Oregon Children’s Theatre Classes in Ridgefield, WA
A $99 Shakespeare class for ages 7 to 9 starts January 20 at the Clark College Ridgefield campus. There are 12 spots, and registration is open now.
Ridgefield families spend a lot of time driving kids to things. In January, one of those things gets a lot closer. Oregon Children's Theatre has a Wednesday afternoon class coming to town, brought to Ridgefield and offered at the Clark College Ridgefield campus by Clark College Foundation, thanks to support from the Palmer Foundation. And it costs $99 instead of the usual $249.
The class is called Shakespeare: Then and Now! Yes, it's for 7-to-9-year-olds. Yes, I also pictured a second grader taking on a soliloquy, and now I'd like a ticket to that. Your kid doesn't need any experience, and there are only 12 spots, so if you've been looking for something new for Wednesdays, don't sit on this one.
Shakespeare: Then and Now!
What kids will actually do
Students will dig into scenes, speeches, and soliloquies from Shakespeare's plays while building real acting skills: character work, vocal and physical choices, scene study, and working as an ensemble.
They'll also translate and adapt passages into contemporary language. That's the "then and now" part, and it's how kids connect Shakespeare's characters and conflicts to their own world. If your 8-year-old can rewrite a royal family feud in their own words, you may want to keep an eye on them.
The class won't end with a big production, so nobody needs to sew a doublet. Families are invited to a casual showing in the classroom on the last day. These usually run about 30 minutes and show what the kids have been working on.
"We know there are so many families looking for high-quality arts experiences."
Jenn Hartmann Luck, Oregon Children's Theatre
Why it's $99
An 8-week Oregon Children's Theatre class normally costs $249. This one was brought to Ridgefield and is offered at the Clark College campus by Clark College Foundation, thanks to support from the Palmer Foundation. That partnership brings the price down to $99, so local kids can take a class close to home at a price more families can manage.
The price also comes with a nice bonus. Enrollment includes free access to Clark College Foundation Presents performances this Spring for all participants, with reduced ticket prices for their family members!
This spring's shows
The class is inspired by the King Lear performance on this list, but it's not the only show on the spring lineup. All three are on the Clark College campus. Class participants get in free, and family members can come along at a reduced ticket price.
February 18–20
Actors from the London Stage
King Lear
A week-long Shakespeare residency ends with two performances of King Lear. It's a natural fit for a family with a Shakespeare student at home.
April 22–25
La Mecánica presents A Teen Odyssey
Live performance meets technology
An immersive, intergenerational theatre experience that blends live performance with technology.
May 7–8
Mariposa/Butterfly
A Southwest Washington exclusive premiere
Oregon Children's Theatre's bilingual one-act play for the very young, which makes this a good pick if you have little ones at home too.
Why Oregon Children's Theatre is headed north
Oregon Children's Theatre has been creating theatre for young people in the Portland area since 1988. After pausing operations in 2025, the organization raised $1 million and returned this fall with plans to reach more kids across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Expanding here is part of the theatre's three-year strategic plan, and it hopes this class is the first of many in Clark County. Oregon Children's Theatre says it's committed to the region and will keep looking for ways to bring more programs to Ridgefield.
"Oregon Children's Theatre is thrilled to begin serving young people across Clark County, and especially in Ridgefield starting in 2027," said Jenn Hartmann Luck, the theatre's producing artistic director. "We know there are so many families looking for high-quality arts experiences, and we are honored to be bringing this work to the Ridgefield community, and beyond, with support from the Clark College Foundation and the Palmer Foundation."
Classes here go beyond reading a script and memorizing lines. Through acting, improvisation, musical theatre, and collaborative storytelling, students interpret stories, rework familiar tales, and bring in ideas of their own. Oregon Children's Theatre believes theatre skills are life skills, and the goal is kids who come out more confident, curious, and expressive, whether or not they ever set foot on a stage again.
Frequently asked questions
How do I register?
Registration is open now at octc.org/clark-county. With only 12 spots, I wouldn't wait.
Does my child need acting experience?
Not at all. Shakespeare can sound intimidating, but no previous experience is required.
Does $99 cover the full class?
Yes. It covers the full 8-week class.
Who is teaching the class?
The teaching artist is still being finalized. Their name and bio will be posted on the registration site once they're confirmed.
Will there be a performance?
There won't be a full production, but families are invited to an informal classroom showing on the final day.
Do families get show tickets?
Every class participant gets free access to Clark College Foundation Presents performances this spring, and their family members can buy tickets at a reduced price.
More from Meanwhile in Ridgefield
Twelve spots, $99, and a chance to hear your kid use the word "forsooth" at dinner. Registration is open now, so tell the other parents in your group chat, right after you sign up.
