Arden Drama School
Classes and Camps for ages 2 through Grade 12+
Light your child’s creative spark! We celebrate creativity, nurture passion, and foster collaboration in our exciting classes that are taught by some of the region’s leading theatre professionals. On the last day, students perform on stage for friends and family in the Arden’s Bob and Selma Horan Studio Theatre.
Arden Drama School is for EVERYONE!
Contact edavella@ardentheatre.org for more information or questions about special needs or accommodations. For financial aid and scholarships, please fill out a scholarship application.
Fall 2024
Arden Drama School Offerings through the end of the year!
Save $15 on Winter Break Play-in-a-Day sessions (up to $60!) when you order by November 29 with code PLAYNYE
Fall 2024 Classes
Grades K-5
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
Winter 2025
January 11 – March 1, 2025
Take Advantage of Great Savings!
Register for two or more classes and SAVE $10 per class.
Use code WINTERMULTI
Winter 2025 Classes
Preschool, Ages 2-5
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
Where Bear?
by Sophy Henn
Saturday, January 11
Extra Yarn
by Mac Bernett & Jon Klassen
Saturday, January 18
Wendell the Narwhal
by Emily Dove
Saturday, January 25
Lucia the Lucadora
by Cynthia Leonor Garza & Alyssa Bermudez
Saturday, February 1
Frederick
by Leo Lionni
Saturday, February 8
Corduroy
by Don Freeman
Saturday, February 15
Little Owl Lost
by Chris Haughton
Saturday, February 22
The Way Back Home
by Oliver Jeffers
Saturday, March 1
Grades K-2
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
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
Grades K-5
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
Grades 3-5
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
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
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
Grades 6-8
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
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
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
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
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
Grades 9-12
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
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