Anthony Bean Community Theater & Acting School
About
Gentilly community theater and acting school in repurposed historic church
Anthony Bean Community Theater (ABCT) operates from the second floor of a former St. Raymond Catholic Church building in New Orleans' Gentilly neighborhood. Founded in 2000 by Anthony Bean, the theater pairs mainstage productions with year-round acting instruction.
Programs for Kids and Teens
Multiple tracks for kids and teens:
- Summer Youth Performing Arts Camp (ages 7-17)
- Year-round acting classes for children and adults
- After-school activities
- "WHAT'S GOING ON?" teen talk TV show
- Original plays cast with students
What's Included
- Instruction from working theater professionals
- Performance opportunities on the ABCT stage
- Mix of drama, comedy, and musical productions
Experience
ABCT runs as both producing theater and acting school, so kids learn alongside the company's own production schedule. Strong cultural focus rooted in Black New Orleans theater tradition.