San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre has received a generous $5,000 grant to fund tuition scholarships for students participating in their Academy of Creative Theatre (ACT) educational programs. ACT’s class curriculum has been completely revised and reimagined in this unprecedented time in order to be socially-distant, open and safe per state and county standards for Covid-19. Taught by professional teaching artists who are passionate and skilled at working with young performers, classes are designed for all ages and experience levels and take place in a lively, nurturing and FUN environment. Generous funding has been provided by the Janssen Youth & Youth Sports Fund, held at The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County to underwrite tuition scholarships up to 100% for students participating in these creative classes during SLO REP’s 2020-2021 Season, through June, 2021.

“During this challenging time when we are forced to limit our gatherings, SLO REP is not able to offer our regular season of professional, live stage productions”, says Managing Artistic Director Kevin Harris. “However, small, socially-distanced enrichment activities, camps and classes for children are allowed and encouraged with strict safety protocols in place. So, while our theatre space stands empty of rehearsals and performances, we are looking forward to expanding ACT’s fall and winter class offerings to provide much-needed arts enrichment and education during this unprecedented time.”

slo rep

ACT’s first session of Theatre Classes will begin on September 14th and continue through October 8th at SLO REP’s downtown location at 888 Morro Street in San Luis Obispo. Classes are available for children ages 5-18 and include “Drama Kids”, “Take the Stage”, “Improv” and “Storybook Adventures”. Two special intensive sessions for more advanced students will also be offered beginning on September 19th. For more information, please visit slorep.org/education/academy-of-creative-theatre. Thanks to the Janssen Fund held at The Community Foundation SLO County, generous scholarships will be available for all who need them.

“Whether your child is an experienced ‘theatre-kid’ or a shy beginner, ACT is the place to train, create, play, and learn”, says Education Director Kerry DiMaggio. “Obviously, things are going to be a bit different this year, and we’re all doing our best to adjust to our ‘new normal.’ But we were very encouraged by the success of our socially-distant summer camps in July, and we are excited to bring you some fun and challenging theatre classes this fall and winter.”

ABOUT THE FUNDERS

The Janssen Youth & Youth Sports Fund was established in 2006 through the generosity of the Robert H. Janssen Foundation. This Fund seeks to support programs that enrich the lives of local youth and ideally reflect the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets. The Janssen Fund is held at The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, a grantmaking and education foundation supporting charitable work across our county. Since 1998, the Foundation has supported our county with grants and scholarships totaling almost $35 million. The Community Foundation’s charitable assets under management have grown to nearly

$60 million and provide support to all aspects of our community in perpetuity. For more information, visit www.cfsloco.org or call 805-543-2323.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF CREATIVE THEATRE

San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre’s Academy of Creative Theatre 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 or not students choose to pursue theatre as a career, their experience at ACT will help them to develop a greater appreciation of the theatre arts and a stronger connection to their community.

ABOUT SAN LUIS OBISPO REPERTORY THEATRE

SLO REP is San Luis Obispo County’s only nonprofit regional theatre, presenting a year-round season of professional productions and creative educational programs in downtown San Luis Obispo.

Our Mission

SLO REP strengthens theatre’s cultural influence and enriches the Central Coast by producing professional theatre, nurturing artists and providing theatre education for children and adults.

Our Belief

Live theatre’s powerful storytelling connects people in ways that open the mind, nourish the soul and illuminate our shared humanity.

For more information about upcoming classes and camps, please contact Education Director Kerry DiMaggio at (805) 781-3889, ext. 14 or email act@slorep.org.