Until working on casting a musical featuring children last week, I didn’t realize how many parents (and children) were struggling to find ways to participate in live theatre. Personally, I do not know of a one-stop-shop that can tell you about every show children can be involved with in a given area. While in this area, I only have knowledge about the DC area, I thought I’d share what I do know.

First of all, there are many opportunities for children in the DC area to get involved by performing in a show. There are 84 professional theatre, and they are all listed on theatreWashington’s Theater Directory. By visiting each theatre’s website, you can find out what’s coming up in their season and how to visit and contact each theatre. Additionally, there is a list of 33 community theatres in the DC area listed on the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors (WATCH) website. Likewise, if you visit these groups’ websites, you can learn about upcoming performance opportunities that may be suitable for children.

Additionally, there are many educational opportunities for children interested in expanding their performing skills at local theatres, including Signature Theatre, Arena Stage, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Creative Cauldron, Round House Theatre, Studio Theatre, The Theatre Lab, Adventure Theatre, and Imagination Stage. When I was younger, I attended the Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts (BAPA), renamed as Imagination Stage in 2001. Also, there are other performing arts camps available in the DC area in the summer and organizations or individuals that offer year-round acting, singing and dance classes. You may have to do a little research, but thankfully, the DC area is full of arts education opportunities.