Where Young Performers Find Their Spotlight

The Columbian Theatre Academies give students in 4th to 8th grade the chance to explore their passion for theatre arts—building confidence, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime.

What are the Columbian Theatre Academies?

Designed for students in 4th through 8th grade, our academies introduce young performers to the art of theatre while teaching them the value of responsibility, confidence, and teamwork.

We offer four academies throughout the year, so there's always an opportunity to get involved:

  • Fall Theatre Academy
  • Winter Theatre Academy
  • Summer Theatre Academies (a play AND a musical!)

Cost is $175/student.

Scholarships Are Available.

We believe every child deserves the chance to shine. Scholarships are available for students who need financial assistance. To request a scholarship form, simply email boxoffice@columbiantheatre.com.

Upcoming Theatre Academies

These afterschool and summer programs are for students in 4th to 8th grade (or incoming 3rd through 9th graders in summer) looking to further their theatrical education. With limited enrollment, our brightest future stars can hone their craft and get the most out of their experience in this exclusive program!
Beetlejuice Jr.
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Fall

Beetlejuice Jr.

For Fall 2026, the students will rehearse and perform the musical Beetlejuice Jr. Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teen, moves to a new house and enlists the help of the chaotic demon Beetlejuice to scare away her father’s new fiancee,  It’s a spooky and humorous adventure!

Dates: Aug 31 (parent meeting for registered students) – Nov 5. Performances are Nov 6-8

Rehearsals are 4-6:30 pm, Mon, Tues, Thurs.

For more information, email boxoffice@columbian theatre.com or call 785-456-2029.

The Princess Who Had No Name Show Poster
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Winter

The Princess Who Had No Name

For our Winter Theatre Academy in January 2027, the students will rehearse and perform the play The Princess Who Had No Name.

Synopsis: A young girl wakes up in a forest with no memory of her past and must go on a journey to discover her identity. Along the way, she meets classic fairytale characters, such as Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, and Snow White, who help her piece together her story, which ultimately reveals she is a princess. This comedic mystery offers new takes on familiar stories, complete with mistaken identities and humorous mishaps.

Performance dates: January 29-31. 

More details coming soon.

Why Theater?

Three Great Ways Your Child Benefits From Theater

The Columbian Theatre Academies are more than just a performance program. They're a place where local children can discover their love of theatre, take on new challenges, and grow—all within a supportive, encouraging environment.
CONFIDENCE: Theater is a great way to learn how to speak persuasively. Good communication is highly sought after professionally and theater lays the groundwork for excelling at it.
NEW WORLDS: Working to understand a character’s motivations helps actors to embrace empathy and look outside themselves. They might have the opportunity to see a different world entirely.
FRIENDSHIP: Theater provides an opportunity to develop friendships with other thespian children. It allows them to form connections they may not have had the opportunity to form otherwise.

Be the first to know

Spots in our theatre academies fill up fast. Fill out the form below to join our email list and be the first to receive information about upcoming academies, registration dates, and more.

Help us keep the arts alive for 𝗔𝗟𝗟 students! 🎭

We need your help to raise $5,000 to fund our Theatre Academy scholarships, ensuring that financial barriers don't keep talented kids off the stage.

Whether you can commit to a monthly donation, quarterly, or a one-time gift, you can "adopt" a student today.

$𝟭𝟱/𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 covers one academy for one student

$𝟰𝟮/𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 covers a child for the entire year

$𝟭𝟳𝟱 sponsors a child for a single show

$𝟱𝟬𝟬 supports a student for all three academies

Every little bit helps – no amount is too small. We appreciate your support!

Donate Today!
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The Columbian Theatre, Museum & Art Center is a storied place. It is a historical structure of inestimable value and a venue for the exhibition of rare paintings from the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Step inside and learn how visionary J.C. Rogers left an unforgettable jewel on the Kansas prairie.
521 Lincoln Avenue
Wamego, Kansas 66547
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(785) 456-2029

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