Westport Country Playhouse Launches Masterclass Series For Middle Schoolers

WESTPORT, CT — Westport Country Playhouse will launch a new children’s education program next month, the Masterclass Series, for middle school students in grades 6 through 8.

The first class in the series, which is scheduled for Feb. 8 and already full, will focus on theater acting and will be led by Broadway actor Adam Riegler, whose credits include “Shrek the Musical” and “The Addams Family Musical.” It will be held in the Lucille Lortel White Barn, located next to the Playhouse, from noon to 2 p.m.; a wait list available.

Riegler, who grew up in Westport, will introduce students to techniques for analyzing and interpreting theatrical text, with an emphasis on character development and applying text analysis to live performance. The session is designed to help students approach unfamiliar material and translate it into stage work.

Riegler made his professional debut at Westport Country Playhouse in 2005 in “David Copperfield,” followed by an appearance in “A Christmas Carol” in 2006. His career includes work on Broadway, off-Broadway and on screen, as well as directing across those mediums.

“The Playhouse is so special to me because it is where I got my start in professional theater,” Riegler said in a statement. “Working with Joanne Woodward and Anne Keefe, among others at the Playhouse, was not only a joy but extremely educational. I am so pleased that I now have the experience to pass that education, as well as my own insights from many years of professional work and education, onto the next generation at the Playhouse. A wonderful full circle moment!”

The Masterclass fee is $75, with enrollment limited to 15 participants. Registration details and additional information are available at westportplayhouse.org.

Westport Country Playhouse is a nonprofit organization. Barbara Streicker is the 2026 programming and season sponsor, with Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio serving as media sponsors. A complete schedule of events is available at westportplayhouse.org. All programming details are subject to change.