Upon its founding in 2002, Creative Cauldron was solely an arts education organization, specializing in performing arts summer camps. As its programs gained popularity and the organization expanded into theatrical productions year-round, Creative Cauldron launched a new educational program called the Learning Theater program. This workshop program puts local youth through eight weeks of rigorous training/rehearsals with professional actors and directors in preparation for performing up to 16 performances during the theater's main season.

In order to provide an inclusive program with roles tailored to each student, our team began developing completely original works adapted from classic children's novels or fairy tales. These original theatrical pieces were deemed "Bold New Works for Young Audiences" in 2016.

Oliver Twist

Oliver Twist was first conceived by Laura Connors Hull in 2012 and was revived in 2016. The production tells the classic story through the lens of a graphic novel, utilizing narration ("Captions") while retaining the true themes and language of Charles Dickens.

The Wind in the Willows

The Wind in the Willows premiered at Creative Cauldron in 2016. Ellen Selby and Denise Perrino directed and adapted this timeless English story.
Laura Connors Hull is Creative Cauldron's Founder and Producing Director. She began her four-decade theater career in Northeastern Ohio performing, directing and teaching drama to children and adults. She served as Artistic Director for the G.B. Repertory Theater at the Ashtabula Arts Center for nine seasons and directed and/or performed in over 40 shows. After moving to the DC area, Laura worked in theater administration for 14 years and served as the Director of Communications at Arena Stage before founding Creative Cauldron in 2002.

Ellen Selby studied technical theater, acting and directing at Mary Baldwin College and Shakespeare’s tragedies at Oxford University before she began working with Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater Program in 2012 with the original premiere of Oliver Twist. She served as stage manager and/or director for Oliver Twist, Peter Pan and Wendy, Tales from the Brothers Grimm, Alice in Wonderland, Arabian Nights, The Jungle Book, Pinocchio, The Dancing Princesses and The Wind in the Willows.

Denise Perrino served as a theater arts teacher in Fairfax County for 34 years. At Creative Cauldron, she stage managed Tinner Hill: Portraits in Black and White, acted in Christmas Cabin of Carnaween and Alice in Wonderland, and directed The Wind in the Willows and The Little Prince. She has also directed and/or performed with Faction of Fools Theater Company and  Vienna Theatre Company.

Matt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith have been involved with the Learning Theater program since its inception in 2009. The duo have served as composer and lyricist as well as directors and/or choreographers for numerous productions including Oliver Twist and The Wind in the Willows. See more on Matt and Stephen HERE