Adventure Theatre Facts for Kids

Adventure Theatre (AT) is a very old children's theater. It's the longest-running one in the Washington, D.C. area. You can find it in Glen Echo Park in Glen Echo, Maryland. This theater has been putting on shows since 1951. They also started teaching kids about drama in 1978.

The Story of Adventure Theatre
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The Story of Adventure Theatre

How Adventure Theatre Began

Adventure Theatre started in 1951. It was created by a group of women. They were part of the Community Arts Association's drama classes.

In 1955, Adventure Theatre began asking writers to create new plays just for them. These writers were Flora Atkins and Helen Avery. They wrote plays especially for children's theater.

Bringing Plays to Schools

In 1969, Adventure Theatre started a group called The In-School Players. This was a traveling group of actors. They would perform plays right in schools. They started this because the Director of Language Arts for the District of Columbia Public Schools asked them to. The In-School Players are still a very important part of Adventure Theatre's programs today.

Finding a Home at Glen Echo Park

For many years, Adventure Theatre traveled around to different places. In 1971, they found a permanent home. They moved to Glen Echo Park.

Between 1974 and 1979, Adventure Theatre grew even more. They worked with the Junior League to create The Picture Book Players. This group performed for very young children. They also started offering their first theater classes. Plus, they created a puppet division. This puppet group is now known as The Puppet Co. It is also located at Glen Echo Park.

Celebrating Milestones

In 1986, a book called Six Adventure Theatre Plays was published. It was sold in bookstores and to children's theaters across the country. That same year, the County Council of Montgomery County declared June as "Adventure Theatre Month." This honored the theater's 35 years of helping the community.

In 2007, the theater's main building was renovated. This big update added a new theater space. It also included rehearsal rooms. There was also more space for the staff who manage the theater.

Joining Forces

In 2012, Adventure Theatre joined with the Musical Theater Center. Together, they formed Adventure Theatre MTC. This new group works with other arts and community groups. They make sure their programs are varied, affordable, and easy for everyone to enjoy.

Adventure Theatre facts for kids

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