🎭 2026-2027 Performing Arts Program
This year, Ellemercito Performing Arts is taking students on a year-long musical theatre journey culminating in a fully staged production of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach (TYA).
By Parents Like You
- 🎼 Musical Theatre
- 🎬 Acting
- 🎤 Singing
- 🎭 Storytelling
🎭 More Than a Musical: The Benefits of Performing Arts
Performing arts gives children more than the opportunity to perform on stage. Throughout the experience,
students build skills that support them both on and off the stage.
What Children Gain Through Performing Arts
● 🎭 Confidence & Self-Expression — Develop confidence in sharing ideas, expressing emotions, and
stepping into the spotlight.
● 🎤 Communication Skills — Strengthen voice, presentation, listening, and verbal communication
skills.
● 💃 Creativity & Imagination — Explore creative ideas through acting, music, movement, and
storytelling.
● 🤝 Collaboration & Teamwork — Learn how to work together, support others, and contribute to a
shared goal.
● 🌟 Stage Presence — Build comfort speaking and performing in front of others.
● 🧩 Creative Problem-Solving — Learn to think on their feet, adapt, and find creative solutions.
● ❤ Empathy & Character Development — Explore different perspectives, emotions, and
experiences through characters and stories.
● 🎬 Perseverance & Responsibility — Experience the process of practicing, preparing, receiving
feedback, and following through.
The experience goes beyond the stage.
Through rehearsals, collaboration, and performance, children have opportunities to grow in confidence,
creativity, communication, resilience, and connection with others — skills they can carry into the classroom
and everyday life.
Meet Ms. Via Forman
Performing Arts Director | Voice & Theatre InstructorVia Forman is a Los Angeles–based actress, singer, director, and theatre arts educator passionate about helping young performers build confidence, creativity, and community through theatre.She brings more than four years of experience teaching, directing, and developing performing arts programs for young actors throughout Southern California. Her work has included helping Act Out Theatre Co. in Long Beach develop its Arts Workshop Series and after-school theatre program. Most recently, audiences may have seen her as Spider in Phantom Projects’ production of James and the Giant Peach.
Via specializes in theatrical directing and vocal technique and is passionate about creating inclusive, encouraging spaces where young performers feel safe taking creative risks and discovering their unique voices.
At the heart of her work is a belief in the magic of theatre—not only in what happens onstage, but in the confidence, connection, creativity, and inspiration young performers carry with them long after the curtain closes.
🌟 James and the GIant Peach Musical Production
🎬 Our 2026–2027 Production
Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach (TYA)
Performance Dates
● Friday, June 4, 2027 — 7:00 PM
● Saturday, June 5, 2027 — 2:00 PM
Performance Location
📍 Phantom Projects Theatre La Habra, California
Production rights are currently being finalized through Music Theatre International (MTI).
🎭 Participation Options
🛠️
Workshop Pathway
Students who attend Monday and Wednesday rehearsals from 2:30–4:30 p.m. will prepare their performance pieces together—developing skills in music, voice, theater, and storytelling.
📚
Lesson or Video Pathway
For learners unable to attend regular rehearsals, you can complete eight one-to-one voice or performance sessions, or submit a 60–90 second video of a prepared piece (song, dance, or performance).
Private lessons are offered Mondays & Wednesdays in the afternoons (limited availability).
Video Submissions
We welcome student video submissions for future performance consideration.
Please email your learner’s 60–90 second video to lvalles@ellemercito.org.
Include the student’s full name and a brief description of their piece (song title, style, or theme).
Students joining through this option will also attend rehearsals for stage setup, sound checks, and coordination.
🌟 Expectations
Participation in the Performing Arts program provides the opportunity to perform with the Ellemercito Learning Community.
Final roles are determined by the Performing Arts Director based on readiness and attendance.
To ensure a strong performance experience:
- Attendance: Consistent attendance is essential. Missing rehearsals may affect participation in the performance.
🎬 Performance Roles
Performers – Singers, dancers, actors, or storytellers sharing their creative work on stage.
Creative Design Team – Students supporting lighting, set design, sound, photography, and production elements.
Every participant – on stage or behind the scenes – helps bring our production to life.
🎶 Program Offerings
Ellemercito’s Performing Arts offerings give learners a strong foundation in the arts—encouraging creativity, expression, and confidence.
Performing Arts Workshops
Each one-hour session blends the fundamentals of music, voice, and theater, helping learners grow as expressive and confident performers.
- Music Theory & Voice Pedagogy — Understanding scales, rhythm, and harmony while developing the voice through breathing and expression.
- Theater & Storytelling — Exploring movement, character, and stage presence while learning to connect with an audience.
Students should bring: a binder with paper, a pencil, and a water bottle.
All workshop participants are invited to perform in Voices of Wonder or join the Creative Design Team.
Private Lessons
Personalized sessions designed to strengthen each learner’s artistic skills and confidence.
Focus areas include:
- Music 101 – Fundamentals of melody, rhythm, and key structure
- Theatre 101 – Character development, voice projection, and storytelling
- Voice Lessons – Breathwork, tone, and performance coaching
Rates:
- 30 minutes — $30 (Ellemercito families) | $35 (Community)
- 60 minutes — $60 (Ellemercito families) | $65 (Community)
💕 Our Community Values
Every performer and team member agrees to:
Show up with heart 💛
Practice with purpose 🎶
Respect the space 🌱
Respect one another 👩🏽🤝👨🏼
Celebrate every voice 🎤
Shine with gratitude ✨
💫 Our Mission
The Ellemercito Performing Arts Program nurtures a lifelong love for the arts through connection, creativity, and community.
We provide a heart-centered, low-stress environment where children discover the courage to express themselves and experience belonging through shared creation.
Erika
Parent
🌟 Discover your child’s confidence and creativity through music and performance.
Ready to register?
Students will have the opportunity to shine while building skills in Theater 101, Music 101, and Private Voice & Performance Lessons.
Whether your child is new to performing or already loves the spotlight, our joyful, hands-on workshops help learners develop stage presence, vocal confidence, and creative expression in a nurturing environment.
Now enrolling for Spring & Summer 2026 sessions!
Spaces are limited — reserve your spot today!