Arts Education At The Strand
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 2026
STRAND ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP
PERFORMULA 2026
JULY 6-10, 2026
DATES: Monday, July 6th, 2026 – Friday, July 10th, 2026
TIME: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
AGE: Rising 3rd–6th Graders
TUITION: $350 | EARLY BIRD PRICE: $310
LOCATION: Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
SHOWCASE: Friday, July 18 at 3:00 PM
*The Early Bird discount will close on May 1, 2026.
For information on tuition assistance, please contact The Strand Education Department at education@strandmarietta.org
Get ready for a fun-filled week of creativity, collaboration, and performance! Throughout this camp, students will learn how to:
- Use proper stage etiquette and work confidently in a theatre environment
- Build and refine musical theatre acting, dance, and performance techniques
- Work together as an ensemble to bring a story to life
Throughout the week, campers will participate in the full process of creating a theatrical performance. They will learn stage directions, practice scenes, build characters, and continue strengthening their performance skills.
Each morning will focus on learning and rehearsing dance numbers, followed by scene work that will be included in the show. Afternoons will be dedicated to vocal work and show-specific techniques that help polish the final production.
By the end of the week, students will perform a showcase of all they have learned for family and friends at 3:00 PM on Friday, July 10!
Important: Students must wear closed-toed shoes and clothes they can move in, as each day will include dancing and movement work.
NEW!
STRAND ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP
Swords & Soliloquies: A Shakespeare Tabletop Camp
JULY 13-17, 2026
DATES: Monday, July 13th, 2026 – Friday, July 17th, 2026
TIME: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
AGE: Rising 6th–12th Graders
TUITION: $350 | EARLY BIRD PRICE: $310*
LOCATION: Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
SHOWCASE: Friday, July 18 at 3:00 PM
*The Early Bird discount will close on May 1, 2026.
For information on tuition assistance, please contact The Strand Education Department at education@strandmarietta.org
Join us for a summer camp that blends theatre, character design, and tabletop role-playing! Students will explore William Shakespeare’s Macbeth through acting, improvisation, and story-driven gameplay using the open-content rules from SRD 5.2.1, the 5th-edition rules associated with Dungeons & Dragons. During this camp, students will:
- Analyze characters and themes from Shakespeare’s Macbeth
- Engage in collaborative improv, ensemble acting, and story-driven performance
- Develop original character designs, including costume concepts, color palettes, visual motifs, and symbolic elements inspired by both Shakespeare and fantasy storytelling
- Participate in a tabletop campaign inspired by the play, making choices that shape the story
Each day includes movement, voice, character work, visual design activities, and guided tabletop sessions.
This program is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Wizards of the Coast LLC. This work includes material from the System Reference Document 5.2.1 (SRD 5.2.1) by Wizards of the Coast LLC, available at dndbeyond.com/srd. The SRD 5.2.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, available at creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.
STRAND ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP
Musical Theatre Boot Camp 2026
JULY 20-24, 2026
DATES: Monday, July 20th, 2026 – Friday, July 24th, 2026
TIME: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
AGE: Rising 6th through rising 12th grade
TUITION: $180 | EARLY BIRD PRICE: $140*
LOCATION: Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
PERFORMANCE: Friday, July 24 at 3:30 PM
*The Early Bird discount will close on Monday, May 1, 2026.
For information on tuition assistance, please contact The Strand Education Department at education@strandmarietta.org
Join us for a dynamic week of musical theatre training designed to boost confidence, sharpen performance skills, and prepare students for successful performances! Throughout the week, participants will learn how to:
- Apply professional audition strategies and performance tips
- Strengthen musical theatre acting, vocal, and dance techniques
- Present a short showcase highlighting their growth
This camp focuses on helping young performers refine their musical theatre acting, dance, and singing skills. Students will work with instructors to develop strong performance habits and grow as well-rounded musical theatre artists.
At the end of the week, families and friends are invited to a special showcase at 3:30 PM on Friday, July 24, featuring material learned during camp.
Important: Students should come prepared on the first day with a one-minute musical theatre song to sing. Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended, as sessions will include movement, dance, and active scene work.
STRAND ACADEMY Summer MUSICAL
Hadestown: Teen Edition by Anaïs Mitchell
SUMMER 2026
AUDITIONS: April 28
AGE: Ages 10-19
LOCATION: Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
PERFORMANCES: June 30th, July 1st & 2nd, 2026
Please note: There is an $80 fee to participate for students cast in this production.
ABOUT HADESTOWN
Hadestown: Teen Edition is a full-length adaptation of Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown, modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences.
This intriguing and beautiful folk opera delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience. Following two intertwining love stories: that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of immortal King Hades and Lady Persephone, Hadestown invites audiences on a thrilling journey to the underworld and back. Inspired by traditions of classic American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, Mitchell’s beguiling sung-through musical pits industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love.
FALL/SPRING 2025/2026
SPOTLIGHT PLAYERS DRAMA CLUB
MONDAYS | starting august 2025
ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: Rolling enrollment until classes reach maximum capacity
PLACEMENT AUDITIONS: Two auditions will be held to assign roles, not to determine acceptance.
- August 25, 2025
- November 10, 2025
Students who join after these dates will be places in available roles or in the ensemble.
TIME: Mondays at 5:00-7:00
AGE: 3rd-6th grade
TUITION: $120/month (scholarships available with application)
LOCATION: Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
PERFORMANCES:
- Strandemonium: October 20, 2025
- Spring Musical Tech Week: April 20-21, 2025
- SpongeBob The Musical: Youth Edition: 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.
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.
What is your refund policy?
All payments for camps, classes, and educational programs are non-refundable. Please review all dates and details carefully before registering. If you have questions prior to enrolling, contact us at education@strandmarietta.org for assistance.
Do all programs require auditions?
No, not all programs require auditions. Currently, the only programming that requires an audition is the summer musical.
When are auditions typically held for the summer musical?
The summer musical auditions will typically be announced in January-February and take place mid to late April to early May.
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.
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.
Savannah Patton, Education Program Manager
Savannah Patton is the Education Program Manager at The Strand, where she combines her lifelong passion for the performing arts with a deep commitment to arts education. With over 15 years of training in both acting and dance, and more than a decade of vocal training, Savannah brings a well-rounded and dynamic approach to working with young performers. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance Studies from Kennesaw State University, with a concentration in Musical Theatre. During her time at KSU, she developed her skills both onstage and off—assistant directing multiple productions and founding a student-run musical theatre company that created opportunities for emerging artists to grow and lead. At The Strand, Savannah oversees all educational programming, including the design and direction of summer camps, classes, and education productions. She also offers private voice lessons and audition preparation, coaching students in performance technique, confidence building, and artistic expression. Her teaching philosophy blends stagecraft, dramaturgy, script analysis, acting, vocal training, and dance. Her approach to voice instruction is grounded in music theory, vocal anatomy, and vocal health—prioritizing safe, versatile singing. In acting, she draws from Stanislavski, Meisner, and Michael Chekhov techniques to help students connect authentically to their characters and perform truthfully. Savannah is passionate about helping students grow not only as performers but as people. She strives to create a supportive, inclusive environment where every student can explore their creativity, develop their craft, and discover their voice.
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.
© 2026 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
© 2026 Friends of the Strand, Inc. All rights reserved
EIN 20-0210688