ARIEL Theatrical is committed to helping young people learn to lead principle-centered lives.
ARIEL Theatrical has been around for quite some time, long before the internet and Artificial Intelligence. In fact, children of former participants are now performing right where their parents learned to sing, dance and act, decades ago. ARIEL provides year-round programs for young people ages 5-18, invites teens to learn and develop leadership skills, gets homeschool students on stage with daytime theatre classes, and provides hundreds of complimentary outreach tickets to family-friendly performances. ARIEL participants learn how to navigate the challenges of life while building stage skills. They discover the importance of personal integrity and respect for others. They observe that accountability and striving for excellence are essential to leadership. And they are part of a team that works together to accomplish hard things. At ARIEL, kids don’t rely on Artificial Intelligence to make magic; they learn how to do it themselves.
ARIEL Theatrical is a trusted resource for youth musical theatre programs in Monterey County. ARIEL welcomes kids from Carmel, Carmel Valley, Gonzales, Greenfield, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Salinas, Seaside and Spreckels. In addition to character-building theatre education and performance opportunities, ARIEL provides leadership training for qualified Monterey County teens who are interested in learning and developing skills which enable them to be better prepared for the future and more appealing to employers. At ARIEL, Youth Leaders may complete volunteer hours to meet high school graduation requirements, are eligible for the Heart of ARIEL College Scholarship, and may apply to work as paid summer employees. Lastly, performances at ARIEL bring the community together for family-friendly shows that highlight the hard work of our young casts who are learning to contribute to the world in positive ways.
ARIEL’s focus on principle-centered living taught me invaluable lessons about patience, empathy, and teamwork. Leading younger children through rehearsals and performances required me to communicate clearly, thoughtfully, and compassionately. Each child’s unique personality and needs taught me the importance of adaptability and kindness. The inclusive, positive environment at ARIEL reshaped my worldview by highlighting the profound impact a supportive community can have on a young person's confidence and growth. This experience has guided me to approach interactions outside ARIEL with greater sensitivity, understanding, and encouragement, particularly when helping peers or leading group activities. Overall, ARIEL strengthened my interpersonal skills, elevated my sense of community responsibility, and solidified my commitment to positive, principle-driven leadership.
- Jake McTighe, Salinas
