SPOTLiGHT PLAYERS
Where Kids Play!
Whether your child is a beginner or a triple-threat in the making, our theatre program offers opportunities that cultivate and inspire confidence on stage and in life! Your child will grow and have a blast as we harness their energy, explore hidden talents and find new ones... all while making new friends. There is something for every child—no experience needed, just bring your imagination!
Paulette Gilbert, Director of Spotlight Players
This winter, let your kids
catch the theatre bug 🎭 🪲…
warning, it’s contagious!
We’ve got two fun ways for your kids to fall in love with the stage:
🪲 Got a free weekend? Jump into A Play in a Few Days — a fast, fun theatre blast!
🪲 Ready for more? Theatre classes are back, for ages 4-15
Featuring a brand-new Musical Theatre class with Christi Colombo!
SPOTLiGHT PLAYERS
THEATRE CLASSES
FIRST CLASS FREE* - JANUARY 13th ONLY
*You must register your child to participate in the free class
Dramatic Adventures $225
4-6 & 7-9 yrs (8 classes)
Instructor Paulette Gilbert
Theatre paired with children’s books inspire our theatrical adventures! Imaginations and confidence will grow as we make-believe and explore character through acting exercises, theatre games, music, movement and more.
• 8 Classes Tuesdays / Jan 13, 20, 27 / Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 / March 3
• 4-6yrs. - 3:15-4:15pm (Must be 4yrs. by Dec. 13)
• 7-9yrs. - 4:30-5:30pm (Last 15min. of class combined w/Acting FUNdamentals)
• Sharing Showcase / March 3 / 5pm
Acting Fundamentals $275
10-15 yrs (10 classes)
Instructor Paulette Gilbert
Let’s cultivate the fundamental tools of Acting! Have fun focusing on the skills and techniques that make braver and more creative actors. Explore improvisation, acting exercises, theatre games, movement, character development, scene work and monologues.
• 10 Classes Tuesdays / Jan 13, 20, 27 / Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 / March 3, 10, 17
• 10-15yrs.
• 5:15-6:30pm
• Sharing Showcase / March 17th / 6pm
Musical Theatre for Beginners $275
8-11 yrs (8 classes)
Instructor Christi Colombo
Introduce young performers to the fundamentals of musical theater through singing, acting, and simple choreography. Students learn basic vocal technique, explore character and storytelling, build confidence on stage, and practice working as an ensemble. Through games, age-appropriate musical theater songs, and short performance pieces, students develop creativity, teamwork, and stage presence in a fun, supportive environment.
• 8 Classes Thursdays / Jan 15, 22, 29 / Feb. 5,12,19,26 / March 5
• 8-11 yrs.
• 3:30-5pm
• Sharing Showcase / March 5th / 5pm
Behind the scenes - Spotlight Players’ production of Trio!
• Theatrical Adventures (7-9yrs.) AND Acting Fundamentals overlap 15min for large group explorations and fun!
• Held at Sierra Theatre Company Studio 828 W Main St, Grass Valley, CA
• Registration must close 2 days prior to the first day to properly prepare. Don’t delay!
• Wear appropriate clothing for movement. Closed-toe shoes; No flip flops, sandals or boots.
• Last day includes a 30min Friends and Family Sharing Showcase.
• $25 sibling discount.
• $50 discount for those 8-11yrs. wanting to pair an Acting class with Musical Theatre
• 10-12 participants per class.
• Partial scholarships may be available. Contact Sierra Theatre Company before registering at info@sierratheatrecompany.org
Sierra Theatre Company wants everyone to have the chance to create theatre magic! We offer limited partial scholarships at our discretion.
To apply, please email info@sierratheatrecompany.org with a short note describing why a scholarship is needed.
Deadlines for scholarship consideration are January 13th.
Scenes from our 2025 Fall Classes’ Sharing Showcase!
returns to the SPOTLiGHT!
“I LOVED it all!”
A Play in a Few Days includes all aspects of play production, including auditions, blocking, rehearsal techniques, character building, and working with costumes and props. Participants will put all these elements together to create and present a short play for family and friends at the end of the workshop! An amazingly fun and challenging process for all levels of theatrical experience.
A Play in 3 Days Workshop
Ages 9-15
January 9, 10 & 11
Fri 4-6:30pm; Sat & Sun 10:00-4pm
Performance - Sun 4pm (30min)
$225 each / $200 sibling
Participants receive T-shirt
16 slots available
This January we’re bringing you two workshops for kids
ages 7-10 and 9-15
A Play in 2 Days Workshop
Ages 7-10
January 24 & 25
Sat & Sun 9:30-2pm
Performance - Sun 2pm (20min)
$200 each / $175 sibling
Participants receive T-shirt
14 slots available
FAQ & details below
Registration closes on January 3rd
Registration closes on January 17th
“It was thrilling and so much fun to make a play in just two days!”
““It was all so incredibly cool! I loved that my child was able to experience every part of being in a play so quickly—it was the perfect introduction to theatre.”
“Playing different characters was fun, and I made some new friends!”
“My child came home fully understanding his role, and by day two, we were treated to an adorably endearing play that showcased everyone’s personalities. It was clear that each child fully embraced the process while having so much fun!”
Behind the scenes of our last APi2D! …
DIRECTOR & INSTRUCTOR Paulette Gilbert
Paulette Gilbert has worked with children for nearly 30 years as a teacher, actor, and director. She holds a BA in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Theatre from Louisiana Tech University. Her extensive experience with professional companies across the country includes a national tour with the Missoula Children’s Theatre. For the past 19 years she has taught and produced theatre for young people in Nevada County. Her directing credits include seven Children’s Theatre Ensemble productions for Center Stage Dance Studio, performed at the North Star House. As the founding primary director of CFTA's Main Stage Playmakers, she directed eight fun-filled productions. She is thrilled to be the director for Sierra Theatre Company's Spotlight Players and API2Days workshops. In addition to her work with children, Paulette is a professional costume designer and proprietor of SANDbags.
"Theater is so impactful because it encourages and enhances a child's capacity for self-expression and their sense of self-esteem. To make this possible, the most important thing about being in a play- is that it should be fun! Beyond it being fun, it is exciting and rewarding for kids to be part of creating something memorable while working closely with others. Every child has something special to add to a theatrical production, and it is deeply fulfilling to explore possibilities and find out what those special things will be. As a director, I love to work on plays with children of all ages and levels of experience, and am always searching for the rich rewards that theater can provide to children and their families." - Paulette Gilbert
Photos by Bob Free, Heidi Grass & Penny Collins
INSTRUCTOR
Christi Colombo
Christi Colombo brings nearly three decades of stage experience to young, budding performers. A former child actor herself—with credits in musical theater, tv, film, and voiceover—she understands firsthand the challenges young performers face. She is a trained vocal coach with a BFA in Musical Theater, has taught middle school show choir, and currently substitute teaches in the Nevada City School District. As a mother, Christi knows how to create a warm, encouraging environment that helps children shine while having fun!
Photos by Heidi Grass & David Wong
A PLAY iN A FEW DAYS FAQs
Where is the workshop?
At the Sierra Theatre Company Rehearsal Studio:
828 W. Main St. GV / Peace Lutheran Church
How should my child prepare?
Just come ready to be brave, imaginative, and have fun with other kids who enjoy theatre! No preparation is required.
What time should we arrive?
API2D
Saturday & Sunday check-in is 9:10-9:25am.
Workshop starts at 9:30am
API3D
Friday check-in is 3:40-3:55
Workshop starts at 4:00pm
Saturday & Sunday check-in is 9:40-9:55am
Workshop starts at 10:00am
What time is pickup?
API2D
Saturday pick-up is 2:00pm.
Sunday performance is at 2:00pm
API3D
Friday pick-up is 6:30pm
Saturday pick-up is 4:00pm.
Sunday performance is at 4:00pm
There are t-shirts?
Yes! Every child receives a t-shirt to commemorate the fun and success of our whirlwind weekend! Size request is on registration form.
Who provides my child's food & snacks?
You do. Child should bring a water bottle, a lunch, and a few healthy non-messy snacks each day. There will be snack and lunch breaks on Saturday and Sunday. API3D will have a snack break on Friday.
What should my child wear?
Clothing must be appropriate and easy to move in. No flip flops, boots or exposed toes. Rubber soles are the best for our carpeted floors.
On show day, your child’s clothing will serve as a costume base. Please no large words or images: colorful solids or patterns are best.
Are there opportunities for kids interested in the Stage Management aspects of Theatre?
Yes, a few spots are reserved for Jr. Crew kids! Those 10-15yrs. will assist during rehearsals, help with costumes or props AND have backstage duties during our play.
Can parents or guardians watch the workshop?
No, the workshop is closed to parents. However we’ll see you at the show!
May I contact my child during the day?
Children are not allowed to leave the studio once our day begins. Cellphone usage will be allowed during a snack or lunch break, ONLY if needed.
When is the performance!?
API2D performance is Sunday at 2:00pm
API3D performance is Sunday at 4:00pm
Stay after the show for a small reception 🎉
and distribution of cast t-shirts!
Who can come to the performance?
Any friends or family of the cast are invited! Come enjoy the hard work and talent of our young performers, no tickets needed.
What is the cost to participate?
API2D is $200 participation fee / $175 sibling*
API3D is $225 participation fee / $200 sibling*
Cash/Check Payments: Email info@sierratheatrecompany.org
Workshop fee is non-refundable.
Partial scholarships may be available upon request.
*If sibling will attend different workshop due to age, older child receives $25 discount.
Are scholarships available?
Sierra Theatre Company wants everyone to have the chance to create theatre magic!
We offer limited partial scholarships at our discretion.
To apply, please email info@sierratheatrecommpany.org with a short note describing why a scholarship is needed.
Deadlines for scholarship consideration are Dec. 26th & January 10th.
If you have any questions, please e-mail Paulette & STC
Is there any fineprint?
Yes. While we don’t anticipate any issues, Sierra Theatre Company and Paulette Gilbert reserve the right to deny or cancel enrollment if medical or behavioral concerns arise before or during the Workshop.
CURTAIN CLOSED
July 25th-27th
TRiO! - A Three-Ring Storybook Circus
〰️
TRiO! - A Three-Ring Storybook Circus 〰️
Join us for a fast-paced storytale mash-up circus like you’ve never seen before!
Three ringmasters (and some silly clowns) take you on a circus themed adventure. Prepare to be entertained and amazed by a trilogy of three storybook favorites: the Three Bears, the Three Pigs, and the Three Goats Gruff.
Below—scenes from Trio! our first Spotlight Players production!—photos by Heidi Grass
