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
A Play in 3 Days
and
SPOTLiGHT Play!
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Small Performers and Big Imaginations take the SPOTLiGHT!
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APi3D IS BACK!
A PLAY iN 3 DAYS!
A PLAY iN 3 DAYS!
Directed by Paulette Gilbert
A 2-3 day workshop that encompasses most aspects of play production, including auditions, blocking, rehearsal techniques, character building, and working with costumes and props. Participants will put these elements together, creating a short play performed at the end of our final day. An amazingly fun and challenging process for ALL levels of theatrical experience!
• 16 participants / 8-15 yrs.
• Nov. 13, 14, 15
• Fri: 4:30-7 / Sat: 9:45-4:15 / Sun: 9:45-4:15
• Sunday 4:15pm Play / STC Studio
• Cost: $260 / Sibling Discount: $235
• Participants receive a workshop T-shirt!
• Registration closes Nov. 3 or when full enrollment is reached.
WORKSHOP & PLAY LOCATION
Sierra Theatre Company Rehearsal Studio: 828 W. Main St, Grass Valley, CA 95945
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A 2-3 day workshop that encompasses most aspects of play production, including auditions, blocking, rehearsal techniques, character building, and working with costumes and props. Participants will put these elements together, creating a short play performed at the end of our final day. An amazingly fun and challenging process for ALL levels of theatrical experience!
• Everyone is cast in our play. Some may receive multiple roles; dependent on script.
• Stage Management kids (10yrs. or older) can participate! Jr. Crew may assist with rehearsal, costumes, props AND then during our play.
• Script is not revealed until the first day! Kids show up, ready for excitement and fun!
• Paulette chooses different scripts for each workshop.
• Participants receive a t-shirt to celebrate their accomplishments!
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• An excellent opportunity for the child exploring performance for the first time.
• Form new friendships with others who also enjoy performance and theatre!
• Experience the joy and excitement of performing without the traditional long rehearsal period commitment.
• Ideal for experienced young actors because it's so different from the traditional process of creating a production.
• Communicate, collaborate and create with others... in real time!cription text goes here
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• 3 pronged folder or thin binder for script
• Highlighter & pencil
• Water bottle, daily snacks & lunch
• Tote or backpack for personal items
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• Closed-toe and rubber-soled shoes. No flip-flops, boots or sandals.
• Appropriate clothing for movement.
• Hair pulled back and out of face.
• Child's Sunday clothing: Bright/colorful solids or patterns.
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• Encourage family and friends to attend our play, performed at the STC studio.
• T-shirts distributed during our Celebration Reception!
• Sierra Theatre Company and Paulette Gilbert have the right to deny or cancel enrollment for medical or disciplinary reasons before or during Workshop, if needed.
• Only STC has the right to use images for future marketing etc.
• Further details and daily schedules emailed once registration and payment are received.
• STC wants everyone to have an opportunity to create theatre magic! We offer limited partial scholarships at our discretion. To apply, email info@sierrathatrecompany.org with a short note describing why scholarship is needed. Last day for APi3Days consideration is Nov.1st.
“We truly appreciated this opportunity. She has been so eager to be in a production, and this was the perfect experience on the perfect timeline!”
“Best time EVER... When’s the next one?”
MORE THAN CLASSES. WE MAKE THEATRE!
From fully produced productions to A Play In A Few Days, Spotlight Players offers rewarding and worthwhile opportunities for young performers to get on stage, create, rehearse, and perform.
SPOTLiGHT PLAYERS’ Spring Play
Auditions: Sunday Nov. 22
Actors: 7-15yrs.
Stage Management & Jr. Crew: 11-16yrs.
• Invited Callbacks: Sun. Nov. 29
• March performances at the Nevada Theatre!
• Play title, audition details, production dates and rehearsal schedule announced by Oct. 22nd
Cast of our Spring 2026 Spotlight Players’ production, Peach Boy and the Moon Princess
Contact us for more info info@sierratheatrecompany.org
Magical moments from SPOTLiGHT PLAYERS productions and A PLAY iN A FEW DAYS workshops!
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
SPOTLiGHT PLAYERS
THEATRE CLASSES
ARE IN SESSION!
NOT SURE IF YOUR KID IS READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT?
TRY THEIR FIRST DAY OF CLASS FREE!
*new students only—stay tuned for next session
Theatrical Adventures
4-6 & 7-9 yrs
$250 for 8 classes
Tuesdays 3:30-4:45pm 4-6yrs, 4:30-5:45pm 7-9 yrs
Sept 15 - Nov 3
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. Family and friends are invited to a Sharing Showcase on November 3rd at 5:40pm.
Instructor Paulette Gilbert
Acting FUNdamentals
9-14 yrs
FUN has begun, and spots are available… REGISTER NOW!
$260 for 5 classes
Sundays 4:00-6:30pm
Sept 13 - Oct 11
Have fun while cultivating the fundamental tools of Acting! Session focuses on the skills and techniques that make braver, more creative actors. Explore improvisation, scene work, acting exercises, movement, character development, monologues and theatre games. Strengthen valuable life skills like collaboration, empathy and perseverance as well. Session concludes with a Sharing Showcase, October 11th at 6:30pm.
ALL levels of experience welcome!
$50 discount for any child 7-12 yrs. who wants to pair an Acting class with Musical Theatre for Beginners. (use multiple class payment link for both classes)
Musical Theatre for Beginners
7-12 yrs (8 classes)
$275 for 8 classes
Wednesdays 3:30-5:00pm
Sept 16 - Nov 4
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.
Sharing Showcase November 4th at 4:30pm.
Scenes from our 2025 Fall Classes’ Sharing Showcase!
The fine print
• Classes and camps held at Sierra Theatre Company Studio, 828 W Main St, Grass Valley, CA
• Max 12 participants per Theatrical Adventures, Max 14 participants Acting FUNdamentals, and Max 20 participants per Musical Theater for Beginners.
• 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 discounts
• $50 discount for any child 8-11yrs. who wants to pair an Acting class with Musical Theatre for Beginners. (use multiple class payment link for both classes)• Sierra Theatre Company and instructors have the right to deny or cancel enrollment for medical or disciplinary reasons before or during class, if needed.
• First Class Free Day: Not ready to commit yet? If this is child's first time in class, they can try the first day for free! You must complete the registration form for child to attend FCFree Day. Simply choose First Class Free under Payment Methodology. Full payment is due on the second day of class. Attending FCFDay does not automatically reserve child's spot for the full session. If class fills up, those trialing the first day will be put on a waitlist. Sierra Theatre Company will keep you posted if class begins reaching max capacity. Not all classes offer a FCFDay.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. Deadline for scholarship consideration is Friday, Sept 11th.
Where Kids Play!
