HOME SCHOOL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
DRAMA
GRADES 2-12
This class is performance-based, with a lot of fun thrown in throughout! Drama students of all ages will play games; some titles include “Who Started the Motion,” “Magic Beans,” “Masters and Robots,” “Revolving Door,” and “Freeze.” Body and vocal warm-ups are a part of class as well. Students will have a chance to work with different genres of theatre, possibly including pantomime, puppetry, choral reading, storybook theatre, and one- and three-act plays. Many times, students will be actively involved in writing the plays! Students also will have opportunities to help create and gather materials needed for each show. Sometimes, a mini-audition will take place to choose roles. All students will play a role unless a backstage position is desired—there is a place for every child in this class!!
We will have performances two times a year, at the end of each semester. These will be evenings of delightful entertainment complete with costumes, props, and scenery. There are few things more heart-warming to see than children taking the stage to act for an audience! Younger students will develop a self-confidence that will last throughout their lives, and the older ones will find talents that they didn’t even know they possessed!
Some plays are produced with special arrangement with: https://www.dramanotebook.com/plays-for-kids/
MEET SARA NICHOLS
DRAMA TEACHER
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.
INTERESTS
My family and I like to ride bikes, hike, read, decorate our new home, and 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 TEACHER
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!!
