Arden Drama School

Play in a Day

In the Arden’s award-winning classes (Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly: Kids Classes), students work together to create an original play. Each Play-in-a-Day is as unique as the participants, so take one or all of them—the story and characters are always new!

All Play in a Days are for Grades K-5 and are held from 9am-5pm for $80. Register with the links below:

Winter Break
Monday, December 23, 2024

Winter Break
Friday, December 27 

Winter Break
Monday, December 30

Winter Break
Tuesday, December 31

Save $15 on Winter Break Play-in-a-Day sessions (up to $60!) when you order by November 29 with code PLAYNYE

Bookworms

For Ages 2-5 and their Caregivers

In Bookworms, we use theatre games, music, and creative movement to bring a story to life! Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are all invited, but not required, to participate.

Drop-in for $18 per child or Register for all 8 classes for $112 (Save over 20%!)

ALL 8 CLASSES

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Where Bear?
by Sophy Henn
Saturday, January 11

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Extra Yarn
by Mac Bernett & Jon Klassen
Saturday, January 18

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Wendell the Narwhal
by Emily Dove
Saturday, January 25 

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Lucia the Lucadora
by Cynthia Leonor Garza & Alyssa Bermudez
Saturday, February 1

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Frederick
by Leo Lionni
Saturday, February 8

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Corduroy
by Don Freeman
Saturday, February 15

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Little Owl Lost
by Chris Haughton
Saturday, February 22

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The Way Back Home
by Oliver Jeffers
Saturday, March 1

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Eight-Week Classes

Acting K-2
January 11 – March 1, 2025​

Learn the basics of acting and storytelling through up-on-your-feet ensemble exercises that activate actor tools.

Saturdays, 10am – 11:30am
Grades:  K – 2
Cost: 8 classes/$205

Register

Musical Theatre K-2
January 11 – March 1, 2025​

Using beloved music from Broadway and Disney classics, learn to sing and use movement to bring a song to life.

Saturdays, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Grades:  K – 2
Cost: 8 classes/$205

Register

Play in a Day

In the Arden’s award-winning classes (Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly: Kids Classes), students work together to create an original play. Each Play-in-a-Day is as unique as the participants, so take one or all of them—the story and characters are always new!

All Play in a Days are for Grades K-5 and are held from 9am-5pm for $80. Register with the links below:

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, January 20, 2025

President’s Day
Monday, February 17, 2025

Eight-Week Classes

Musical Theatre 3-5
January 11 – March 1, 2025

Learn the fundamentals of musical theatre by performing group songs, complete with choreography, from Broadway and Disney.

Saturdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Grades:  Grades 3 – 5
Cost: 8 classes/$205

Register

Acting 3-5
January 11 – March 1, 2025

Use scripts to learn the fundamental skill of acting, with a special focus on engaging the body, voice, and imagination.

Saturdays, 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Grades: Grades 3 – 5
Cost: 8 classes/$205

Register

One Day Workshops

Back to Neverland: Behind the Scenes Peter Pan Acting Workshop
Saturday, February 8

Want to better understand the craft that created Arden Children’s Theatre production of Peter Pan?
Spend the afternoon doing storytelling and acting exercises that built the show you loved!

Saturday, February 8, 2pm – 5pm
Age: Grades 3 – 5
Cost: $50

Register

Eight-Week Classes

ACTING 6-8: Creating Characters​
January 11 – March 1, 2025

Through scenes, monologues, and improv exercises, learn distinct techniques to develop and share characters. Engage the body and voice to create specific, complex characters; take risks and make bold choices with acting; and collaborate with other actors.

Saturdays, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Grades: Grades 6 – 8
Cost: 8 classes/$205

Register

Musical Theatre 6-8: Acting Through Song
January 11 – March 1, 2025

Work on key techniques to tell story through song and dance, guided by a professional music director and choreographer. Practice new songs (solos, duets, and trios) while learning to project character, emotion, and point of view.

Saturdays, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Grades:  Grades 6 – 8
Cost: 8 classes/$205

Register

One Day Workshops

Musical Revue Workshop
Monday, December 30

Students work with a music director on hit songs from popular Broadway musicals, culminating in performance for family and friends at 4pm.

Monday, December 30, 12-4:30 pm
Age: Grades 6 – 8
Cost: $50

Register

Musical Theatre Dance Workshop
Monday, January 20 (MLK Day)

Strengthen your musical theatre skills in this dance workshop led by a professional choreographer.  Learn the dance techniques to rock a Broadway routine in this active class!

Monday, January 20 (MLK Day), 10am – 1pm
Age: Grades 6 – 8
Cost: $50

Register

Audition Technique Workshop
Monday, February 17 (President’s Day)

Learn the tips and tricks to nail your audition through this workshop led by professional artists. Work with monologues and scenes to practice the skills needed to present a compelling audition.

Monday, February 17 (President’s Day), 10am – 1pm
Age: Grades 6 – 8
Cost: $50

Register

Eight-Week Classes

MUSICAL THEATRE: Technique
January 11 – March 1, 2025

Expand your vocal skills in a class that teaches you what it takes to be a musical theatre performer. Work with a professional music director and choreographer on classic and contemporary Broadway music to strengthen vocal technique, communicate effectively through song, and build knowledge of musical theatre repertoire. There will be a chance to work on solos and ensemble numbers.

Saturdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: Grades 9 – 12
Cost: $205

Register

ACTING: Scene Study
January 11 – March 1, 2025

Become a strong actor by learning how to bring a scene to life. Work with a professional actor on the basics of script analysis. Learn how to mine scenes for key moments that inspire bold character choices and amplify the dramatic tension. Put these skills into practice each week working through and rehearsing various scenes on their feet with fellow actors.

Saturdays, 3:00 – 5:00pm
Ages: Grades 9 – 12
Cost: $205

Register

Drama Camps (One and Two Week Camps!)

Campers take a theatrical journey through Acting, Music, Storytelling, and Dance as they work as an ensemble to create and rehearse an original play. Camp culminates with an onstage performance for family and friends, complete with lights, singing, and dancing. Take one or all of them – each session is as unique as its students! 

Quest for Adventure
June 23 – June 27 (One Week Camp)
Final Performance: Friday, June 27

Leave your hobbit hole behind as you act, sing, and dance your way through a fantastical adventure! 

REGISTER ONE WEEK

The World of Witchcraft and Wizardry
July 7 – July 18  (Two Week Camp)
July 14 – July 18 (One Week Camp)
Final Performance: Friday, July 18

Break open your spell book and get ready to journey through a magical world! 

REGISTER TWO WEEKS REGISTER ONE WEEK

Guardians of Space and Time
July 21 – July 25 (One Week Camp)
Final Performance: Friday, July 25

Act, sing, and dance your way through space AND time! 

REGISTER ONE WEEK

Superhero Task Force
July 28 – August 1 (One Week Camp)
Final Performance: Friday, August 1

Reveal your super power and team up to save the world! 

REGISTER ONE WEEK

After Ever After
August 4 – August 15  (Two Week Camp)
August 11- August 15 (One Week Camp)
Final Performance: Friday, August 15

Discover what happens after the fairytale ending! 

REGISTER TWO WEEKS REGISTER ONE WEEK

Let the Games Begin
August 25 – August 29 (One Week Camp)
Final Performance: Friday, August 29

Roll the dice and level up in this games and sports themed week of camp! 

REGISTER ONE WEEK

Specialty Camps (One Week Camps!)

Specialty Camps stimulate young artists and build confidence as they explore a specific theatre skill in a deeper way. Each session concludes with a presentation for family and friends! 

Design Camp
July 7 – 11 (One Week Camp)
Final Presentation: Friday, July 11

Theatre professionals teach campers how costumes, props, set, lights, and sound help bring a story to life on stage. Campers will learn the basics of the theatrical design process and put those skills into practice on various projects. On the last day of camp, family and friends are invited to view an installation of all work created during the week. 

REGISTER ONE WEEK

Comedy Camp
July 21 – 25 (One Week Camp)
Final Presentation: Friday, July 25

Campers get a crash course in sketch comedy, physical humor, and improv to take their comedic skills to the next level. Over the course of the week, campers will be guided by professionals to create their own short-form comedy sketches and routines that will be presented on the final day for family and friends! 

REGISTER ONE WEEK

Musical Theatre Camp
July 28 – August 1 (Session 1)
Final Presentation: Friday, August 1

August 18 – 22 (Session 2)
Final Presentation: Friday, August 22 

Musical Theatre professionals teach campers how to connect story to lyrics using beloved Broadway and Disney songs. Campers will learn musical numbers, complete with choreography, and perform a revue for family and friends on the last day of camp! 

REGISTER SESSION 1 REGISTER SESSION 2

Dance Camp
August 4 – 8 (One Week Camp)
Final Presentation: Friday, August 8

Campers will explore the language of theatrical movement and dance, and learn numbers choreographed by professionals for a show at the end of the week for family and friends. Dancers of all experience levels are welcome! 

REGISTER ONE WEEK

Masterclass Week

June 23-27 

12:00-5:00pm

Extended Day options from 5:00 – 6:00pm

Take one day for $75 or the full week for $300 to further develop your skills as a performer!

REGISTER FULL WEEK

Improv
Monday, June 23

Learn how to think on your feet and act without a script. A theatre professional will guide students through a variety of improv exercises to create characters, establish relationships, and explore short-form comedic scenes. 

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Song Study
Tuesday, June 24

Learn how to communicate story through song using ensemble-based vocal techniques. A musical theatre professional shows how to identify clues in the music and lyrics to enhance character traits and connect with the audience.

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Scene Study
Wednesday, June 25

Sharpen your acting skills by working with a theatre professional on scenes from contemporary and classic plays. This class will challenge students to analyze text and create believable characters, while honing their performance technique. 

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Movement and Musical Theatre
Thursday, June 26

Strengthen your musical theatre skills in this class led by a professional choreographer. In this active class, students will learn the dance techniques to rock a Broadway routine. 

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Shakespeare and Combat
Friday, June 27

Work with a professional actor combatant in this exciting class that will explore some of Shakespeare’s best fight scenes. Students will learn how to wield Shakespeare’s language as well as a few key stage combat moves to bring the drama to the next level. 

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Arden Summer Studio 

Studios are held Monday-Friday from 10:00am-5:00pm 

Extended Day Options from 8:00-10:00am and 5:00-6:00pm 

One Week Studio: $430 

Two Week Studio: $760 

The Arden Summer Studio provides exclusive access to classes taught by Philadelphia’s top theatre artists. During Studio weeks, students will deepen their theatre skills, explore their individual creativity, and collaborate with their fellow artists in creating a compelling final showcase on the Arcadia Theatre stage for family and friends. 

Comedy Studio
July 7 – 11 (One Week Studio)
Final Performance: Friday, July 11

This camp provides a space to explore what it means to be funny and how to translate that humor to an audience. Students will learn about a variety of comedic skill sets, such as improv, sketch comedy, and physical humor. Camp ends with a final comedy showcase for family and friends. 

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Acting Studio
July 14 – 25 (Two Week Studio)
Final Performance: Friday, July 25

Learn how to employ key acting techniques while working on both classical and contemporary scripts. Students will explore exercises that help them become an active listener, create believable characters, and build ensemble skills. Camp ends with a final showcase for family and friends. 

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Musical Theatre Cabaret
July 28 – August 8 (Two Week Studio)
Final Performance: Friday, August 8

Musical Theatre professionals will teach students how to hone their singing, movement, and acting skills while learning how to harmonize, integrate choreography, and interpret a song. Students will collaborate on a cabaret style performance to present to friends and family on the last day.  

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Shakespeare Studio
August 18 – 22 (One Week Studio)

Explore Shakespeare’s plays and characters through voice work, movement, stage combat, monologues, and scenes. Students will gain confidence in understanding, interpreting, and performing both comedy and tragedy through the work of the Bard. The class will culminate in a showcase performance for family and friends. 

REGISTER

To be announced…

Stay tuned for a special announcement about Teen Camps in 2025