Young people from all over the North Texas area, and as far south as New Braunfels, come to Garland to participate in the acting and learning opportunities at Breitling Youth Theater. Director Annie Breitling, the staff and volunteers work together to ensure that every child feels included and accepted.
“The students are taught to work as a team, a family,” Breitling said. “They work together, stay positive and encourage each other.”
Students are ages 3-23 and at various experience levels. Everyone is welcome and everyone gets a part.
“We try to give the students as many parts as they can do,” Breitling said. “For example, if a student has a small speaking part, they might also be cast in the ensemble because we want them to get to do as much as possible. And we want everyone to have as big a part as they can handle for their talent level.”
Last spring, 175 kids participated in the theater’s activities and Breitling hopes to have even more this spring. New classes have been added and students can choose between theater, dance, voice lessons, piano or guitar lessons, stage makeup and Cosplay makeup classes, painting and martial arts. Some students participate in two or more activities at a time.
There are numerous reasons for students to get involved. Participation in the productions and classes helps build confidence and helps shy kids open up. It’s also a great way to make friends. For outgoing children, it is a place for them to be active and move around.
“We encourage kids to use their outside voices inside,” Breitling said.
Tina Davis, who works with Breitling, added that it’s a supportive environment where the students feel that they belong, which makes them less likely to get in trouble.
“Just think about the statistics concerning children who have nothing to do after school,” she said.
Davis’ kids were among Breitling’s first students. Her daughter is now an elementary school art teacher and teaches painting at the theater. She added that one of her sons who took classes at the theater went on to Rowlett High School where he built sets and helped with props in the theater department. Davis said that another son’s personality was brought out by his experience at the theater.
Breitling said that many parents do not realize how much their children could benefit from theater and how it helps them make friends and build confidence.
“Middle and high schools can be very selective about who they allow in their theater programs or who gets parts,” she said. “If you’re out, you’re out. But with Breitling, you’re in.”
Frozen, Jr., Willy Wonka, Jr. and Peter Pan, Jr., along with Les Miserables School Edition for teens, are the spring production classes.
Additionally, half-day and all-day summer camps are scheduled for June 3 – Aug. 9. Visit the website for information on early bird specials.
An afterschool program will begin in August. There will be time for students to work on homework and theater lessons, dance, music, singing, art and more will be incorporated into the program.
About: Breitling Youth Theater is a nonprofit 501C-3 organization dedicated to providing theater, dance and music opportunities to children ages 3-23 in the North Texas area.