FunKidsActivities

Austin Educational Theatre

12300 Wirth Dr Unit E, Manchaca, TX 78652, USA

Overview

Category:Kids Theaters
Location:Austin, TX

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

Austin Educational Theatre (AET) is a highly recommended performing arts program that goes beyond typical theatre, offering a profoundly nurturing environment for children to develop artistic talents (singing, dancing, acting, acro) while building critical life skills such as self-confidence, self-esteem, social skills, and anxiety management. The consistent, long-term positive impact on children's overall well-being and academic progress, even assisting with recovery from health conditions, makes it a unique and invaluable choice for parents.

Key Highlights

  • Exceptional quality theatrical productions with beautiful costumes and sets (e.g., 'The Little Mermaid'), featuring talented young performers.
  • Highly dedicated, caring, and passionate staff, including Ms. Knight (owner/director), Ms. Angie, Ms. Danealle (dramatic team director), and Ms. Araya, who build strong, healthy relationships with the children.
  • Profound positive impact on children's self-confidence, self-esteem, and critical social skills, validated by a child's entire care team at Dell Children's Hospital for aiding recovery and functionality.
  • Comprehensive skill development including voice training, dance classes, acro, projection, microphone use, and improved reading skills (e.g., granddaughter reading 2 years above grade level due to script work).
  • Fosters a supportive, kind, and understanding community where children form long-lasting friendships.
  • Provides unique opportunities for students to travel for national competitions (e.g., Disney World for Nationals) and attend professional touring productions (e.g., Aladdin, Cinderella).
  • Programs are suitable for children starting as young as 5 or 6 years old, with sustained engagement for 8+ years reported.

Standout Features

  • Highly personalized attention from staff like Ms. Knight, who takes a personal interest in every student's growth.
  • Curriculum specifically designed to build confidence, manage anxiety, and develop crucial social-emotional skills alongside artistic talents.
  • An enriching community environment that encourages children to 'thrive and discover their creative talents' and form lasting friendships.
  • Opportunities for students to participate in high-quality theatrical productions and experience performing arts at a national level.
  • Exposure to professional touring productions for students.

Perfect For

Ideal for school-aged children and young actors, with programs suitable for children starting as young as 5 or 6 years old.
Children show significant development, with some capable of performing solo by age 7 after participating for a few years.
Live performances are described as a 'delight for all ages,' making it suitable for family viewing.

Ideal For

Children and parents passionate about musical theatre and performing arts.
Parents seeking a program focused on holistic child development, including social skills, confidence, and emotional regulation.
Children needing a supportive and understanding environment to overcome social or developmental challenges, as evidenced by medical professional endorsements.
Families looking for opportunities for their children to participate in high-level productions, national competitions, and observe professional theatre.
Children starting their performing arts journey at an early age (5-6 years) and those looking for long-term engagement and growth.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • Consider AET for children needing an outlet for creativity, social skill development, or a significant boost in self-confidence, especially if traditional school settings have not fully met those needs.
  • This program is well-suited for children aged 5-6 and older who show an interest in performing arts (singing, dancing, acting).
  • Families seeking a long-term artistic and developmental home for their children will find this program highly beneficial due to the strong community and consistent positive impact reported over many years.

Price & Value

No specific pricing information is mentioned in the reviews. However, the consistent emphasis on profound developmental, social, and artistic benefits, including aiding recovery from health conditions and providing 'critical social skills that public school could not afford,' suggests a high value proposition that significantly outweighs potential costs for families seeking comprehensive child development.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • Offers a 'supportive, kind and understanding community' that significantly aided a child's recovery from a condition, suggesting strong social and emotional accommodations.
  • Staff and programs explicitly foster self-confidence and anxiety management, crucial for children with diverse needs.
  • The program's positive impact on a child's functionality was 'applauded by Dell Children’s Hospital care team,' indicating a highly inclusive and beneficial environment for developmental and special needs.
  • No specific physical accessibility features (e.g., wheelchair ramps, sensory-friendly hours) are mentioned in the reviews.

🚗Parking Info

  • No specific details about parking availability at the venue are provided in the reviews.
  • Reviews mention staff 'transporting children in the company van,' which implies coordinated logistics for participants but does not detail parking for visitors or parents.

🛡️Safety Features

  • Reviews highlight the formation of 'solid, healthy relationships' between staff and children, emphasizing a nurturing and trustworthy environment.
  • The 'caring' nature of staff (e.g., Ms. Angie cares 'so much about all the kiddos and young actors') suggests a high level of supervision and child welfare priority.
  • Staff tasks include 'transporting children in the company van' and working directly with kids, implying supervised care.
  • No specific security or physical safety features (e.g., secured entrances, first aid stations) are explicitly mentioned.

Pricing/Package/Events

Pricing & Packages

After School Program - 1 day a week

$160 a month

Duration: Monthly

Includes 1 theatre class + school pickup.

Includes:
  • 1 theatre class
  • school pickup
Ages: Pre-K, 8th Grade

After School Program - 2 days a week

$230 a month

Duration: Monthly

Includes 1 theatre and 1 dance class + school pickup.

Includes:
  • 1 theatre class
  • 1 dance class
  • school pickup
Ages: Pre-K, 8th Grade

After School Program - 3 days a week

$305 a month

Duration: Monthly

Includes 1 theatre and 2 dance classes + school pickup.

Includes:
  • 1 theatre class
  • 2 dance classes
  • school pickup
Ages: Pre-K, 8th Grade

After School Program - 4 days a week

$385 a month

Duration: Monthly

Includes 2 theatre classes, 2 dance classes + school pickup.

Includes:
  • 2 theatre classes
  • 2 dance classes
  • school pickup
Ages: Pre-K, 8th Grade

After School Program - 5 days a week

$465 a month

Duration: Monthly

Includes 2 theatre classes, 2 dance classes, school pickup.

Includes:
  • 2 theatre classes
  • 2 dance classes
  • school pickup
Ages: Pre-K, 8th Grade

Recreational Theatre Kidz (Annie Jr.)

Monthly tuition + $25 (registration) + $75 (costume)

Duration: Semester-long (Aug-Dec)

Fall 24’ Semester Production of Annie Jr. Includes singing, dancing, acting. Max 20 students, two professional instructors. Full production with sets, props, costumes. One-time registration fee for new students and one-time costume fee applied upon registration. Monthly charges accrue on the first of every month.

Includes:
  • Musical theatre production
  • Acting instruction
  • Music instruction
  • Full production (sets, props, costumes)
Ages: 4th-8th Grade

Recreational Theatre Juniors (Polar Express A Musical)

Monthly tuition + $25 (registration) + $75 (costume)

Duration: Semester-long (August-Dec)

Fall 24’ Semester Production of Polar Express Kids. Includes singing, dancing, acting. Max 20 students, two professional instructors. Full production with sets, props, costumes. One-time registration fee for new students and one-time costume fee applied upon registration. Monthly charges accrue on the first of every month.

Includes:
  • Musical theatre production
  • Acting instruction
  • Music instruction
  • Full production (sets, props, costumes)
Ages: K-4th Grade

Musical Theatre Pre-Professional Program (Junior & Advanced)

$375/month + $25 (registration) + $75 (costume)

Duration: Year-long commitment

Audition Only program focusing on professional growth & training in musical theatre. Semester-long classes build to a full production with sets, props, costumes. One-time registration fee and one-time costume fee applied upon registration. Monthly charges accrue on the first of every month.

Includes:
  • Professional growth & training
  • Musical theatre
  • Full production (sets, props, costumes)
  • Preparational guidance for college theatre applications (general program description)
Ages: Junior: 5th-7th Grade, Advanced: 8th-12th Grade

Pre-Professional Dramatic Theatre (The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe)

$260 per month + $25 (registration) + $75 (costume)

Duration: Semester-long (January 9-May 31st)

Audition Only Fall 24’ Semester Production. Max 20 students, professional acting instructors. Performance in black box theatre. Full production with sets, props, costumes. One-time registration fee and one-time costume fee applied upon registration. Monthly charges accrue on the first of every month.

Includes:
  • Dramatic theatre production
  • Acting instruction
  • Full production (sets, props, costumes)
  • Preparational guidance for college theatre applications (general program description)
Ages: 4th-12th Grade

Sewing Course for Beginners

$160

Duration: 8 individual classes

Private sewing lessons with award-winning seamstress Ms. Roni. Class times to be scheduled with Ms. Knight.

Includes:
  • 8 individual sewing classes

Events & Schedule

Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)

Spring productions

Spring

Not specified

Features Moana, Jr. & Charlotte’s Web.

Current Auditions

Ongoing

Not specified

Auditions are currently open. (Specifics not provided)

Theater & Film Acting Class for Adults

Not specified

Not specified

Exploring British Acting Methods. (For adults)

Annie (Production)

Fall

Registration Open

Part of the Fall productions/classes. Specific ticket pricing not available.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Production)

Fall

Registration Open

Part of the Fall productions/classes. Specific ticket pricing not available.

The Nutcracker (Production)

December 12-14

Tickets ON SALE NOW

Upcoming performance. Specific ticket pricing not available.

The Polar Express (Production)

Fall

Registration Open

Part of the Fall productions/classes. Specific ticket pricing not available.

AET Holiday Poinsettia Fundraiser

Holiday Season

$20/ea.

Support AET and Down Home Ranch. Poinsettias can be for home/office or donated to local nursing homes.

🛡️Safety Policy

  • Programs held in a safe and fun environment.
  • Classes led by certified teachers and community professionals.

📅Booking Policy

  • One-time registration fee of $25 for new students for semester-long classes (Recreational/Pre-Professional Theatre).
  • One-time costume fee of $75 for semester-long classes (Recreational/Pre-Professional Theatre).
  • Fees (registration/costume) applied upon registration along with first monthly payment.
  • Monthly charges accrue on the first of every month during the semester.
  • Pre-Professional programs are 'Audition Only' and require a 'year-long commitment' for Musical Theatre program.
Information extracted from official website • Last updated: Sep 29, 2025

What People Say

What's Great

  • Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 6 reviews)

Recent Reviews

Malika Endsley

Malika Endsley

11 months ago

I recently had the pleasure of attending a production of "The Little Mermaid" at the Austin Children's Education Center, and I was thoroughly impressed. The production was truly amazing, with beautiful costumes and sets that brought the underwater world to life in a vibrant and captivating way. The young performers were exceptionally talented, delivering singing and dancing numbers that were both fun and impressive. Their energy and enthusiasm were palpable, making the show a delight for all ages. The passion of the directors and teachers shone through in every aspect of the production. It's clear that the Austin Children's Education Center is a wonderful place where kids can thrive and discover their creative talents. I highly recommend this center for anyone looking to nurture their child's artistic abilities.

Michael

Michael

a year ago

This place is absolutely amazing. Ms Knight is awesome and works tirelessly to make it great... Ms Angie is also awesome and cares so much about all the kiddos and young actors. So happy my daughter found this place. Ireland is ALWAYS busy and having fun here. It has given her the outlet she needs to grow and be creative and have FUN! Love this place.

Angela Burchfield

Angela Burchfield

a year ago

Austin Educational Theatre is a fantastic school! It has helped my son recover from a condition that has kept him home for years. The community was supportive, kind and understanding. My son’s entire care team at Dell Children’s Hospital have applauded the efforts of the owner and their staff, noting that the experience of performing at AET has moved our child into the next level of functionality because the experience has fostered self confidence, self esteem and provided them with the opportunity to develop critical social skills that public school could not afford. As an employee there, I can personally vouch for my employer and I will not have to do this anonymously because it’s true. Within the structure of producing a play, every staff member has tasks to complete, whether those tasks involve transporting children in the company van, procuring costumes, or working directly with the kids at the theater, to name a few. It’s just as common to see the children eager to hug our staff members as it is common for some of us to be working off site. Solid, healthy relationships are formed with these kids, which is evident every time they ask their parents to bring them back. This enhances our ability to put on a terrific show, therefore EVERYONE in the company deserves to receive credit for our productions because we certainly cannot do this alone. I’ve enjoyed working with such talented and wonderful children, I’d also like to mention our fabulous guest director from Pennsylvania in charge of the last production, or brilliantly talented dramatic team director, Ms. Danealle, as well as our amazing Ms. Araya. They are all well loved by everyone! Though kids may get nervous and they may go through the normal anxiety that presents itself before a production, they all are learning and growing from this experience. Anxiety management is a skill that is crucial to hone in the performing arts, as well as life, and we at AET start this by building confidence. The owner of this institution is generous in her kindness and attention, especially when it is necessary to conduct it behind closed doors or off site. I am so very happy that I’ve been able to join this community and look forward to another stellar semester! This company is for everyone that loves the theater and wants to perform. I would highly recommend it to everyone that is looking for a fun place to learn and grow!

Nicola Ferguson

Nicola Ferguson

a year ago

We have been with AET for the past 8 years with both of my daughters and have found a community of friends and teachers that will stay with us for ever. Both of my daughters since they were 5 and 6 have been in multiple productions, gone to nationals in Florida but more than that if possible have thrived, grown as young ladies with confidence and talent. Thank you to Ms.Knight , AET and all the parents and kids for making our worlds a better place.

Veronica Prior

Veronica Prior

a year ago

My granddaughter has been in this program since she was 5 years old. She has gained confidence and poise over the years. At 7, she could hold an audience with a solo song. The skills she is learning will serve her well, no matter what field of endeavor she chooses to pursue. She has received voice training, dance classes, and acro. She reads at 2 years above her grade level, due to learning songs and lines from printed script. She has learned to project, and how to use a microphone. She has formed friendships that have lasted for years, and most likely will continue for many more. She has travelled with the theater group to Disney World for Nationals. She has also had the opportunity to see touring professional productions, such as Aladdin and Cinderella. I can't thank Ms Knight and the other teachers and directors enough for what they have done for my granddaughter. Ms Knight takes a personal interest in every student, and helps them learn the skills needed to promote and develop their talents.

Contact Information

12300 Wirth Dr Unit E, Manchaca, TX 78652, USA

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Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.3
Total Reviews24
Recent Reviews5