Growing Great Kids Through Theatre
At the core of Almond Acres Charter Academy’s mission to grow great kids, is the belief that every student has innate talents. We recognize that some students are strong in math and sciences, others in reading and writing. Some are athletic, while others are gifted musicians. Every student is smart. The only difference is HOW they’re smart.
Since the school began in 2012, we have incorporated the arts into our learning program. We have worked to expand our theatre program for the past couple of years.
We are thrilled to have a drama teacher, who is also our librarian, leading this effort with the oversight of our Program Director, Amy Baker.
A Theatre Experience for Every Age
Early Exposure: K-3 Performances
Our younger students can participate in short, engaging plays (30 minutes or less) that introduce them to imaginative storytelling, movement, and confidence-building. These performances foster early communication and teamwork skills. Past performances have included Stuart Little, Charlotte’s Web, and Snow White as well as other fairy tales and renderings of favorite picture books.
Building Skills in Grades 4-5
For our older elementary school students, we focus on slightly longer productions that introduce young actors to more complex narratives. Students learn more about stage direction and blocking while developing their memorization skills and stage presence. The 4th and 5th grade productions are now being performed at the Templeton Performing Arts Center and have included productions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Jack and the Beanstalk and
The Wizard of Oz.
Middle School: Taking Center Stage
Once our students reach middle school, they are ready to participate in a full-length production. These productions allow students to shine onstage. Often, attendees comment that they are seeing the students in a whole new light. Some students, who may be quiet and reserved in the classroom, transform when they find themselves in costume under a spotlight.
Our middle schoolers become familiar with the audition process and role preparation, while some help with set design, tech, and stage management.
Like the 4th and 5th grade plays, middle school productions take place in a professional theatre setting at the Templeton Performing Arts Center in front of family, friends, and the community. Our recent middle-school-only productions have included Treasure Island and Wonderland.
Spotlight on Other Drama Programs
Clubs, Field Trips, and Showcases
In addition to our annual productions, Almond Acres has a 3rd Grade Drama Club, 4th/5th Grade Drama Club, and Middle School Drama Club. The drama clubs are mostly student-led and focus on improv games, script writing, student-directed skits, and family get-togethers outside school.
Almond Acres also takes grade-level VAPA field trips while the Drama Club and production students have taken theatre field trips to see plays at SLO Repertory Theatre, PCPA, The Great American Melodrama, Atascadero High School, and Paso Robles High School. Our AACA drama students have had unique opportunities to take theatre tours and attend Q&A sessions with actors, production directors, and artistic directors. Students make connections with other theatre programs in the county that they might also participate in.
This spring, AACA will host its first Drama Showcase. The Drama Showcase will feature student-written and directed scripts. Rehearsals occur during lunchtime Drama Club.
Beyond Almond Acres
In the summer of 2024, we hosted our first annual collaborative theatre production. The camp-style program is open to all students aged 7 to 17 in northern San Luis Obispo County. Students must audition for the play. If they are cast, they participate in a 3-week camp-model rehearsal process to prepare for one weekend of shows. Tickets to the performances are available to the public for purchase! By collaborating with the Templeton Performing Arts Center on a summer theatre intensive, Almond Acres has positioned itself as a community leader in creating a North County youth theatre program accessible to all.
The Benefits of Theatre for Children
At Almond Acres, we know that participation in theatre builds confidence and public speaking skills. Students develop storytelling skills, leaning into their creativity and imagination to think outside the box.
Working with other students onstage improves teamwork and builds responsibility as they learn to rely on their castmates and contribute to a collective goal.
Stepping into the shoes of different character roles allows students to develop empathy as they understand other perspectives. Even academics are enhanced as students strengthen their reading comprehension, memorization, and problem-solving skills.
Your Support Matters
The support and encouragement we receive from our families and community for our theatre program makes all the difference! There’s something special about standing onstage and looking out into the audience and seeing friendly, familiar faces smiling back. We believe the arts have a place in education, and we love being able to celebrate the unique gifts and talents of every student through this channel!
