develop
Learn the foundations of scenic, costume, lighting, props, and sound design.
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Create
Apply technical and design skills through collaborative, hands-on theatre projects.
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Grow
Bring productions to life through real-world design and production experiences.
Students are encouraged to revisit classes, explore new disciplines, and grow through experiences that become increasingly challenging as they develop both theatre skills and life skills.
Theatre for Every Student
Every young person deserves the opportunity to experience the transformative power of theatre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Many students join us with little or no previous theatre experience. Our classes are designed to welcome beginners while providing opportunities for returning students to continue growing.
Every session concludes with a sharing that celebrates students’ learning and creative process. Most programs culminate in an informal demonstration where the emphasis is on growth, collaboration, and confidence rather than a polished production. Designated production programs will end in a performance highlighting the creative process in its final form.
Classes are organized by grade level to ensure developmentally appropriate instruction and meaningful collaboration.
Comfortable clothing they can move freely in, along with closed-toe shoes.
Absolutely! We work closely with families to create an inclusive learning environment for students of all abilities. Click here to learn more.
Continue the Journey
Whether your child joins us for one Saturday morning or returns year after year, every experience is designed to nurture creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of theatre.
