Finding the right after-school program can make all the difference in a child’s growth, confidence and interests.
That’s why Noozhawk’s ParentNooz After School Activities Guide brings together a variety of local programs that keep kids active, engaged and inspired long after the school day ends.
As part of this year’s guide, we sat down with the people behind some of Santa Barbara’s leading after-school organizations to learn what makes their programs unique.
Through these Q&As, parents can gain insight into each program’s mission, teaching philosophy and the experiences children can expect.
For this feature, we spoke with Peyton Calhoon, Administrative Director at The Adderley School, about how the organization’s sessions build confidence, develop performance skills, and allow children to experience the joy of working together toward an end-of-session showcase.
The Adderley School
Question: What variety of afterschool activities do you offer to students?
Answer: At Adderley, students have the opportunity to explore a variety of musical theatre experiences through thoughtfully selected musical titles that bring each class to life. Our 14-week workshop sessions allow students to build confidence, develop performance skills, and experience the joy of working together toward an end-of-session showcase.
For students seeking a more intensive experience, we also offer our Conservatory Prep program, an audition-only ensemble designed for young performers ready to further develop their skills through focused training, mentorship, and a deeper commitment to the craft of musical theatre.
Q: Which age groups can participate in your afterschool programs?
A: Ages 5-16
Q: In what ways do your activities support children’s developmental growth?
A: THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL for the Performing Arts was founded in 1993 in Pacific Palisades, California welcoming children from across the United States and the globe and teaching them how to stand confidently in the world. Since its inception, thousands of toddlers, kids and teenagers have found a passion for musical theatre and a belief in their own abilities.
Broadway and TV Veteran, JANET ADDERLEY, created this amazing place of adventure, learning, and joy in an attempt to teach her shy, young daughter how to be heard. “If I were a color, I’d be fire engine red,” says Adderley, “If my daughter were a color, she’d be lavender.”
“I created THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS to help my lavender girl find her red voice.” The result can be seen in Alana Adderley, who for years has ignited a fire of passion and pride in countless ADDERLEY students.
Q: What sets your afterschool programs apart from others in the community?
A: Empowering Kids and Spreading Joy has been our mission at THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL for over 36 years with thriving programs in LA, Santa Barbara, Austin, Rowayton/Darien, New Orleans, and now Portugal and Madrid! Our Musical Theatre classes use a method where all kids receive intimate mentorship, ALL kids have their solo moment on stage to shine!
Using songs and scenes from popular Broadway Shows and Movie Musicals, ADDERLEY instructors instill confidence and joy in every student, helping them discover and develop their unique talents and realize their potential on stage and in life!
THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL does much more than teach children how to sing, act, and dance. Instructors instill joy and confidence in each child one by one through intimate mentorship.
Q: Could you share a few success stories or parent/student testimonials about your programs?
A: Graduates of THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS have won Tonys, starred in blockbuster movies, and gone on to star as “Young Cosette” on Broadway and “Winthrop” in The Music Man opposite Eric McCormack and Kristin Chenoweth at The Hollywood Bowl.
They have performed for Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey and have toured with Andrea Bocelli, including a triumphant appearance at the famed Madison Square Gardens. Guest teachers and performers have included Broadway veterans like tony-award winning Marissa Jaret Winokur and Kristin Chenoweth, as well as industry greats like David Foster and Marc Shaiman.
BEN PLATT
Ben Platt, once a student of ADDERLEY for 10 years, is an American actor who recently took home the Tony for “Best Actor in a Musical” for his work in DEAR EVAN HANSEN on Broadway. He is also known for his work starring as Benji in the film PITCH PERFECT and Elder Cunningham in THE BOOK OF MORMON on Broadway. He also leads the hit Netflix show THE POLITICIAN, and is currently filming the DEAR EVAN HANSEN movie!
JACK DYLAN GRAZER
Commercial, TV and film roles helped Jack win his first lead in the feature film, SCALES. His role as “Eddie” in Stephen King’s feature film IT marks Jack’s first studio picture. He starred in the CBS sitcom ME, MYSELF & I, and plays Freddy Freeman in DC Comic’s film, SHAZAM. Jack is the winner of the Hollywood Reporter Award, he is on LA Magazine’s Top 10 A-List of Young Actors, and is currently staring in the HBO series We Are Who We Are.
SARAH JANE HIGHLAND
Sarah Jane Highland, was coached by Janet Adderley when she played the role of Molly in the 1999 film remake of Annie. She is best known for her role as oldest sibling, Haley Dunphy, on the ABC sitcom MODERN FAMILY.
KATHRYN GALLAGHER, DAKOTA LOTUS, JACK QUAID, JONAH PLATT, MOLLY GORDON, MARISSA REYES
Q: What steps do you take to ensure the safety and well-being of children during program hours?
A: With over 36 years of experience under Janet Adderley’s leadership, safety and the well-being of every child remain our highest priorities. We intentionally maintain a close-knit, mentorship-based approach where every student is truly known by our staff. By keeping our programs focused on individualized attention, we ensure each child receives the guidance, encouragement, and care they need to thrive.
We strive to create a supportive environment where every student feels safe, valued, and confident to grow both on and off the stage.
Q: What training and qualifications do your staff members have to work with children?
A: Our staff is made up of experienced teaching artists, working performers, and Broadway professionals who are passionate about mentoring young performers. Many of our instructors are also Adderley alumni who began in our program as young as age three, giving them a unique understanding of our philosophy and approach.
As a team largely made up of mothers ourselves, we understand the trust families place in us and prioritize creating a nurturing, supportive environment.
Q: How do you integrate educational components into your afterschool activities?
A: At Adderley, every class is designed to educate while inspiring creativity. Students build foundational skills in acting, singing, and dance while also developing confidence, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership.
Through age-appropriate instruction and individualized feedback, we encourage artistic growth while helping students build life skills that extend far beyond the stage. Our goal is for every child to leave each class a stronger performer and a more confident person.
Q: Can you walk us through a typical day or session in your program?
A: A typical Adderley session is filled with creativity, connection, and discovery. Students begin by building community through warm-ups and theatre games that encourage confidence, collaboration, and self-expression.
Each class then focuses on age-appropriate instruction in acting, singing, and/or dance, where students develop performance skills while learning the importance of teamwork and commitment.
Throughout the session, teachers provide individualized attention and mentorship, helping each child grow at their own pace. Every class is designed to be a joyful and supportive experience where students feel encouraged to take risks, explore their creativity, and find their unique voice.
The session culminates in an end-of-session performance curated specifically for each class, giving students the opportunity to celebrate their growth and share their accomplishments with family and friends.
Q: How do you help children who may feel shy or reluctant to join in?
A: Helping shy children find their confidence is at the very heart of The Adderley School. Broadway and television veteran Janet Adderley founded the school to help her own quiet, reserved daughter discover her voice.
As Janet often says, “If I were a color, I’d be fire engine red. If my daughter were a color, she’d be lavender. I created The Adderley School to help my lavender girl find her red voice.” That philosophy continues to guide everything we do today.
Through encouragement, individualized mentorship, and a supportive, non-competitive environment, we meet each child where they are, celebrate every small success, and help them build the confidence to express themselves both on stage and in everyday life.
Q: How do you keep parents informed about their child’s progress and experiences?
A: We believe a strong partnership with families is essential to every child’s success. Parents receive regular communication through emails, newsletters, rehearsal updates, and class information, keeping them informed about what their child is learning and upcoming events. Our staff is also readily available to answer questions and provide individualized feedback when needed.
Because of our close-knit, mentorship-based approach, we take the time to know every student personally and celebrate their growth with their families every step of the way.
Q: Are there any special events, showcases, or seasonal highlights kids can look forward to?
A: Yes! Each session culminates in a special end-of-session performance where students have the opportunity to share what they have learned with their families and loved ones. Each performance is thoughtfully curated to the individual class, allowing students to celebrate their growth while showcasing their unique talents, creativity, and confidence.
Q: What is your approach to managing behavioral challenges or conflicts during activities?
A: At Adderley, we approach behavioral challenges with patience, understanding, and a focus on building trust. Because we prioritize intimate mentorship and getting to know each child individually, our teachers are able to understand the needs behind a behavior and provide thoughtful guidance.
We create clear expectations, encourage kindness and respect, and help students develop the communication and teamwork skills needed to navigate challenges. Our goal is always to support each child in feeling valued, heard, and empowered to be their best self.
Q: What enrollment options and pricing do you offer for your afterschool programs?
A: Students can choose from a 1-hour class (for ages 3-7) for $585 or a 2-hour class (for ages 8-12) for $825.
Q: How do you gather and use feedback from families to improve your offerings?
A: We value the partnership we have with our families and believe their feedback is an important part of continuing to grow. We gather input through conversations with parents, class reflections, surveys, and ongoing communication throughout the year.
Our team uses this feedback to better understand the student experience, refine our programs, and ensure we are continuing to provide a nurturing, engaging, and meaningful environment for every child. At Adderley, we are always listening and evolving while staying true to our mission of helping children find their confidence and creative voice.
Click here to learn more about The Adderley School!