HOME SCHOOL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
DRAMA PROPS CLUB
GRADES 6-12
Students are able to join Drama Props Club which meets on select Fridays. These students have a unique opportunity to have a hand in designing sets and props which come to life on stage during plays in December and May.
Students will get to spend one semester in Drama Props Club. More information will be emailed to those students who signed up through registration.
25-26 Dates:
October 10, 24
November 7, 21
MEET SARA NICHOLS
DRAMA PROPS CLUB TEACHER (GRADES 6-8)
EDUCATION
I was born and raised in Des Moines, attending Hoover High School. I then went on to Drake University, earning my B.F.A in Theatre Education. Later, I earned my Masters in Education from Viterbo University. I am certified to teach English, Speech and Drama.
EXPERIENCE
I started my teaching career at East High School teaching Drama. I then went on to teach English, Speech, and AP Literature and Composition at North High School for 12 years. While teaching at North, I was an Asst. Drama Director directing plays, coaching events for Speech contest, constructing sets, designing costumes and lights, and more. I then chose to stay home with my son. During that time, I started and have continued to work for Cecelia Talley and DramaTykes teaching drama at daycares, preschools, and elementary schools. I have been with HSAP since 2017.
INTERESTS
My family and I like to ride bikes, hike, read, walk our dog, and coach/watch our son participate in sports and the arts.
WHY I LOVE TEACHING
The ability to communicate effectively is a vital skill and I am proud that is what I get to teach. Theatre and the communication arts is my passion. I have been involved in the theatre since I was a child. Sharing my love for theatre and communication with your children is a thrill. Thanks so much!
MEET CECELIA TALLEY
DRAMA PROPS CLUB TEACHER (GRADES 6-8)
EDUCATION
I have a degree in Speech Communication: Public Address and am certified to teach Drama, Speech, English, and Spanish. I attended Loras College in Dubuque, IA.
EXPERIENCE
I started my teaching career in Bogotá, Colombia at an all-girls Catholic school. I then taught English, Speech, and Drama for eight years at Lincoln High School in Des Moines. At Lincoln, I also coached and directed speech contest and plays. For eight years, I was a stay-at-home mom, during which time I created my own company, DramaTykes. Along with my four employees, I continue to teach at local daycares, preschools, and elementary schools with DramaTykes.
FAMILY
My husband Jim and I have two daughters, Josie and Rachel, and a canine member of the family, Coco, a mini-labradoodle.
INTERESTS
My family loves to boat, fish, bake, and hike! I also enjoy watching both of my daughters perform on stage, whether that be playing the piano, singing in choir, or performing in a play or musical! Spending time with extended family and traveling are also favorite activities.
WHY I LOVE TEACHING
I believe strongly in imparting effective communication skills to students. I love the theatre and sharing that love with students! Turning the show over to the kids so they can own it is amazing. Watching a shy child come alive on stage is very fulfilling. In addition, the magic of the backstage the night of the show is a tremendous experience I treasure with the students!!
DARCI CRAVEN
DRAMA PROPS CLUB TEACHER (GRADES 6-8)
EDUCATION
I am an Iowa State Cyclone!
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in K-12 ART Education and participated in a student teaching experience in Kansas City called C.U.T.E. (Cooperative Urban Teacher Education) I also have taken classes at Drake and Grand View University in Art Therapy and have earned a certificate in Creative Arts Therapy from Grand View.
EXPERIENCE
I love working with people of all ages PK-Adult and have had many different experiences at each of these levels. The earlier teaching years found me in Las Vegas, NV and in the Denver area and suburbs of Colorado. Other places I have worked include West Des Moines Public Schools and Bergman Academy here in Des Moines. From time to time I also offer private pottery lessons through a home studio, "Cravens Corner." I have also been involved with the program "Odyssey of the Mind" for 9 years.
FAMILY
I have been married to my husband, Steve, for 29 years. We have a son (Curt), a daughter (Jo), and a cat (Garfield). Curt recently graduated with a degree in filmmaking. Jo is studying psychology, art, and currently in management with Starbucks.
INTERESTS
I enjoy all areas of the Arts, yet I have a passion and LOVE for CLAY! Other interests include gardening, being in nature, reading, knitting, baking and cooking! Also, I am very interested in anything CHOCOLATE. :)
WHY I LOVE TEACHING
I cannot remember a time when I did not love the Arts. Ever since I was a little girl...I drew...and just made things. I used to dig clay out of the river beds by our home and make things. I enjoy sharing my passion with students and relating ART with children's worlds. There is no greater reward in teaching than having a student share with me that they "love Art class."
