The Great Outdoor Theater (1st-7th)

The Great Outdoor Theater  

Grades: 1st-7th  

Minimum students: 8

Course Description  

Why stay inside when the whole world is a stage?! In this unique outdoor theater class,  students will swap the classroom for the fresh air! We will use the natural environment  as our backdrop to bring stories to life. Through high-energy drama games, character  exploration, and short skits, students will learn to use their voices and bodies to tell big  stories.  

No memorization is required! Our goal is to "live" the story through movement and  expression. This class is designed to build confidence, spark creativity, enhance  connection and develop skills such as projection, expression, and active listening.  

Holding class outdoors allows students to use natural surroundings as part of their  stage—trees may become enchanted forests, open fields can transform into kingdoms,  and park benches might serve as castle walls. The outdoor setting encourages  movement, imagination, and collaboration in a way that feels playful and fun.  

Cost Per Semester: $150  

Textbooks & Materials: Specific texts will be determined based on class enrollment  and interest. Minimal props and simple costume elements may be used to enhance  performances.  

Payment Method:  

Venmo: melpidal  

Email: [email protected]  

Instructor Bio  

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences from The Master’s College. A homeschool  graduate herself, she has a deep appreciation for the flexibility and richness of home  education. Melissa and her husband served as missionaries in Spain for 11 years and  are now raising their three children.  

During high school, Melissa was actively involved in her homeschool drama club and  participated in several productions, including *Anastasia*, in which she played the  grandmother—a role that memorably moved audience members to tears. Her love for  drama stems from its ability to cultivate meaningful life skills such as confidence,  empathy, communication, and community-building.  

Melissa believes the arts play a vital role in personal development. The skills cultivated  through drama extend far beyond the stage and are foundational to success in  relationships, leadership, and lifelong learning. She is passionate about helping 

students grow in both skill and confidence through the creative experience of  experiencing the theater, even at a younger age!