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 10 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.
STRAND ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP
NEW!
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 17 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 3:00 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.
FALL/SPRING 2026/2027
SPOTLIGHT PLAYERS DRAMA CLUB
august 2026 - MAY 2027
ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: Rolling enrollment until classes reach maximum capacity
START DATE: Monday, August 10, 2026
TIME: Mondays at 5:00pm – 7:00pm
AGE: 3rd-6th grade
TUITION: $140/month (scholarships available with application)
LOCATION: Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
PERFORMANCES:
- Strandemonium Tech: October 12, 2026
- Strandemonium Performance: October 13, 2026
- Matilda Jr. Tech Week: April 18-20, 2027
- Matilda Jr. Performances: April 21-22, 2027
PERFORMANCE PLACEMENT AUDITIONS*: Two auditions will be held to assign roles, not to determine acceptance.
- August 19, 2026
- November 2, 2026
Students who join after these dates will be placed in available roles or in the ensemble.
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 10th, 2026, 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 theatre. From mastering stage directions, embodying stage etiquette, and refining and learning new performance techniques, 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: Theatre is all about collaboration, and the Spotlight Players 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 for the performances, 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 theatre 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 Pre-Professional Summer Production 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 Pre-Professional Summer Production is an audition-based program that offers students a rigorous theatrical training experience both on stage and behind the scenes. Mirroring a professional rehearsal process in an educational setting, students are expected to demonstrate commitment, responsibility, and rehearsal etiquette while strengthening their acting, singing, and dance skills through an accelerated rehearsal schedule and fully staged public performances. This program is separate from Strand Academy Summer Camps.
Spotlight Players is Strand Academy’s after-school musical theatre program, offered during the school year. Students build performance skills, develop confidence, and strengthen ensemble collaboration through weekly rehearsals, culminating in public performances each fall and spring semester. No audition is required to participate.
Strand Academy Master Classes are single-session workshops focused on a specific theatre discipline or industry topic. Offered throughout the year, these classes are led by experienced teaching artists and entertainment professionals, providing students with unique opportunities to learn from working industry experts.
Strand Academy Private/Small Group Lessons provide personalized instruction tailored to each student’s individual goals. Private lessons offer one-on-one coaching, while small group lessons allow two to four students to learn together with individualized feedback in a collaborative setting.
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 and Quadratum. 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 a lifelong passion for the performing arts with over 10 years of teaching experience. Having trained in theatre, dance, and voice for more than 25 years, she is dedicated to helping students build confidence, creativity, and a strong foundation in the performing arts. Savannah 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 behind the scenes by assistant directing multiple productions and founding a student-run musical theatre company that created leadership and performance opportunities for emerging artists. At The Strand, Savannah oversees all educational programming, including summer camps, classes, the Pre-Professional Summer Production, Spotlight Players, master classes, and private lessons. She also provides private voice instruction and audition coaching, helping students strengthen their performance skills, confidence, and artistic expression. Her teaching philosophy blends acting, vocal training, dance, stagecraft, dramaturgy, and script analysis to develop well-rounded performers. Voice instruction is rooted in music theory, vocal anatomy, and healthy vocal technique, while her acting approach draws from the work of Stanislavski, Meisner, and Michael Chekhov to help students create truthful and authentic performances. Savannah is passionate about helping students grow not only as performers but as people. She strives to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students are challenged to reach their potential, discover their unique artistic voice, and develop skills that extend far beyond the stage.
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