about us
"Theatre that connects on a personal level."
For more than 18 years, Willow Glen Children's Theatre (WGCT) has been offering San Jose area children of all ages the opportunity to have unique acting experiences. Since its early days, the director, Gavin Coffing, has been adamant about providing equal opportunities for all children: "We offer every actor the chance to succeed." We continue our tradition of casting every child in our productions.
Over the course of the last few years we have grown into several programs. Our main stage program is the Theatre Connection Workshop, a Saturday workshop that eventually culminates in a play staged as a Willow Glen Children's Theatre production. All of our plays are originals, written by our creative and talented director.
During the summer month of July, we stage an interactive Summer Theatre Camp. Lasting four weeks, the campers gather at Bramhall Park to play improvisation games, in which they learn to work together creatively in a supportive environment. They also spend time creating short scenes based on imaginative concepts given to them by the theatre staff. As we progress though the weeks, the activities get more in depth, eventually leading to a production in the park's amphitheatre.
In addition, we currently have plans to re-instate our tiny-tot programs for children ages 3 to 5. We hope to include a Fairy Tale Theatre & Puppet Workshop. Please keep posted!
Our staff includes talented and dedicated people, all of whom have grown up in the program. We ensure that each child is successful from start to finish. Guiding the children through each day they participate, the leaders prove to be excellent role models, inside and out of the theatre. (Click here to meet them.)
In addition to having fun, children also gain life skills. During the course of our programs children parttake in many exercises and activities and boost self-confidence and imagination. Past WGCT participants have increased their reading and listening skills. But most importantly, every child has fun!
act. ..........improvise........... grow.
