The Santa Monica Playhouse Education Conservatory has opened enrollment for its Fall Theatre Workshop, marking the 56th year of the program that offers play production and musical theatre classes for children and teens.
The workshops, scheduled to run from September through November 2025, provide students aged 4 to 16 with hands-on experience in acting, singing, dancing, improvisation, costume and makeup work, lighting, sound, sets and props. Participants collaborate with professional playwrights and directors to create fully staged original productions written specifically for them.
"I am continuously impressed! The workshops and plays are structured so that every child can be successful!" said educator B. Clough. Daily Variety has called the program "one of the best in the country."
The conservatory offers three age-specific programs, all meeting Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Play Production class serves ages 7 to 11 and runs from Sept. 6 through Nov. 22. The Teen Performance Lab, for ages 11 to 16, follows the same schedule. The Early Stages Workshop for ages 4 to 6 begins later, running from Sept. 20 through Nov. 22.
Unlike traditional children's theatre programs, the Santa Monica Playhouse ensures every child receives a substantial role written specifically for them. "No small parts here — no waiting in the wings — no playing the second tree or the third fairy," the conservatory emphasizes. Each role highlights students' strengths while challenging them to develop theatre skills including performance technique, teamwork, self-confidence, creative expression, vocal projection and reading comprehension.
The Play Production class immerses young people in dramatic arts with professional theatre artists leading exciting theatre games and playwriting exercises. Students learn to collaborate with peers while developing authentic expression through activities designed to build joy and self-confidence. No prior experience is required, though advanced young actors also benefit from the workshop.
The Teen Performance Lab offers a specialized program where students work with theatre professionals to create performance pieces based on their own world experiences. Participants study the Playhouse's acting method, learning to build ensemble trust and create truthful characterizations. The program focuses on voice and movement while helping students develop increased confidence and stress management skills.
The Early Stages Workshop targets the youngest participants with structured creative activities including storytelling, crafts, songs, movement, makeup and costumes. The program stimulates cognitive, language, social, emotional and physical skills in a supportive atmosphere designed for early childhood development.
The internationally acclaimed Playhouse process was developed by co-artistic directors Chris DeCarlo and former child star Evelyn Rudie. Their method has reached more than 25,000 students locally, nationally and internationally, combining teamwork excitement, acclaimed teaching theatre power, and a stress-free arts environment where working actors share their craft with developing young people.
"Our daughter learned more about drama in one week with SMP than in all the productions she's ever done — put together. We're absolutely ecstatic!" said educator and workshop parent J. Dohr.
The program's success extends beyond childhood, with notable alumni including Kate Hudson, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Deschanel, Jason Ritter, Jason Segel, Obi Ndefo, Shana Feste, Rina Mimoun, Newark Superintendent of Schools Cami Anderson and Maroon 5's Mickey Madden, who calls the program "great in so many ways."
Following county health protocols, the Fall Theatre Workshop will be conducted in-person with limited enrollment in each session. While masking is no longer required, it remains encouraged, and performances will take place before live audiences on the Santa Monica Playhouse Main Stage.
Santa Monica Playhouse, a nonprofit theatre and educational corporation, has been a pioneer in youth theatre education for five decades, working with more than half a million young people across 11 countries. The theatre is located at 1211 4th Street in downtown Santa Monica.
Programs receive support from the We Are Santa Monica Fund, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Arts Commission and Playhouse PALS.
For information about enrollment, fees and program details, contact the Playhouse Education Conservatory at 310-394-9779, extension 3, email Education@SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com or visit SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/workshops-for-kids--teens.html.