Theatre Education Matters
“Theatre is uniquely special in that it is both a narrative and physicalized art form… psychologically the practice of physicalized storytelling prepares you for being a human outside of the theatre.” – Dr. Thalia Goldstein, Why Theatre Education Matters
Mission:
We champion research-based theatre education programs that help our kids shine.
Vision:
Our programming and research demonstrate theatre education’s key role in developing an empathetic and engaged citizenry.
The CONSERVATORY program serves as an artistic home and vibrant COMMUNITY center for children and families in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
School programs CULTIVATE student attendance, confidence, and literacy, and increase support and funding for theatre education nation-wide.
Values:
Play is more than having fun
Young people are capable
Students deserve safe and inclusive spaces
Theatre education matters
Our best inspires your best
Curriculum:
Within the framework of The Eight Acting Habits of Mind, NCT Teaching Artists meet students ages 3-18 where they are, adapting activities to their skill level while encouraging artistic risk-taking and playing outside of comfort zones when students feel safe to do so. Our classes and productions welcome students new to theatre, students with varying skill levels and interests, and students with accommodations. NCT prides itself on its ability to offer programs that are both playful and rigorous, fun and challenging, where healthy student development is prioritized over a final product.
Our Story:
In January of 2025, a group of experienced theatre artists and educators founded National Children’s Theatre to champion research-based theatre education programs that help our kids shine. Based in Capitol Hill and serving schools and communities in the DMV, National Children’s Theatre offers camps, classes, and performances for ages 3-18: our students are the stars.
In our first year we had 322 Conservatory registrations and awarded 30 scholarships worth $11,470 to families. Additionally, 165 children were engaged through our School Programs. We are committed to providing opportunities to every student who wants to participate, regardless of their ability to pay tuition fees. Families share that their students, “love the safe and supportive space to express themselves.”
Non-Discrimination Policy
National Children’s Theatre does not and will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, the appointment to and termination from its Board of Directors, hiring and firing of staff or contractors, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and providing of services.
National Children’s Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. We shall not discriminate and will not tolerate discrimination in employment, recruitment, Board membership, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, or for any other discriminatory reason.