Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater

Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater

Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater was founded in 1975 as a community-based theater program designed to include children from all backgrounds. Oddfellows is now Connecticut's oldest and largest year-round youth theater, annually serving over 1,000 young people, ages 2-20, in a broad spectrum of high-quality theater arts activities. The Playhouse strives to promote the growth of young people, in skills, knowledge, and self-confidence, through the performing arts. Although some of its students pursue a career in the theater, Oddfellows does not attempt to be a pre-professional school. The Playhouse is equally concerned with making a positive difference in the lives of young people, nurturing and refining their skills in the performing arts in a supportive, noncompetitive environment and enabling them to use those skills to facilitate success in other aspects of their lives. Oddfellows' star-free philosophy finds a place for everyone and lets every child shine. A generous financial aid policy provides scholarships to any family that qualify. Oddfellows is located at 128 Washington Street in Middletown, in a 10,000 square foot, three-story historic building, centrally located on block from Main Street. The building has been renovated to create a fully accessible flexible 110-seat black-box theater space with professionally equipped light and sound booth, classroom and rehearsal spaces, technical shop, lobby/gallery space, and administrative offices. Oddfellows' core, tuition-based program generally consists of three 8-week terms from September to May, offering 25-30 after-school theater classes plus five mainstage and four mini-productions. Students are grouped for instructional purposes into Little Fellows (ages 2-5), Stage One (ages 6-8), Stage Two (ages 9-11), Stage Three/Junior Repertory Company (ages 12-14), and Teen Repertory Company (ages 14-20). Mainstage productions chosen for the Teen Repertory Company regularly immerse students in dramatic literature that they would otherwise only be exposed to in college or in a top-notch high school with an AP curriculum. The Playhouse draws on the artistic traditions of many cultures, with a special ongoing commitment to exploring non-Anglo heritage. A Neighboryhood Troupes program offers free after-school weekly performing arts workshops throughout the school year for at-risk youth from Middletown and Portland. A five-week summer Children's Circus teaches skills to over 200 youngsters, leading to a spectacular outdoor public performance. 

Other amenities: Dining Nearby, Dining nearby

 

Dates of Operation

Year-round.

Other Amenities

  • ADA Compliant
  • Guided Group Tours
  • Indoor Activity
  • Meeting/Event Facilities
  • Special Rentals
Address

128 Washington St.
(Rte. 66)
Middletown, CT 06457
United States

Map & Directions