Studio East Training for the Performing Arts is proud to be a 501(c)3 nonprofit providing theater arts education and opportunities for children in Kirkland, WA and surrounding communities.
Starting with one theater program for teens in 1992, Studio East has become one of the largest children’s theater training programs in the Seattle Metro area. Today, between the Studio’s camps and classes and its professional, adult touring arm, StoryBook Theater, Studio East serves over 70,000 people annually.
Studio East has a comprehensive program of drama classes, theater arts summer camps, and Mainstage productions for children from ages 4 through 19. The organization also offers ArtReach, (a 6-week, after-school residency program), and outreach classes. Part of Studio East’s mission includes a scholarship program to help keep the arts accessible to theater students of all financial backgrounds. Apply for a scholarship here.
Studio East also produces StoryBook Theater, an adult professional touring troupe with performances across the Puget Sound Region. StoryBook Theater is often a child’s first experience with live theater. Visit our website to see if there’s a musical showing near you!
Our Mission
Studio East works to create confident, compassionate, responsible young people through training in the art and craft of theater.
Studio East provides best-in-class theater education, performance skills and audience opportunities to inspire, train and entertain young people through engagement in the art and craft of theater. Our touring company, StoryBook Theater, introduces young children to live musical theater imbued with positive life lessons. We believe theater is a transformative, cultural force that develops valuable skills children can use throughout their lives, regardless of their eventual chosen vocation.
Our Vision
All programs at Studio East work to instill in young people the tools to be:
Responsible – Honest, respectful, fair, accountable
Empathetic – Compassionate, aware, sensitive
Successful – Motivated, determined, purposeful
Inclusive – Open-minded, curious, non-judgmental
Leaders – Inspirational, courageous, listener, communicator
Imaginative – Creative, visionary, resourceful, enterprising
Engaging – Interesting, entertaining, personable
Nurturing – Protective, supportive, encouraging
Timely – To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late. To be late is unacceptable.
Our Philosophy
Studio East is founded on the belief that the performing arts can make a difference in the lives of our children. Children who learn and practice the discipline, dedication, and teamwork required by the craft of theater develop skills that will be valuable assets throughout their lives, no matter what career they choose to pursue.
Our Core Values
- We define inclusivity with two words: welcome home. The entire Studio East organization creates and supports an environment that embraces individuals from any background, culture, identity, orientation, or ability and strives to foster a sense of real belonging.
- Our hearts, minds and doors are open to ALL.
- We lead from the heart and educate from the head.
- We believe in every young person’s ability to embrace the highest-quality and socially-relevant theater, believing they can find inside themselves the desire to make a meaningful contribution and achieve their personal best.
Get Involved
Studio East appreciates all levels of involvement in our organization. To find out how you can become involved, give us a call at 425.820.1800. To make a financial contribution, please visit our donations page.
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Studio East acknowledges that we reside on the traditional lands of the first inhabitants of Seattle: The Coast Salish People which includes, but is not limited to, the Duwamish, Stillaguamish, Snoqualmie, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and Tulalip Tribes. We extend our respects to the Coast Salish Peoples, their Elders – past, present, and emerging – for their wisdom and we acknowledge their everlasting connection to the land, waters, and culture.
