The Cast of The Secret Garden | Photos by Jamie Foster Photography

We recently received a generous $1,500 grant from the Central Coast Funds for Children in support of the Academy of Creative Theatre (ACT) production of The Secret Garden which runs January 16-25, 2015. Specifically, the grant underwrites discounted children’s tickets to ALL performances as well as a limited number of free tickets for children and families in collaboration with the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO.) The tickets are being distributed through CAPSLO to families involved in Head Start and other programs for families and children.

Martha (Penny DellaPelle) and Mary (Campbell Ellery)

ACT’s production of The Secret Garden is directed by Shelagh Garren and features 12 student actors from the Little Theatre’s ACT educational program. The classic children’s story, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, centers around Mary Lennox, a young orphan, who is sent to England to live with her invalid cousin and reclusive Uncle Archibald on his mysterious estate. When Mary discovers a hidden, locked garden, her life is changed forever. With the help of the warmhearted maid Martha; Dickon, the boy who understands the language of animals; the crusty gardener, Ben, and, of course, the robin who leads her to the garden, Mary brings both the neglected garden and her family back to life. A magical story of hope, renewal, and the transforming power of love, this heartwarming story is ideal for children and families.

Ben Weatherstaff (Conner Allen)

The Secret Garden runs January 16-25, 2015 at the Little Theatre on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm. The cast includes young actors from throughout the County: Jayda Monreal, Campbell Ellery, Sienna Ritter, Linnea Marks, Brooke Andris, Penny DellaPelle, Elizabeth Tharp, Trevyn Wong, Conner Allen, Zoe Peach-Riley, Raegan Lunceford and Riley Hutcheson.

Dickon (Trevyn Wong) and Colin Craven (Linnea Marks)

“Participating in theatre encourages creativity and builds self-confidence” says ACT Coordinator Kerry DiMaggio. “ACT provides a creative, artistic, educational and FUN outlet for children who might not otherwise be engaged with their peers or other important adult role models. This generous grant from the Central Coast Funds for Children enables us to share this production of The Secret Garden, not only with the students performing in the production, but with children and families throughout the county who might not otherwise be able to attend.”

Thank you Central Coast Funds for Children for helping us to share high quality live theatre with children and families from all across the county!

For more information about THE SECRET GARDEN or to make your reservations, click HERE.

Archibald Craven (Riley Hutcheson) and Mrs. Medlock (Elizabeth Tharp)

ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF CREATIVE THEATRE
If you haven’t yet heard about the programs of the Little Theatre’s Academy of Creative Theatre, it’s time you did! ACT provides year-round theatrical training for youth ages 5-18 (kindergarten through 12th grade.) ACT’s after-school programs, summer camps and theatrical production classes inspire young performers and technicians to develop skills which will benefit them throughout their lives, both on and off the stage. Students involved in ACT learn from professional artists in programs designed to help students explore creative self-expression and individuality. Whether our students choose to pursue theatre as a career, as volunteers or as audience members, our hope is their experience at the San Luis Obispo Little Theatre will help them to develop a greater appreciation of the theatre arts and a stronger connection to their community.

Sound Operator Ella Harris

SPRING THEATRE CLASSES
ACT is now accepting registrations for its Spring 2015 Theatre Classes.  All ACT classes take place in a lively, nurturing, fun environment and are taught by professional teaching artists who are passionate and skilled at working with young performers.  ACT classes stretch the imagination, encourage teamwork and collaboration, and help students develop listening and speaking skills, all while promoting creativity and self-esteem.

Mary (Campbell Ellery ) surrounded by taunting children

ACT is offering a variety of classes this spring for all age ranges and levels of experience beginning February 23 and running through April 29. A Spring Break camp will also be available April 6-10. Thanks to a generous grant through The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, generous scholarships are available so that every child with a desire to learn can participate.

Click HERE for more details on spring theatre classes and scholarships or to register your child or grandchild, niece, nephew or neighbor today!

Mary (Campbell Ellery) and Dickon (Trevyn Wong) discover The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden is a delightful show for young and old alike. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to introduce youngsters to the joys of live theatre. Just two more weekends of performances remain — don’t miss your chance to see this lovely show! GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!