The school year is just around the corner, and Noozhawk’s ParentNooz After School Activities Guide is officially here and we made sure to make things easy when planning your child’s after school activities! Our 2021 After School Activities guide provides you and your child with all the necessary information when deciding on which after school program is the best fit.
To give parents the tools to help make informed decisions about after school programs for their kids in Santa Barbara, Noozhawk has conducted a series of interviews with representatives of local programs for this year’s After School Activities Guide.
In this interview, Noozhawk sat down with Laurel Petti, Administrative Director of The Adderley School, to learn more about their after school program here in Santa Barbara.
The Adderley School for the Performing Arts
Question: What is the name of your After School Activity/Program? What is its mission?
Answer: THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL for the Performing Arts was founded in Pacific Palisades, California in 1996, welcoming children ages 4-18 yrs old from across the United States and the globe. Our unique approach to teaching musical theater has led to countless children finding their own “power within, ” giving them the tools to stand confidently in the world. As a result of our notoriety and success, ADDERLEY quickly expanded to Santa Barbara, Ca. and now most recently to Austin, TX. In the last 26 years, thousands of toddlers, kids and teenagers have found a passion for musical theatre and a belief in their own abilities. 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.
“When a child does a good job and is proud of their own unique gifts and accomplishments on stage, I am thrilled! I feel blessed that the universe has given me great purpose in life, something that fills me with so much pride and joy. Not everybody gets that.” -Owner & Founder, Janet Adderley
Q: Describe the activities involved in your After School Activity/Program.
A: Learning to sing, act, and dance songs and scenes from your favorite Broadway musical or movie!
During the 14 week workshop, students are mentored by kind, supportive theatre professionals who are trained to bring out the absolute best in each and every student . All students are encouraged and assisted in playing leading roles with solo songs. Our scripts are tailor made to ensure that all participants receive an equitable amount of lines.
Q: What are the hours of your after school activity or program?
A: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:30-6:00pm Earlier hours of instruction can be arranged by request.
Q: What is the age range for children to take part in your after school activity or program?
A: 4-7 year olds and 8-12 year olds. Our Advanced Conservatory for ages 10-18 years meets Sundays 1-5pm with admittance by audition only.
Q: When was your program started and what was the inspiration for creating it?
A: THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL was founded in 1996 Broadway and TV Veteran, JANET ADDERLEY, created this amazing place of adventure, learning, and joy in an attempt to teach her shy, young daughter Alana 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 to help my lavender girl find her red voice.”
Q: Describe what makes your after school program unique and worthwhile.
A: THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL does so much more than teach a child to sing, dance and act! These are just “the gimmick” we use to instill much greater life lessons and skills – problem solving, accountability and teamwork, kindness, compassion, patience, and grace… CONFIDENCE!!! At Adderley, we are in the business of empowering kids and spreading joy!
Q: Following COVID-19 restrictions, what parts of your program have changed to comply with Santa Barbara County guidelines?
A: -All classes are held outdoors and students remain socially distant throughout class.
-All teachers are vaccinated and wear masks throughout class.
Students are not required to wear masks outdoors as of now (subject to change by order of Santa Barbara County) * In light of our current situation with the Delta variant raging, we strongly suggest that all students who enroll in public and private workshops are masked as well, though NOT mandatory. We have also reduced the class size to a maximum of 10 students per class.
*Per the Santa Barbara County Department of Health Press Release August 4th, 2021: “The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has issued a Health Officer Order which requires the use of masks in indoor public settings. This order requires all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions, starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021″*
Q: What is the average program size or class size for your activity? Teacher to student ratio?
A: 4-10 students to a class. 1 teacher to 10 students.
Q: In what ways is your program educational?
A: We teach students the importance of respect, teamwork, and accountability. Musical theatre promotes literacy and creative thinking . It improves reading skills and inspires a love of literature, storytelling and a curiosity about history in young students! Young students start with the Disney musicals -Little Mermaid, Frozen, Cinderella- then eventually Annie and Oliver, ultimately excited to explore Hamilton, Les Miserables, and West Side Story!
Q: What is the cost/tuition? Are scholarships available?
A: $540–1 hour, 14 week session. $620–1.5 hour, 14 week session. Yes! Scholarships are available based on need through our 501(c)(3) Foundation
Click here for more information about The Adderley School for the Performing Arts and their after school programs!