ARIEL Theatrical

ARIEL Theatrical is committed to helping young people learn to lead principle-centered lives.

ARIEL is a nonprofit organization that offers year-round programs in theatre arts for children and adolescents.

At ARIEL, we feel our finest productions are not our plays but the responsible young people who come together in a positive, collaborative spirit to learn, perform and share experiences that they will carry with them for a lifetime.

More than 30 years ago, Gail Higginbotham, Founder of ARIEL Theatrical Inc., made a commitment to the children of Monterey County to create a place for them to learn and grow. While the venue is theatrical, ARIEL’s mission has always encompassed more – to inspire young people to understand that personal integrity, respect for others and an acceptance of responsibility for choices made are the keys to building a successful life.

Enriching children’s lives through their participation in enacting stories on stage that have purpose, integrity and a positive moral message allows each child to become part of something larger than himself and leads to discussions on character, responsibility and appropriate choices. At ARIEL, young people learn to be their best and do their best, on stage and in life.

Throughout ARIEL’s history, key principles have been taught, modeled and encouraged from the top down. Today, ARIEL continues to demonstrate that practicing Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Leadership will help young people to become a positive force in their families, their schools, their communities and in the world.

Mission ARIEL Theatrical is committed to helping young people learn to lead principle-centered lives.

Vision To enable our participants to embrace and practice values and principles that will help them to make the world a better place.

Principles A Accountability R Respect I Integrity E Excellence L Leadership

ARIEL produces ten shows a year through our Spring Conservatory, Summer Conservatory and Fall/Winter Conservatory Programs and Community Program.

At every level of programming children are introduced to character developing principles of integrity, respect and responsibility. Participants begin every rehearsal and performance with a discussion of a core principle. These discussions center on the universal values of honesty, integrity, respect for self and others, and an acceptance of responsibility for choices made. Our plays are chosen to impart themes and messages essential to character development. Central to all ARIEL programs is the message that young people can, and should, make the world a better place.

All ARIEL programs culminate in a performance or recital, thus enabling every participant to experience the learning that comes from working with others toward a common goal and the satisfaction of accomplishment.

All performances take place at The Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre, 320 Main St. Salinas, CA 93901, with the exception of our Spring Conservatory Accelerated Program which is performed to thousands of local school children at Sherwood Hall, 940 North Main Street, Salinas, CA 93906.