Education

Theatre West's education programs seek to serve the community by presenting quality theater for younger audiences and using theater skills to present positive and stimulating educational programs that meet California Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) standards.

The in-school theatre education program is designed to introduce pre-school and elementary school age children to different aspects of drama including characterization, emotional expression, understanding story, voice projection and enunciation, body language, and awareness. Through theater games, children learn the importance of teamwork and working together. Their involvement in the arts helps build confidence. They learn basic stage vocabulary, team-building, improve their creativity and use of their imagination, and develop greater empathy and socio-emotional learning.

Deanna Michelle

Deanna Michelle graduated from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where she received her BFA. After moving to Los Angeles, she found Theatre West and was able to begin sharing her love for Theatre with others through their Arts in Education Program. She has been a teacher with Theatre West for nine years. During that time, she taught hundreds of elementary-aged students throughout the LAUSD School System the value of theatre and helped them explore their creative sides. She is excited to have stepped into a more leadership role within the Education Program, where she gets to help bring on more teachers, introduce more schools to Theatre, and help develop detailed curriculums that allow for students to get the most out of Theatre class. Besides the Education Program, she is an active member of Theatre West, having performed in several main stage shows and in our Storybook Theatre Program. You may have seen her in shows such as The Princess and The Frog, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Aladdin, The Beautiful Princess and the Magic Lamp, Classic Couples Counseling, and Moose on the Loose.

Elise Walters

A multifaceted performer, administrator, and educator from Buffalo, NY, Elise holds a Bachelor's degree in Music and Dance/Theater from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Her stage credits include diverse roles in productions such as "Little Red Riding Hood," "Aladdin," and "Hansel and Gretel" with various esteemed companies. As a key figure in multiple non-profit companies, she channels her passion for classical music and theater into innovative fundraising and administrative endeavors, shaping immersive experiences beyond traditional venues. Elise's teaching journey, which commenced in 2012, spans from personal aide to music director of high school musicals, and she currently imparts her expertise across Los Angeles through institutions like Theatre West and the Pacific Opera Project. Through her private studio and community outreach initiatives, she endeavors to make the arts accessible to individuals of all ages, embodying a commitment to artistic excellence and educational enrichment.

Teachers

Deanna Gandy
Elise Walters
Scottie Nevil
Oscar Nava
Amelia Vargas
Arianna Evangelia

Contact:

Deanna or Elise to learn more and to find out how Theatre West can deliver this program to your school.

The program is a 12-week residency with one teaching artist 30 to 60 minutes per week. Theatre West's education programs include:

This program empowers children by improving their self-esteem and self-confidence while giving them a healthy outlet to express themselves in a safe environment. They also are exposed to world dramatic literature by studying the play The Strongest One by Joseph Bruchac based on a Zuni (indigenous) folk story. The themes of this story resonate as the students learn about the interconnectivity of life through cause and effect in this fun and clever play. It also brings to the fore representation and perspective by BIPOC artists.

All programs are age appropriate for pre-school to elementary school. At one of our former partner schools, Selma Avenue Elementary School in Hollywood, former principal Dr. Michelle Windmuller, described the impact the program as follows:

“Theatre West has been life-changing for our children. I mean that, literally. We have 89% English Language Learners, and over 90% are Title 1. Because of your theatre programs, these children have a renewed sense that someone cares about them, and because of that, they value themselves again. Truancy is down, scores went up in standardized tests….the children are more engaged and excited about working with you.” - Dr. Michelle Windmuller

Plus, there is also an additional option for a field-trip to see one of Theatre West’s Storybook shows. Storybook Theatre is a program at Theatre West that has won numerous awards and recognition by the City, County, State, and US Senate and House of Representatives.

adapting classic stories and fairy tales into non-threatening plays and musicals that contain messages and lessons for young audiences
presenting these adaptations as fully staged productions at Theatre West
bringing young audiences to these productions from across Los Angeles, even providing transportation from underserved areas when possible
partnering with schools to bring theatre teaching artists for a 12-week residency into the classroom to use theater as vehicles for teaching storytelling, drama, reading, English, and language skills and to teach about theater in accordance with visual and performing arts

What Our Teachers Say

“This is my favorite time of day. The kids love it.”
–Teachers Aide, Vine Early Education Center

“A Long time non-verbal student came alive during Theatre Class, when they played a game called ”Man Discovers Fire” he finally Interacted with other Students.”
–3rd grade TeacherEmilita Elementary

What Our Students Say

“Thank you for teaching me to perform.” –5th Grader Winnetka Elementary School

“I love Theatre Class because I like the teacher. She is love.” –3rd grader Winnetka Elementary School Special Education

“I feel so lucky to even have Theatre class since so many schools don’t get it.” –4th grader Toluca Lake Elementary

“This is my favorite time of day.” –3rd grader Toluca Lake Elementary

“This class made me realize I want to be a director one day.” –3rd grader Toluca Lake Elementary