Students of The Alsedek Theatre School. Photos courtesy of Open Stage.
The year was 1980-something, and awkward me wanted acting classes. With only the Yellow Pages, my mother enrolled me in Open Stage Studio/School, now The Alsedek Theatre School (TATS).
Although both parents have now forgotten my onstage appearance, we’re even, because I forgot my lines. Decades later, Anne Alsedek was kind enough to pat my shoulder when I shared that memory. Although my current role in theater is clearly “ticketholder,” the lessons stuck through 2020-something.
For today’s youth, Harrisburg is spoiled with an array of local programs for both summer camps and year-round instruction, as far as Lancaster, York and the west shore, or as close as downtown Harrisburg. The Alsedek Theatre School and Gamut Theatre both have grown robust programs, and the newer Harrisburg Improv Theatre has youth classes to infuse your child with a flair for the unprepared.
And if summer camps still seem far off, keep in mind that many theater programs open registration months in advance.
Every acting program is going to teach basic acting techniques like voice, body movement, character building and collaboration. “Yes, and” your child can expect to derive much more to build their own characters: confidence, empathy, critical thinking, resilience, self-actualization, self-regulation, creativity, empowerment, public speaking, taking turns and valuing others’ contributions.
Whether your child has professional stage aspirations, or just wants to try acting, there’s a place for all.
Sparking Imagination
Head of TATS and Open Stage’s Producing Artistic Director Stuart Landon described the school’s culture as a “supportive community, a welcoming, collaborative space where bold, intimate storytelling thrives.”
To help students ages 8 to 18 grow artistically and personally through meaningful experiences and social awareness, their curriculum emphasizes process over product, valuing experimentation in safe spaces.
Teens experiment by connecting with challenging stories and material, exploring complex characters and themes. A focus for younger students is sparking imagination through literature and storytelling.
“Thought-provoking stories push students to expand their empathy and understanding of the world,” Landon said.
With the belief that theater is art plus discipline, TATS employs lead instructor and education coordinator Rachel Landon, a heavily credentialed acting teacher with international experience. Stuart praised his sister’s abilities to connect with students of all levels, providing what he described as extraordinary mentorship, bringing out the best in her students.
“[Rachel] believes in meeting her students where they are, guiding them to discover their unique voices as artists and individuals,” he said.
Board member Heidi Bowie, also mother to Sawyer, 14, voiced high praise for both Landon siblings, describing TATS as “a family that brings you in.”
“The directors understand how to push limits to keep kids comfortable, but also learn and grow,” Bowie said. “The kids become their best selves onstage.”
Be Seen, Be Heard
Gamut Theatre also attempts to challenge students, with an actor-based approach.
Executive Director Melissa Nicholson said that Gamut allows kids ages 8 and older to explore what’s possible without trappings like costumes, makeup or props.
Your child’s age is not a defining factor for which class they belong in. Placement is based on proficiency, with promotion to the next class based on instructor recommendations. Gamut’s capstone class offering is by invitation only.
Gamut’s approach focuses on students using their voices, bodies and minds as tools to create characters and ensembles, presenting themselves well onstage to be seen, be heard and be understood.
The curriculum encourages experimenting and risk-taking, allowing students to explore vocally and physically playing characters different from themselves, not only in gender or age, but also how animal characters might think or move.
“It’s cool to be able to do that with young students,” Nicholson said. “When you get older, you see how you’re most marketable, and stay in that lane.”
Gamut’s faculty attracts accredited instructors holding theater degrees, teaching degrees or both. With instructors, classroom assistants and actors experimenting, everyone is learning from each other and enriching themselves with experience. Instructors who have less experience may serve as a classroom assistant under a more seasoned one, for example.
Jessi Gazsi, 39, mother to two children under 10 with opposite personalities, said that she loves Gamut’s accessible vibe and foundation of inclusion, which unexpectedly extended to a sometimes-lonely mom finding a valuable community of adult friendships post-pandemic.
Playing & Experimenting
For youth that may want to try something a little different than typical acting classes, Harrisburg Improv Theatre offers a chance to go off script.
Founder/owner Jake “Straight Outta” Compton said, “We’re punk rock with a culture of playtime.”
Improv training is equal parts writing, directing and acting, at the same time. Although instructors don’t emphasize acting basics, they highlight other important points.
“We talk about what works in scenes, about having honest emotional reactions,” Compton said. “Many improvisers end up in film rather than theater because of understated acting styles. It’s more subtle, closer to reality, and plays better in film, not so much onstage.”
With no scripts and barely any setting or props onstage, iron is sharpening iron. The class is equally shaped by the students as collaborators.
“It’s all about scene work and building with your person. We collaborate and imagine building a world together,” Compton said. “Kids are great at playing like this. You say, ‘Yes, and…’ and add to it.”
Improv is all experimental, with rewards exceeding risk, and everyone supporting each other.
“There’s value to kids interacting in a physical space, making eye contact… getting a feel for timing that you might not get in traditional acting classes,” he said.
HIT offers kid-prov classes for ages 8 to 17, plus mixers with adults.
The theater’s first class is now reaching adulthood, enjoying success in acting, with some even enrolled in the Capital Area School for the Arts.
“Stage time has helped them be more confident, act in films and win acting competitions,” Compton said.
While some acting class students may go on to pursue the craft professionally, others may not, but instructors still see the benefit that the education had on them.
Landon is equally proud of TAT’s non-acting alumni.
“Anne Alsedek believed theater teaches essential skills like communication, collaboration and creative problem-solving—reflected in the success of our students across all disciplines,” he said.
Nicholson advocates for a different definition of success: a love for acting and lifelong theater involvement.
No matter which youth theater program you consider, ask about scholarships, internships, discounts, free tickets, ridesharing and working in exchange for tuition. Accessibility makes the dream work.
Class Act
Are your kids interested in exploring and developing their thespian talents? Fortunately, there are quite a few programs offered in our area.
Harrisburg
Gamut Theatre Group: www.gamuttheatre.org/gta
Capital Area School for the Arts: www.casa-arts.org/theatre
Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center: www.thehcpac.org
Harrisburg Improv Theatre: www.hbgimprov.com/classes
Open Stage: www.openstagehbg.com
Camp Hill
The Pollock Center: www.thepollockcenter.com
Hershey
Hershey Area Playhouse: www.hersheyareaplayhouse.com/theatre-academy-offerings
Lancaster
Fulton Theatre: www.thefulton.org/community/academy/classes
Popovsky Performing Arts: www.popovskyperformingarts.com
New Cumberland
West Shore Theatre: www.westshoretheatre.org/arts-and-education
York
The Belmont Theatre: www.thebelmont.org/classes
Appell Center for the Performing Arts: www.appellcenter.org/shows-and-tickets/category/workshops-classes
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
