About
Ensemble Children's Theatre offers classes, workshops, summer camps, and production opportunities for actors. The program includes theatrical activities for children and preteens, including options for both learning and performing.
• Ages: 3–14 years old
Ensemble Children's Theatre was founded in 2023 and is now in its third season. It offers unique theatrical opportunities for Central Indiana youth, including summer camps at various locations throughout Central Indiana. Now in its third season, it offers classes, workshops, and summer camps for students ages 3–14 as well as production opportunities for actors ages 8–14.
The program was founded by Elisabeth Speckman, who serves as the main instructor for all current offerings. Elisabeth has 14+ years of experience teaching youth drama and writing with programs throughout the Indianapolis area and is a playwright, actor, and director. She received her BA in Theatre and English-Creative Writing from Denison University and her MFA in Fiction from Butler University. Her teaching experience includes undergraduate courses in first-year studies, creative writing, academic writing, media studies, screenwriting, and acting at Butler University and IUPUI, as well as teaching assistantships and fellowships at Miami of Ohio, Denison University, and Butler University. She has served as mentor and lead elementary teacher for Butler University Creative Writing Camp from 2013–2020 and as Director of the Butler Bridge Program, a creative writing program for central Indiana youth. She has also taught playwriting, improv, and acting for organizations such as the Indiana Writers Center and has directed for CYT Indy (now The Point), Roots' School of Theatre, Southbank Theatre Company, Fishers UMC, Carmel Theatre Company, The Artists' Studio, Hasten Hebrew Academy, Fishers Parks, and more.
Elisabeth’s acting training includes a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Denison University, Yale Summer Conservatory for Actors, workshops with Second City Training Center Chicago, and online training with the Michael Chekhov School. She is certified in adult and pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED and in anaphylaxis and epinephrine auto-injectors by the American Red Cross. Her recognitions include the 2015 Best Major Supporting Actress Award from the Encore Association, being an O’Neill National Playwrights Conference Finalist, and a two-time Henley Rose Award finalist.
According to Ensemble Children's Theatre, early drama education helps students learn to identify and regulate their emotions, use their bodies and voices to express themselves, explore their creative impulses, and grow into empathetic individuals. According to the American Alliance of Theatre & Education, students who engage in theatre have been shown to perform better on standardized tests than their peers, have better reading comprehension, and a better attitude towards reading. One parent testimonial states that Elisabeth has created an inclusive space for learning theater, that she meets children where they are and helps them grow their skills and confidence as actors in a fun and supportive environment, and that the time commitment is reasonable and the value is outstanding. The same parent notes that Ensemble is recommended for children who are new to the stage as well as seasoned performers, and mentions that Ensemble teaching artists and guests have included professional actors, directors, playwrights, technicians, and stage combat instructors.
Last updated May 13, 2026.
• Ages: 3–14 years old
Ensemble Children's Theatre was founded in 2023 and is now in its third season. It offers unique theatrical opportunities for Central Indiana youth, including summer camps at various locations throughout Central Indiana. Now in its third season, it offers classes, workshops, and summer camps for students ages 3–14 as well as production opportunities for actors ages 8–14.
The program was founded by Elisabeth Speckman, who serves as the main instructor for all current offerings. Elisabeth has 14+ years of experience teaching youth drama and writing with programs throughout the Indianapolis area and is a playwright, actor, and director. She received her BA in Theatre and English-Creative Writing from Denison University and her MFA in Fiction from Butler University. Her teaching experience includes undergraduate courses in first-year studies, creative writing, academic writing, media studies, screenwriting, and acting at Butler University and IUPUI, as well as teaching assistantships and fellowships at Miami of Ohio, Denison University, and Butler University. She has served as mentor and lead elementary teacher for Butler University Creative Writing Camp from 2013–2020 and as Director of the Butler Bridge Program, a creative writing program for central Indiana youth. She has also taught playwriting, improv, and acting for organizations such as the Indiana Writers Center and has directed for CYT Indy (now The Point), Roots' School of Theatre, Southbank Theatre Company, Fishers UMC, Carmel Theatre Company, The Artists' Studio, Hasten Hebrew Academy, Fishers Parks, and more.
Elisabeth’s acting training includes a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Denison University, Yale Summer Conservatory for Actors, workshops with Second City Training Center Chicago, and online training with the Michael Chekhov School. She is certified in adult and pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED and in anaphylaxis and epinephrine auto-injectors by the American Red Cross. Her recognitions include the 2015 Best Major Supporting Actress Award from the Encore Association, being an O’Neill National Playwrights Conference Finalist, and a two-time Henley Rose Award finalist.
According to Ensemble Children's Theatre, early drama education helps students learn to identify and regulate their emotions, use their bodies and voices to express themselves, explore their creative impulses, and grow into empathetic individuals. According to the American Alliance of Theatre & Education, students who engage in theatre have been shown to perform better on standardized tests than their peers, have better reading comprehension, and a better attitude towards reading. One parent testimonial states that Elisabeth has created an inclusive space for learning theater, that she meets children where they are and helps them grow their skills and confidence as actors in a fun and supportive environment, and that the time commitment is reasonable and the value is outstanding. The same parent notes that Ensemble is recommended for children who are new to the stage as well as seasoned performers, and mentions that Ensemble teaching artists and guests have included professional actors, directors, playwrights, technicians, and stage combat instructors.
Last updated May 13, 2026.
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