Educational Theatre Company

Educational Theatre Company (ETC) is a group of theatre artists providing first-rate arts programming to more than twenty community organizations in the greater Washington region. 

We write and perform original musicals with elementary school students.  We teach Shakespeare in schools and detention centers.  We run after-school classes to boost literacy skills of low-income ESOL students.  We reach out to Arlington's senior citizens through our Creative Age program.  We laugh with the little stars in our preschool classes.  We even give budding filmmakers an outlet through ETC on Film-- 100 student films and growing!

Hear what our community has to say:

• "I’ve been doing ETC camps since I was eleven years old. I’ve acted, directed, shot films, done stage combat and taught improv. When I began doing the camps, I was incredibly shy and quiet. Over the years, I’ve left my bubble... ETC has become like a family to me."

Ana Cackley, Teen Assistant Director of ETC's Shakespeare Camp

• "ETC did a wonderful job with our [ESOL] students and really trained them about the importance of focus, concentration and teamwork, skills that are important not only to acting and performing but in every aspect of their lives."

Erin Garnett, Virginia Gardens/Greenbrier Learning Center

• "My experience at ETC was excellent...It made me feel very proud when I was done with the show because I had practiced so hard.  Thanks for everything; can’t wait until next summer!"

Lily Dines, Camper, age 9

• "One little boy, George, a recent immigrant to the US from Belgium, was new to [our] program... the ETC classes gave him a place to express himself artistically as he acclimated to the environment. He improvised exceptionally well and really seemed to have a lot of fun. This year George was truly the star of the show! "
Joy Rambert, AHC, Inc. at Harvey Hall

• "I love the company here.  It energizes me." 
Participant in ETC's Creative Age program for senior citizens

• "ETC's artists are talented, energetic, and geared towards the needs of children...They seek our input and try to shape their offerings to the needs of the school and community. ETC is successful because they employ only enthusiastic, educated staff..."
Kris Keller, Teacher, McKinley Elementary School  

• "Ian improved his speaking skills in front of people as he used to be very shy.  He is now very confident thanks to ETC!  He always left very upbeat and HAPPY!"   
Amanda Brennan, parent, Barrett Elementary School

• "It’s astounding to me how much I’ve learned about myself and working with other people through ETC.  ETC changes lives through the arts, and I know that’s true, because they’ve changed mine."
Audrey Batcheller, Former Camper and Counselor-in-Training

#give2max