ACT ONE Theatre School

Hey Pennsylvania families! Are you looking for an enriching and exciting experience for your child this summer, or perhaps a year-round program that fosters creativity and confidence? Look no further than ACT ONE Theatre School, a celebrated institution right here in Pittsburgh that has been transforming young lives through the magic of theatre for over 30 years. Known for its nurturing environment and high-quality instruction, ACT ONE is more than just a summer camp organizer; it's a dedicated school where children truly blossom.

Since 1986, ACT ONE Theatre School has been committed to providing Pittsburgh area students with the finest foundations in theatre education. Their comprehensive, student-oriented programs are designed to develop essential skills, foster boundless creativity, and provide success experiences for every child involved. Whether your child is just discovering their love for the stage or is already a seasoned performer, ACT ONE offers a welcoming space where every voice is heard, and every talent is cherished.

One of the core philosophies at ACT ONE is that every child is "used extensively" and "equally encouraged and cherished" in their productions. This inclusive approach ensures that no child is left in the wings, allowing them to truly shine and experience the thrill of performing. As one delighted parent shared, "My daughter is in 3rd grade and just finished up with her performance in Mary Poppins. The school is amazing. My daughter has grown up so much in the 8 months she had classes. I highly recommend this wonderful school that nurtures and develops children. AMAZING!" Such testimonials reflect the profound impact ACT ONE has on its students, helping them grow not only as performers but as confident and expressive individuals.

The school year programs often consist of a semester focused on skill development in areas like improvisation, audition skills, acting for film, acting, voice, and dance, followed by a production-oriented semester culminating in a fully-produced musical. This balanced approach ensures students receive both foundational training and practical performance experience. Their summer camps extend this philosophy into engaging shorter sessions, perfect for summertime fun and learning.

ACT ONE Theatre School is conveniently located at 453 Dawson Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15202, USA. This address places the school in a central and accessible part of Pittsburgh, making it a viable option for families across the city and its vibrant surrounding communities in Pennsylvania. Dawson Avenue is typically easy to navigate, ensuring a straightforward commute for parents and students.

The school's location within Pittsburgh means it is integrated into a well-connected urban environment, offering various transportation options. For families in the greater Pittsburgh area, the ease of access to ACT ONE is a significant advantage, reducing travel time and making it simpler to incorporate theatre programs into busy schedules. Adequate street parking or nearby public parking options are generally available, adding to the convenience for drop-offs and pick-ups. This strategic placement ensures that a wide range of local children can readily access the high-quality theatre education and enriching summer camp experiences that ACT ONE Theatre School provides, further cementing its role as a vital community resource for the performing arts.

• Comprehensive theatre programs for elementary and middle school-aged children (typically 2nd-8th grade).
• Theatre summer camps designed for ages 5-14, focusing on acting, singing, and dancing.
• School year programs divided into Fall (skill development) and Winter/Spring (production-oriented) semesters.
• Classes in core theatre skills: acting, improvisation, audition skills, acting for film, voice, and dance.
• Fully-produced musical performances where every student is cast and utilized extensively.
• Multiple casts for musicals to accommodate family schedules.
• High school programs offering advanced training in acting, design/production, and musical theatre.
• Private one-on-one music lessons (singing, drums, keyboard) for ages 6-18 (though some sources indicate this is a separate "Music School" offering).
• Small camper-to-staff ratio (e.g., maximum 5:1 in summer camps) for personalized attention.
• Counsellors with a minimum of one year of university/college drama training.
• Age-relevant groups in summer camps to ensure appropriate interaction and learning.
• Opportunities for campers to create their own performance material in some programs.
• Performances on a fully-equipped theatrical stage.
• Flexible, low-cost early drop-off / late pick-up options for summer camps (e.g., 7:30 am - 6:00 pm).
• Improvisation workshops for older campers (e.g., ages 10+).
• Short film projects for senior campers (e.g., ages 12+), screened during the final show.
• Professional photography and videography of sessions and performances for families.

• Over 30 years of experience in theatre education, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to nurturing young talent.
• A comprehensive, student-oriented program that develops skills, fosters creativity, and provides success experiences for all children.
• Commitment to ensuring every child is extensively and equally involved in productions, promoting inclusivity.
• Highly dedicated and experienced faculty, including music directors and voice instructors with extensive professional backgrounds.
• Nurturing and supportive environment that encourages children to take performance risks and blossom in professionalism and self-confidence.
• Proven track record of student growth and development, as evidenced by glowing parent testimonials.
• A curriculum that balances foundational skill-building (acting, voice, dance) with practical performance opportunities.
• Well-structured seasonal programs culminating in high-quality musical productions.
• Summer camps designed to be dynamic and interactive, offering acting, singing, and dancing.
• Emphasis on creating original performance material in some camp programs, fostering unique creativity.
• Performance opportunities on fully equipped theatrical stages, providing authentic stage experience.
• Flexible scheduling options, including multiple casts and extended care for summer camps, to accommodate busy families.
• Alumni who continue to pursue theatre and arts education at higher levels.

Address: 453 Dawson Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15202, USA

Phone: (412) 422-4306

For families across Pittsburgh and the wider Pennsylvania region, ACT ONE Theatre School stands out as an exceptional choice for children's theatre education and summer camp experiences. Its suitability for locals stems from its deep roots in the community, its comprehensive approach to youth development, and its unwavering commitment to fostering a love for the performing arts.

Firstly, ACT ONE's remarkable longevity – over 30 years in operation – speaks volumes about its stability, reputation, and consistent delivery of quality programs. This history provides parents with confidence that they are entrusting their children to an established and respected institution. The school's mission to "nurture and develop children" is clearly reflected in the glowing testimonials from satisfied parents, highlighting the transformative impact the school has on its students' confidence, creativity, and personal growth. For parents in Pennsylvania seeking more than just an activity, but a truly enriching developmental experience, ACT ONE offers a compelling proposition.

Secondly, the comprehensive nature of ACT ONE's offerings, from school-year programs that balance skill development with full-scale productions to engaging summer camps, means there's a perfect fit for various ages and interests. The fact that every child is given a meaningful role in productions ensures an inclusive and fulfilling experience, building confidence and a sense of accomplishment. This contrasts with settings where some children might feel marginalized, making ACT ONE an ideal environment for nurturing every aspiring performer. The availability of specialized classes in acting, singing, and dancing, taught by experienced professionals, ensures a well-rounded theatrical education.

Finally, the convenience of its Pittsburgh location makes ACT ONE highly accessible for families throughout the area. Ease of access is a crucial factor for busy local parents, allowing children to consistently participate in and benefit from the programs without excessive travel burdens. By choosing ACT ONE Theatre School, Pennsylvania families are not only investing in top-tier theatre education but also in a community where children can discover their voices, unleash their creativity, and build foundational skills that will serve them well both on and off the stage. It's a place where young dreams take center stage and truly come to life.

ACT ONE Theatre School

453 Dawson Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15202, USA