A theatre

for everyone.

Theatre classes for any K-12th grader who loves creating, storytelling, and collaborating.

A theatre for:

Makers

Costumers

Musicians

Doers

Thinkers

Artists

Writers

There is no such thing as a "theatre person" because every person belongs in theatre. Theatre can unleash the limitless possibilities of every student in ways that are unique, exciting, and accessible.

Theatre teaches us how to interact with one another, how to collaborate with one another, how to share space with others who are different from us. Young people need a place where that interaction can happen, where they can collaborate creatively, learn to fail forward, and find a platform to make their voices heard. We create one of the spaces where this can happen for every student.

Learn More

Introducing

A different approach

In most theatres, the production starts with a pre-written script and goes from there. But what if we gave students a voice every step of the way– from writing the script, to the final performance?

Research

Together, actors ask the dramatic question & research their topic.

The work at React doesn’t start with a script– it starts with an idea. With a specific social issue or theme as a starting point, each cast and director leans into their inspiration with research. We read, watch other work, and build a plan for the story we want to tell.

Devise

As an ensemble, actors take what they've learned and help build the show.

Devising is a global theatre technique that brings the whole cast together to create the show. From the first day of class, every student has a hand in shaping the story and creating their own character. The result is an original play where everyone has a voice.

rehearse

We bring all art forms together on the stage.

A play is more than words on a page. Once the script is drafted, the cast gets to work to bring it to life alongside students learning the ropes behind-the-scenes. We dig into both classic and cutting-edge theatre techniques, setting the stage for something brand new.

perform

Students perform in a wide range of un-typical spaces.

Every React production ends in a show. But that show doesn't always take place on a traditional stage. Sometimes we perform outside, sometimes we build interactive sets, and sometimes the action can spill out to the audience. No matter what shape the stage takes, our unique style of ensemble theatre brings powerful stories to life for– and with– everyone.

All of this doesn’t just build artists

To us, theatre is only part of the formula. We believe the outcome of the student outweighs the outcome of the performance.

The goal is to create students who are empathetic to the world and more empowered to react to it— on stage and beyond the stage. The final performance is the tip of the iceberg. Underneath the curtain call is months of research, collaboration, and creative discovery. And once they leave the stage, it’s that discovery that sticks with them.

Learn More

testimonials

Empowering kids

for over 45 years

Button Text

Aine

Montgomery

Butler University '21, Columbia University '23

[React] was a place where I immediately felt welcomed and comfortable...

"I learned how to balance school, life and my other priorities. I also learned fantastic time management skills which still help me in school and life."

Beck

Jones

Costume Department at Saturday Night Live

Through [React] I was able to try new ideas and create my style as well.

"Not only did this allow me to grow as an artist but it also allowed me to connect with other artists in the Indy community and gave me even more opportunities to explore my craft."

Saige

Broadwater

Indiana University '22

"I never felt like I didn't belong [at React]..."

"My experience shaped me into the independent, creative, self-driven, free person I am today. ...I learned how to work under pressure and with a time boundary and still use my utmost creativity and discipline."

Lucy

Garcia

Actress at Pace University, NYC

[React] gave me a family that I will never forget or lose...

"On a personal note, the entire staff... has gifted me with many methods for coping, healthy competition, confidence, and many more important life lessons that were so generously and gently provided to me.”

Anse

Tauber

Drama Therapist

The theatre became my second home, the teachers became my second parents...

"[React] empowered me to be who I was in such a formative and turbulent time in my life—middle and high school— which extended to empower me to come out a few years ago as a trans man. ...Self empowerment saves lives!"

Aaron

Hirsch

Wabash Graduate

I attended [React] almost every session that I could.

"It was a great atmosphere for kids of a variety of backgrounds and interests. I felt more confident in myself [there] than I would anywhere else before reaching college. ...It was empowering."

Haley

Garner

Actress at Ball State, Model

[React] planted a seed of confidence in myself that I never knew I needed.

"That seed has now blossomed and allowed me to go after anything I want because there's no doubt that I can achieve it. React changed my life and I am forever grateful."

Tristan

Montgomery

Company Member, NoExit Performance

It will always leave a mark on me and I always refer back to it in my life.

"It changed my life. Social skills advanced tremendously, and I've built lasting connections. I now have confidence to talk to my peers and build strong relationships."

Get Involved

Whether your K-12th grader wants to be center stage or behind the scenes, we have a place for them to shine.

view classes

Scholarships

Since 1976, we have never turned a family away due to financial hardship.

Learn more

Book A Show

Bring a youth-driven performance to your school or organization to spark conversations that matter.