We have launched our preschool and elementary school programs where we partner with local organizations to deliver drama to their students! Contact us if you would like to bring Beyond the Stage into your school.

Preschool Program:

This drama program introduces children to the wonders of the stage through play, games, movement, interactive storytelling, and connections to other areas of learning. Each week, children engage their imaginations, build essential communication and collaboration skills, and gain confidence when speaking and sharing their ideas in front of a group. Each class revolves around an engaging theme tied to early learning concepts, seasonal events, or special centre celebrations. We also incorporate skills such as number sense and exposure to literacy in an active, drama-centered way. This is a fun and high-energy program, where children are encouraged to develop their creativity. It’s a space where every child is celebrated and their ideas take centre stage. 

Some reasons to book our program are:

• It is customized to fit the needs of your centre and group

• Company owner Chelsey Kolenda is an experienced educator, and incorporates early academic skills throughout the program curriculum

• It reinforces and builds upon academic skills you are already teaching

• Drama teaches cooperation, collaboration, and turn-taking

• Our company is inclusive and able to work positively with all children

• Drama can help children learn to express themselves

• At this age, our focus is always on learning and growth over performance

Elementary School Program:

Our elementary school programs are able to be booked by both private schools and school PACS throughout the Lower Mainland. They are designed as enriching, engaging after school experiences where children can be led directly to our booked program space from their classroom spaces and safe supervision is guaranteed for the duration of the program. There are seven possible programs to choose from, and each can be customized to fit the needs of a specific school. Costs vary depending on the cost of rental spaces and the size of the group, but are always designed to be accessible. For more details, see the list of specific school programs below.

Currently available specific school programs are:

• Improv (Grades 1 to 3 or Grades 4 to 7; 1 hour sessions) - Focusing on teaching the fundamentals of unscripted acting, this program is perfect if you are looking for a low-pressure, high-energy, and creative introduction to the stage. With no scripts to memorize, it is designed to build confidence, active listening, and collaboration skills in your students.

• Introduction to Drama (Grades 1 to 3 or Grades 4 to 7; 1 and a half hour sessions) - Designed as a well-rounded introduction to the stage, this program incorporates story-telling, drama games, improvisation, age-appropriate script work, and creative movement. With a supervised snack break included, it will allow students to grow their confidence, their vocal expression and their ability to collaborate positively with others.

• Mini Play Performance (Grades 3 to 7; 1 and a half hour sessions) - This program will walk your students through the play creation process, from casting to performance. Every student enrolled will receive a significant role, and our supportive environment will bring out the best in all performers. This program will end in a short play for families and friends.

• Scriptwriting (Grades 4 to 7; 1 and a half hour sessions) - This program will allow students to create their own plays and to see them come to life through the performances of their fellow actors! Ending in a staged reading showcase for family and friends, it is ideal for fostering cross-curricular connections, as writing and literacy skills will be taught in a new, creative way.

• English Enrichment (Grades K to 3 or Grades 4 to 7; 1 hour sessions) - Using drama and performance, this program will help English Language Learners strengthen their confidence in speaking and understanding English. Developed by an experienced school teacher, the focus will be on using language in context.

• Public Speaking (Grades 3 to 7; 1 hour sessions) - This program will focus on instilling confidence, presentation skills, and communication within the context of public speaking, using engaging games and exercises. It is ideal for schools that are participating in public speaking competitions or, alternatively, can end in a special Beyond the Stage public speaking showcase.

• Art and Performance (Grades K to 3; 1 hour sessions) - Designed for primary students, this program will incorporate both visual arts activities and drama games, movement exercises and creative play. Program fees will cover all materials. Each program will revolve around a theme that is picked in collaboration with the school.

Current and Past Partners:

• Crescent Heights Academy Intermediate Campus

• Wundoroo Academy Surrey Campus

• Nature and Nurture Academy