We are now in 2026, and in an exclusive interview with Bay Street Theater’s Education Director, Bethany Dellapolla, about her vision for the year, which will be her first full year in the Role. She leads the Theater’s Arts Education for youth and adults, focusing on creating immersive theatrical experiences and community engagement. Bethany is an award-winning, seasoned teaching artist, director, and accomplished choreographer with over 15 years in arts education, including many years with Bay Street Theater.
Please explain the importance of theatre education?
Theatre education is really for everyone, whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in the arts or not. It teaches essential skills young people can use for the rest of their lives, including empathy through stepping into someone else’s shoes, collaboration and teamwork, creative problem-solving, and active listening (not just listening to respond). It also helps young people learn how to find and use their voice (even when they’re nervous), builds resilience and critical thinking, and fosters a sense of community and belonging. Being involved in theatre from such a young age, I have no doubt it has helped shape who I am today.
How do camps and classes support the creativity and confidence in young people?
Camps and classes offer students a brave space to take creative risks, try new things, fail, succeed, and try again! Students build confidence and trust in their voice through practicing skills in a supportive environment, seeing their progress, gaining feedback, and working with their peers.
What’s ahead for Bay Street’s educational programs this year?
For 2026, I’m building on the existing structure the education program has now, and then expanding that programming with new camps, classes (especially technique-driven, leveled classes), workshops, and performance opportunities. For instance, this spring we will be offering our staple “My Life: The Musical” camp for creating original work, while also offering a new “Scenes and Songs Revue!” camp, where the kids work on material from existing plays and musicals. We will have our staple production class in “Shrek, Kids!”, while also offering a new singing technique class with Adelaide Mestre, a new teacher. For adults, there is also a scene study class, improv class, and karaoke class in the spring! Each semester will have a new class, workshop, or performance opportunity to offer as we build, and there are lots of exciting plans in the works!
For more info, visit Baystreet.org.
