The journey that led us to you.
All In Theatre took the stage in 2022 when our Founding Artistic Director, Katie, discovered an opportunity to give back.
Throughout her extensive theatre experience, she noticed her hometown of Harrisburg, PA, was in desperate need of a children’s theatre program.
But not just any program — one that truly embraced the magic of musical theatre. A space where young people of all backgrounds and abilities could be celebrated. Applauded. Recognized!
Together with her childhood friend and local Harrisburg business owner, Anna, they’re All In, ready to empower the stories of the youth in the Harrisburg community.
Katie FOGARTY
Executive Director
Katie has worked in children’s theatre worldwide for over 15 years. Her expertise led her to become a Program Director of three children’s theatre companies in New York — Mainstages, Random Farms Kids Theatre, and Camp Chipinaw.
Throughout her career, Katie’s witnessed several of her students pursue their dreams and make it on Broadway. For over three years, she gained experience abroad, teaching children’s theatre in China to empower creativity, independent thought, and self-expression.
Katie opened the very first expat-founded theatre in the city of Shenzhen, receiving high praise, popularity, and news coverage from CCTV!
Of all her adventures, nothing is more meaningful than her new calling: All In Theatre. As a native of Harrisburg, PA, and its theatre scene, Katie is on a mission to bring the beauty of musical theatre to her community. More than productions and performances, theatre is about community, family, and inclusivity.
Calling on her diverse experience across the industry, she’s ready to create an experience every child won’t forget.
Anna Brandt
Founding Managing Director
Born and raised in Harrisburg, Anna’s passion and dedication to the Central Pennsylvania area runs deep. Anna has been a successful local business owner for the past ten years, serving the community alongside her father. In her spare time, Anna enjoys singing, hiking, and playing sports with her son.
Since she was a child, Anna received music lessons, sang in the choir, and practiced the art of song. Anna brings a love for singing, dancing, and creativity to the All In Theatre space. To her, All In is about creating a space where all children can shine with the support, attention, and compassion they deserve.
FAQs
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My child doesn’t have a diagnosis. Is this program for them as well?ABSOLUTELY! We are an inclusive program, which means young people with and without diagnoses perform and learn together. In order to remain inclusive, we need young people with and without diagnoses to participate. Our program is valuable to those without diagnoses to help learn empathy and to work with individuals who they may not have an opportunity to otherwise.
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Why do you charge a registration fee?Maintaining a theatre company involves many expenses. Even seemingly minor items like paper, ink, and markers for a class can accumulate a significant cost. The expenses associated with producing a show, including props, costumes, set pieces, sound equipment, and more, can be substantial. Despite these costs, we take pride in creating a unique and memorable experience for our performers. Additionally, we offer scholarships to ensure accessibility to all, having never turned down an applicant.
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My child is a bit shy and would prefer helping backstage. Does the musical include backstage work?Not yet, but it will in the future! Right now, we have a summer camp that focuses on elements of theatre, which would be good for a student who wants to learn about the other aspects of theatre that don’t involve performing. We have had students work backstage as stagehands in the past and help out in the lobby for performances. If your child is interested in being a part of the production in a non-performing capacity, contact us and we will find a way for them to be involved!
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How does casting work for the shows?Auditions can be stressful, even for seasoned actors! Our goal is to make this process as fun and stress-free as possible. To start, our auditions are called role placements because everyone who registers for our program gets a featured part! At our first rehearsal for each show, we spend time getting to know each other, playing theatre games, and learning role placement materials. The following rehearsal, we have role placements. This involves singing a portion of a song from the show and performing a few of a character’s lines from the show. We all perform the same material and cheer each other on!