The Little Theatre believes that no child should be denied the opportunity to participate in the performing arts because they can’t afford it. Simple, right? However, we also believe that professional teaching artists deserve compensation and that quality programs require a budget to operate. That means we must charge tuition for our educational programs. So, how can we ensure that every child with a desire to create and learn can do so? Through the generosity of individuals, businesses and philanthropic organizations within our local community, that’s how!

This year, the Little Theatre has received generous funding through a variety of sources to ensure that our Academy of Creative Theatre programs can offer scholarships to any family who requires assistance. In today’s blog, we want to thank them!

In September, we received a generous $2,500 grant from The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, funded by the Holser Educational Fund for the Performing Arts. An endowed fund, this grant-making program supports performing arts education for young artists and audiences, contributing to the cultural development of the community.

For additional funding for ACT student scholarships, we turned to our local financial institution.  Rabobank responded with a $2,500 gift that has gone a long way to help students participating in all 2015-2016 Season ACT programs, running July, 2015-June, 2016..

Finally, individual donors with a passion for theatre and education have always been there for Little Theatre education programs and we couldn’t do it without them!  This year’s Scholarship Sponsors include Ann & Lou Robinson and a local donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

It takes a village, doesn’t it? Many thanks to ALL of our generous contributors who have given so much to underwrite need-based tuition scholarships for students participating in our Academy of Creative Theatre programs this season. The ACT program is the most extensive theatrical education program for children ages 5-18 between Monterey and Santa Barbara. Our year-round, standards-based, educational activities and programs include summer and spring break theatre camps, after-school theatre classes in the spring and fall, a Staged Reading performance experience for more advanced students and two production classes which offer students the opportunity to audition for and participate in professionally-directed full length theatrical productions.

As a matter of fact, you can catch one of our great student shows January 15-31, when ACT students will be presenting Little Women of Orchard House, inspired by the life and work of Louisa May Alcott.  AND you can sign up your kids for ACT Spring After School Classes which are open for registration right now, for classes beginning at the end of February and running through April. 

“Participating in theatre encourages creativity and builds self-confidence” says Education Director Kerry DiMaggio. “ACT provides a creative, artistic, educational and FUN outlet for children. Whether students choose to pursue theatre as a career, as volunteers or as audience members, 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. ”

Since 1997, ACT has provided year-round theatrical training for youth ages 5-18 and has sought to fill the gap between what our local schools are able to offer our children, and what California State Educational Standards recommend that each child should have the opportunity to experience and to learn. ACT’s hands-on theatrical production classes, offered at the Little Theatre in San Luis Obispo, are open to students throughout the county.

So, what are you waiting for?  Get in the ACT!