The Teen Arts Retreat at Wildcat Mansion offers an immersive creative experience for students ages 12–18 who love the arts or are exploring arts-related careers. Located on 29 wooded acres in Franklin, PA—about 1.5 hours from Pittsburgh—Wildcat Mansion is a one-of-a-kind setting featuring a ballroom, saloon, speakeasy, 20-seat cinema, secret chamber, racecar simulator, and overnight lodging for up to 70 students.
Rooted in Wildcat’s mission to make high-quality arts education accessible to all ages, the retreat allows students to choose a major and minor from eight creative disciplines: Acting Performance, Vocal Performance, Comedy/Improv, Creative Writing/Screenwriting, Film/Video Production, Stagecraft/Stage Management, Costume/Make-Up, and Visual Arts/Props. Classes and workshops are taught by trained college students and accomplished professionals.
Throughout the week, students develop their skills during the day and apply them each evening in a professional Wildcat production, open to friends, family, and the public. Overnight accommodations include the Mansion, Carriage House, Retro Suite, Acorn Cottage, River View Suite, and Artists’ Haven.
Daily morning meetings take place in the meadow, with classes held across the property in creative spaces including the cinema, costume room, speakeasy, Creature Cottage and secret chamber lounge. Students also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, soccer, badminton, croquet, and downtime, along with recreational events such as bonfires, movie night, and storytelling.
All meals are served in the Carriage House Diner and picnic pavilion.
Session One (Ages 12–15): June 21–28, 2026
Productions: Princess Castle and The Wildcat Adventure
Session Two (Ages 16–18): August 2–9, 2026
Production: Scandal at Wildcat Mansion
Three spring open houses available. Learn more at https://www.thewaca.org/teen-arts-retreat. 814-346-0407.