Spaces Available for December Vacation Week Classes

Looking for a fun, enriching activity for your child during their December vacation? There are a few spaces remaining in the Wheelock Family Theatre’s December vacation week classes, held December 28, 2015 through January 1, 2016

Ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare, WFT classes will teach your child new skills and help build their confidence on stage and off. Descriptions of the classes for each age group are below, or you can see a complete listing on our website.

If you'd like to register, you can do so online or call us at 617-879-1175. If you would like our help in selecting the best choice(s) for your child, please contact Lloyd Woodcock at 617-879-1175 or lwoodcock@wheelock.edu

Vacation Week Classes

Ages 5-6 Winter Animal Tales.

December Vacation Week: 5-day session. December 28 – January 1. 8:30am - 3:00pm.

Tuition: $450. No extended day.

Although some animals are hibernating, there are others out frolicking and playing in the snow. Students will create characters and stories based on the animals that thrive during winter.

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Ages 7-8 Act Now!.

December Vacation Week: 5-day session. December 28 – January 1, 9:00am - 3:30pm.

Tuition: $450. Extended day 3:30-5:00pm, $75/week.

What are the essential skills any good actor must have? In this class, beginners and more experienced performers will explore and build upon the fundamentals of acting through movement, voice, and building a character.

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Ages 9-11 Scene into Song: The Art of the Musical Theatre Segue.

December Vacation Week: 5-day session. December 28 – January 1, 9:00am - 3:30pm.

Tuition: $450. Extended day 3:30-5:00pm, $75/week.

Musical theatre is full of fantastic transitions. In this class, students will learn how to transition from a scene to a song, creating a believable shift that allows the audience to follow a character’s journey.

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Ages 12-16 The Sound and Fury of Shakespeare.

December Vacation Week: 5-day session. December 28 – January 1, 9:00am - 3:30pm.

Tuition: $450. Extended day 3:30-5:00pm, $75/week.

Shakespeare’s words come to life as students explore the actions and tempo of the Bard’s writings. Using script analysis, movement techniques, and other acting tools, students will begin to unlock the power of Shakespeare’s plays.

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And a great big thank you to John Bay upon his retirement!

To the Wheelock Community,



It is with mixed emotions that I write to inform you that John Bay is retiring, effective June 30. As WFT’s first full-time Director of Education John built a model program that continues to thrive. Firmly grounded in child development and multiple intelligences theories, he hired and mentored countless teachers in a child-centered approach to teaching and learning through and about the arts. He developed longstanding partnerships with schools and organizations to make classes available to students who are most in need. With intelligence, thoughtful planning, a collaborative spirit, and openness to new approaches, John made the WFT’s education program a crucial component of the theatre.

Living the Moment: Teen Intensive

The Advance Performance Intensive for teens was terrific! Such a talented crew and such varied work they presented, scenes from "Asleep on the Wind" by Ellen Byron, "Blithe Spirit" by Noel Coward,  "The Women of Lockerbie" by Deborah Brevoort, "Lovers" by Brian Friel, and "The Case of the Crushed Petunias" by Tennessee Williams.

Musical Intensive: Helen on 86th Street

The 2-week Musical Intensive class performed "Helen on 86th St" on Friday August 15 AND playwright Nicole Kempskie and composer Robby Stamper came to see the show!

Circus Spendida at WFT

Our summer students (7-9 yrs. old) have prepared the mini-musical, CIRCUS SPLENDIDA.

Drama and Teen Education

Why pre-college teens should study drama.

The arts, including drama, are not just another area of study for teenagers; the arts can change the lens through which teaching and learning happen across the academic curriculum. A drama-and-movement-based approach, especially when combined with multiple intelligences theory and practice (all of us are smart in many different ways), enhances skills that are highly prized in the workplace: critical thinking; collaboration; improvisation; empathy; and outside-the-box problem-solving. Learning public presentation skills, for example, can enable teens to shine in college interviews – an oral version of their college essays. The business community seeks college graduates who can work creatively and productively in small groups. Training in improvisation allows for calm, clear, creative thought and action under pressure. Drama education develops all of a student's intelligences and heightens their awareness of themselves, others, and the world around them. And that's a good preparation for college and beyond!

Why study drama and movement at Wheelock Family Theatre?

You'll receive individualized attention to help you build on your strengths and give you the confidence and self-awareness you need to face your challenges. WFT's professional teaching artists include Boston's finest actors and directors. Our small class size, with a 10:1 adult/student ratio or lower, ensures that we can provide you with high quality, customized training in all aspects of performance. Teachers who have come to know you will help you select specific classes to continue developing your skills and honing your craft. Equally as important, WFT is truly a diverse family that celebrates differences and warmly welcomes all. It's a place where you will make friends and become part of a supportive community, both at WFT and in Boston's theatre community. At Wheelock, you are challenged to take your work seriously, but not yourselves.