2026 Summer Children's Theater Program

The Shelter Island Historical Society’s Summer Children’s Theater Program, directed and facilitated by the Brooklyn Acting Lab, is back! Now in its fifth year, the program, made possible by the Elizabeth Pedersen Fund and the Victoria Loconsolo Foundation, Inc., invites young artists to explore theater, history, and community through a joyful, immersive creative process. This summer’s three week workshop takes place July 13-31, Monday through Friday, from 9am to Noon, and culminates in a celebratory performance on July 31 for family, friends, and the community to celebrate and share what the children have created.

Now a cherished part of the Shelter Island summer, the workshop connects children, ages 6 to 12, to the island’s history, builds friendships, and allows participants to experience the joy of live theater in a meaningful and age-appropriate way.Guided by the Brooklyn Acting Lab's professional theater artists, participants will bring their stories to life using text, music, movement, and visual art.

The program emphasizes:

• Ensemble-based theater making
• Creative storytelling rooted in local history
• Confidence, collaboration, and imagination
• A supportive, joyful environment for young artists

The 2026 production, written by BAL artist and playwright Jenna Scotti, will transport students into the revolutionary past of Shelter Island, where they'll uncover the stories of the Havens family and transform history into a vibrant, original piece of theater.

Registration for the workshop is now open. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. For further information, check our website, https://www.shelterislandhistorical.org,

or the Brooklyn Acting Lab, https://brooklynactinglab.org,

The program is limited to 25 participants only. The cost is $1300 per child. A 10 percent discount is available for a second child in the same household. Please contact SIHM directly at 631-749-0025 or programs@shelterislandhistorymuseum.org about information on discounts for additional children in the same household.