Anonymous
Post 03/12/2026 08:10     Subject: Re:Experience with pre-professional theater programs in the DC area?

I would focus on her doing this for fun. Good suggestions in this thread.
Anonymous
Post 03/12/2026 08:08     Subject: Experience with pre-professional theater programs in the DC area?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My 9 year old adores theater.

She’s currently doing her second student production at Adventure Theater. She’s gotten decent roles for a 3rd grader in both shows she’s done (multiple lines, featured solo singing, prominent placement in dances).

She’s also been in dance she was 4 (ballet and jazz).

She’s in private voice lessons.

She very much wants to do theater professionally.


Does anyone have experience with the pre-professional programs in the area? I know ATMTC has one starting in 4th and Young Artists of America has one starting in 6th.

I don’t want to burn her out but I also want to help meet her where she is, which is very committed.

Thanks!!


She's 9, lol.

But I highly recommend the Studio Theater Conservatory. https://studioactingconservatory.org/programs/young-actors-program/

--professional actor


Thanks for the rec! And yeah of course she’s still super young. She’s just a Broadway-obsessed theater kid lol.
Anonymous
Post 03/11/2026 16:00     Subject: Experience with pre-professional theater programs in the DC area?

Anonymous wrote:My 9 year old adores theater.

She’s currently doing her second student production at Adventure Theater. She’s gotten decent roles for a 3rd grader in both shows she’s done (multiple lines, featured solo singing, prominent placement in dances).

She’s also been in dance she was 4 (ballet and jazz).

She’s in private voice lessons.

She very much wants to do theater professionally.


Does anyone have experience with the pre-professional programs in the area? I know ATMTC has one starting in 4th and Young Artists of America has one starting in 6th.

I don’t want to burn her out but I also want to help meet her where she is, which is very committed.

Thanks!!


She's 9, lol.

But I highly recommend the Studio Theater Conservatory. https://studioactingconservatory.org/programs/young-actors-program/

--professional actor
Anonymous
Post 03/11/2026 15:30     Subject: Experience with pre-professional theater programs in the DC area?

Traveling Players has day and sleepaway camps for elementary age kids. DS did the day program in elementary and the sleepaway program as a middle schooler and enjoys.

It is classical theater not musical theater, though
Anonymous
Post 03/08/2026 22:33     Subject: Experience with pre-professional theater programs in the DC area?

Anonymous wrote:YAA is incredible. Great training and great climate (which can be lacking in many private theater programs).

Not "pre-professional" and not at the same level of training as YAA, but Imagination Stage is good for her age, as well.


OP here. Thank you! She’s been taking imagination stage summer classes for a few years and loves them.
Anonymous
Post 03/08/2026 18:39     Subject: Experience with pre-professional theater programs in the DC area?

YAA is incredible. Great training and great climate (which can be lacking in many private theater programs).

Not "pre-professional" and not at the same level of training as YAA, but Imagination Stage is good for her age, as well.
Anonymous
Post 03/08/2026 11:41     Subject: Experience with pre-professional theater programs in the DC area?

My 9 year old adores theater.

She’s currently doing her second student production at Adventure Theater. She’s gotten decent roles for a 3rd grader in both shows she’s done (multiple lines, featured solo singing, prominent placement in dances).

She’s also been in dance she was 4 (ballet and jazz).

She’s in private voice lessons.

She very much wants to do theater professionally.

Does anyone have experience with the pre-professional programs in the area? I know ATMTC has one starting in 4th and Young Artists of America has one starting in 6th.

I don’t want to burn her out but I also want to help meet her where she is, which is very committed.

Thanks!!