Walden Theatre

Whether staging classics like Hedda Gabler, Antigone and Romeo and Juliet or more modern fare like The Lottery Bang Bang You're Dead and Agnes of God, Walden Theatre remains true to its vision: helping young people grow through the study of theater.

Whereas at one time Walden Theatre productions were spread across different venues, that’s no longer true, says Dan Welch, Walden's outreach director.

“We still do some (in other venues) on a very limited basis, but 90 percent” are at Walden’s own facilities, he said.

Walden Theatre’s students have staged works for the entertainment and education of fellow students and adults since 1976. Productions over the years have included such high-brow plays as Jean Anouilh’s Antigone, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, Anton Chekov’s Uncle Vanya, Federico Garcia Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba and more than two dozen productions of William Shakespeare’s plays. At the same time, the theater’s Conservatory Program students have appeared in such modern classics as Beth Henley’s The Miss Firecracker Contest, Tim Shue’s The Nerd and Susan Nanus’ The Phantom Tollbooth.

Teachers can take their classes to see their peers perform at special student matinees. These matinees cost $7, with one teacher attending free per every 10 students. You can make reservations by calling Dan Welch at (502) 589–0084, ext. 16, or e-mailing him at danwelch@waldentheatre.org.

Others can catch performances, too. Tickets cost $15 for evening performances ($10 for students and seniors), $10 for matinees ($8 for students and seniors), and $8 for preview performances. Check out the season here.

Budding stars and starlets and future playwrights can check out conservatory and summer programs here.

In addition to grooming the 200 students of the Conservatory Program in acting, playwriting and other aspects of theater, Walden Theatre's staff provides workshops that travel directly to schools. These programs include introduction to acting, William Shakespeare, improvisation, creative movement, playwriting and conflict resolution. For more information, click here. Walden even takes touring productions right to your school! Walden Theatre also provides professional development for teachers.

- by Ivonne Rovira, Louisville Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Ivonne Rovira

A graduate of the prestigious Columbia University School of Journalism in New York City, Ivonne Rovira worked as a reporter for the Miami News, The Miami Herald and The Associated Press. She has written articles for The National Catholic Reporter and The Courier-Journal. For more than 15 years, Ivonne wrote and edited articles aimed at middle-school children.