Walden Theatre: Performed by the Young for the Young
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.
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.
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.
Posted on Feb 8, 2011 by Ivonne Rovira
