The Strand’s education department provides an important boost to a student’s education curriculum by offering a hands-on understanding of the world of theatre. Arts education can be a powerful tool to sharpen skills in creative thinking, social interaction, self-confidence, time management, and more.
SUMMER 2025
PERFORMULA SUMMER CAMP
JULY 14-18, 2025
AGE: Rising 3rd through rising 6th grade
LOCATION: Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
Over the course of this camp, students will have a blast learning the ins and outs of theatre production by putting together a bite-sized musical from start to finish.
For information on tuition assistance, please contact The Strand Education Department at education@strandmarietta.org
Musical Theatre Boot Camp
JULY 21-25, 2025
AGE: Rising 6th through 12th grade
LOCATION: Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
This camp offers concentrated training in the craft of singing, acting, and dancing for musical theatre, as well as how to prepare for musical theatre auditions.
For information on tuition assistance, please contact The Strand Education Department at education@strandmarietta.org
ANASTASIA the musical (Youth edition)
PERFORMANCES: July 8-10, 2025
LOCATION: Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
Join us for a spectacular musical experience as young performers, ages 9 to 19, bring Anastasia: The Musical to life in a thrilling 60-minute adaptation designed especially for student actors!
Inspired by the Broadway production from acclaimed creators Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty, and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Once On This Island), this captivating show follows the story of a courageous young woman named Anya. Set against the backdrop of the fall of Imperial Russia and the excitement of 1920s Paris, Anya’s quest to uncover the secrets of her past becomes a breathtaking journey of self-discovery. With the help of a clever con man and a warm-hearted nobleman, she faces danger and deception as she searches for a place to call home.
Don’t miss this enchanting performance full of heart, history, and high adventure — a perfect outing for families and fans of musical theater alike. Get your tickets now and support these talented young performers as they bring this unforgettable story to the stage!
Please note: Anastasia The Musical is not part of the summer camp program. Enrollment in summer camps is not required to participate in the summer musical.
FALL/SPRING 2025/2026
NEW IN 2025
SPOTLIGHT PLAYERS DRAMA CLUB
MONDAYS | starting august 2025
ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: July 31, 2025
FIRST DAY OF CLASS: August 4th, 2025
TIME: Mondays at 5:00-7:00
AGE: 3rd-6th grade
TUITION: $120/month (scholarships are available with application)
LOCATION: Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
PERFORMANCES:
Strandemonium: October 20, 2025
Spring Musical Tech Week: April 20-21, 2025
Spring Musical (TBD): April 22-23, 2025
Join Strand Academy: Spotlight Players! Are you ready to take center stage? Our after school theater program invites 3rd-6th graders on an exciting journey of creativity, learning, and performance!
Program Highlights
Weekly Sessions: Starting August 4th, we will meet every Monday afternoon, following a schedule that aligns with Marietta City School break schedule.
Focus on Skills: Beyond just putting on a show, our program is dedicated to honing the craft of musical theater. From mastering stage directions to embodying stage etiquette, refining performance techniques, and even learning new ones, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to shine on stage. Students will be learning techniques from dance, music, and acting.
Teamwork: Theater is all about collaboration, and our program emphasizes the importance of working together. Through group exercises and projects, students will develop essential teamwork skills while forging lasting friendships with their fellow performers.
*No Audition Required: All aspiring actors are welcome! While there will be an audition for placement and casting purposes, students do not need to audition to join the program. We believe in nurturing every child’s potential while providing a supportive environment for them to thrive.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to ignite your child’s passion for theater and unleash their creativity! Enroll them in our after school program today and watch them shine on stage.
About The Strand Academy
The Strand education program began in 2011 with the creation of the Performula musical theatre camp by Earl Reece, former director of the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook High School. Out of that camp has grown a year long process-focused theatre education program intent on teaching students not only the technical how-tos of performance, but on the crucial life skills of cooperation, leadership, and self-confidence.
Due to the ongoing commitment of businesses and individuals in the community, the Strand Academy is able to continue this valuable educational program which introduces the creativity and magic of live theatre to the next generation.
PROGRAMMING
The Strand Academy offers summer camps, a summer musical, Spotlight Players after school drama club, master classes, and private/small group lessons.
Strand Academy Summer Camps are weeklong, themed programs that explore various aspects of theatre, including performance, technical elements, and creative collaboration. Camps are designed to be accessible for all experience levels, with topics ranging from foundational skills to more advanced techniques depending on the focus of each camp.
Strand Academy Summer Musical is a fully staged youth production that includes auditions, rehearsals, and public performances. Students gain hands-on experience in a full-scale production, with opportunities both on stage and behind the scenes. Participation is by audition only. This programming is not part of the summer camp program or Spotlight Players.
Spotlight Players is an after-school musical theatre program that runs during the school year. It focuses on skill-building, ensemble work, and performance, culminating in public shows in each semester (fall and spring). Participation does not require an audition.
Strand Academy Master Classes are one-off classes focused on an individualized topic. These classes take place throughout the year and are taught by teachers who are active in the entertainment industry
Strand Academy Private/Small Group Lessons are focused on the individualized goals of the student(s). Private lessons are just the teacher and student working together, while small group lessons might include 2-4 students at a time.
FAQ
What is the Strand Academy?
The Strand Academy is the educational arm of the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, offering year-round theater education programs for students. These programs include summer camps, a summer education show, master classes, private lessons and a new after-school program designed to teach performance skills and life skills such as cooperation, leadership, and self-confidence.
Where are the classes and camps held?
All education programs are conducted at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, located at 117 North Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060.
Who can participate in Strand Academy programs?
Programs are available for students ranging from rising 3rd graders to 12th graders, depending on the specific program. Each program includes specific age or grade requirements, which are listed in its description.
What is the difference between summer camps, the summer musical, and Spotlight Players?
These are three separate programs offered by Strand Academy, each with its own focus:
Summer Camps are short-term, weeklong programs designed to teach theater skills in a fun, immersive setting. They are typically for smaller age/grade ranges and do not include public performances outside of friends and family.
The Summer Musical is a full theatrical production that involves auditions, rehearsals, and performances for the public. Students must audition to be cast, and participation includes a larger time commitment.
Spotlight Players is an after-school musical theater training program that runs during the school year (fall and spring semesters). It’s for students who want ongoing instruction and performance opportunities throughout the year. There will be two performances (fall and spring) that are unrelated to the summer show.
Note: You don’t have to be in a summer camp or Spotlight Players to participate in the summer show — each program stands on its own unless otherwise noted.
How do I register my child for a program?
Registration can be completed online through the Strand Academy’s website. Each program has its own registration link provided on the respective program’s section.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes, tuition assistance is available. Interested families should contact the Strand Education Department at education@strandmarietta.org for more information. There is an official application all interested families have to fill out.
Do all programs require auditions?
No, not all programs require auditions. Currently, the only programming that requires an audition is the summer show.
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
Connecting with our community is a central pillar of our mission at The Strand. One way we do this is through our partnerships in education. Some of our partnerships include Marietta City Schools, Quadratum, and the Marietta First United Methodist Church Youth Choir. We thank our partnerships for their continued support.
CONTACT US
For any questions concerning private/small group lessons, master classes, camps or anything concerning The Strand Academy, feel free to email Savannah Patton at education@strandmarietta.org.
ABOUT SAVANNAH
Savannah Patton Education Program Manager Savannah Patton serves as the Education Program Manager at The Strand, where she has cultivated her passion for musical theatre since 2015 through various classes and workshops. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance Studies, with a focus on Musical Theatre, from Kennesaw State University. During her time at KSU, Savannah developed her skills as an assistant director for multiple productions and founded a student-run musical theatre company. As the Education Program Manager, Savannah teaches voice lessons and provides audition prep, guiding students in developing their performance skills and boosting their confidence. She also designs and runs all of the summer camps and shows, ensuring that each experience is engaging, educational, and designed to nurture young talent. Savannah’s teaching philosophy integrates stagecraft, dramaturgical studies, script analysis, acting and vocal technique within musical theatre. She is passionate about helping students develop confident self-presentation through the performing arts and strives to create a positive, supportive environment where students can grow both artistically and personally.
STAY IN THE KNOW
Sign up to get notified of upcoming performance opportunities.
CONTACT US
Have questions? Reach out to the education department.
Box Office Hours
Tue – Thur, 12 pm – 4 pm
Fridays 12pm – 6pm
Two hours before showtime
It is The Strand’s mission to enrich and engage our regional community through diverse entertainment and memorable experiences for all.
The historic Strand Theatre lights up the downtown Marietta square with live theatre, films, concerts, comedy, private events, and more. The Strand is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
© 2025 Friends of the Strand, Inc. All rights reserved
EIN 20-0210688
It is The Strand’s mission to enrich and engage our regional community through diverse entertainment and memorable experiences for all.
The historic Strand Theatre lights up the downtown Marietta square with live theatre, films, concerts, comedy, private events, and more. The Strand is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Box Office Hours:
Tue – Thur, 12 pm – 4 pm
Fridays 12pm – 6pm
Two hours before showtime
© 2025 Friends of the Strand, Inc. All rights reserved
EIN 20-0210688