AURORA
Education
Classes, Camps, & Workshops
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We’ve got camps for rising K-12th Graders, covering a variety of topics and interests. Your student will LOVE their time at Camp Aurora! Camps fill quickly, register today! What distinguishes Aurora Theatre Academy from other drama classes is that students have the opportunity to rehearse and perform in a professional theatre, and their instructors are working professionals with years of real-world theatrical experience. In addition to receiving training to be a winner on stage, students build confidence, communication, and life skills that will be a valuable part of their bright futures. Learn More |
Disney + PIXAR’s Finding Nemo JR (Public Performance)
Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. Enjoy this musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, performed by students of Aurora Theatre Academy.
Teaching Artists
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| Cody Russell Finding Nemo Jr. Music Director |
Holt McCarley Mean Girls Jr. Music Director |
Jessie Brownie Mean Girls Jr. Director |
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Jahi Bogard |
Maxwell H. Breaux Actor’s Nightmare Lead Teacher Finding Nemo Jr & Mean Girls Jr Counselor |
Kymberli Green DogMan: The Musical Lead Teacher |
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Kristen Oliver |
Jonathan Bryant Boot Camp Series Lead Dance Teacher |
Courtlyn McCain Costumes & Crafts Camps Lead Teacher & Costume Designer |
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Sebastian Lopez |
EmJ Fulford |
Rea Kelley Mean Girls Jr. Stage Manager |
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Amitria Fanae’ |
Candy McLellan Acting for the Camera Lead Teacher |
Jasmine Renee’ Ellis Director of Education |
Disney + PIXAR’s Finding Nemo JR (Public Performance)
Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. Enjoy this musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, performed by students of Aurora Theatre Academy.
About Us
Preparing Students to Perform Like Professionals
Why choose Aurora Theatre Academy?
- Professional Instruction- Our classes give students the opportunity to study with professionals. Aurora Theatre Academy uses working actors, directors and theatre practitioners from all over the United States.
- State-of-the-Art Facility- Our multiple stages showcase your child’s talent.
- Positive Expression- Our artistic environment promotes self-confident, cooperative, imaginative children.
Aurora Theatre Academy is Sponsored in part by
Aurora Academy Camp Testimonials
“I’ve learned dancing, singing, and acting techniques that have made me a better actor. Also, I’ve made great friends from attending the Aurora!” —Wyanda Garner, Student
“I feel confident now that when I audition for a play, or when performing a show, I will know what everything means and exactly what to do.”—Caitlin Cavanaugh, Student
“I gained a lot of new friends and confidence from this experience. It has helped me because I really didn’t like being in front of a lot of people; when I got my script, I wasn’t sure if I could do it, but I did and it was awesome!”—Bailey Fielder, Student
Field Trips
Aurora Theatre’s Learning Library Series features fully-staged professional productions for elementary school students performed on the Clyde & Sandra Strickland Grand Stage on weekday mornings. These shows contains multiple direct connections to the AKS, come complete with an extensive Study Guide, and are mindful of Gwinnett County Schools bus schedules.
We also welcome field trips to any of our Signature Series offerings. We have matinee performances of each of them and are happy to work with your school or group to give them an amazing live arts experience. Email fieldtrips@auroratheatre.com to plan your trip today!
See what 12,000 Gwinnett County School Children and their teachers are already raving about!
“My students really enjoyed the play! What a wonderful job you all did. I can’t wait to take my family to a play at Aurora!” – Mrs. Millard (Teacher, Walnut Grove Elementary)
“My kids from the youngest to the oldest all got something out of it! We talked about the characters playing multiple roles, about how much they practice, about what a stage manager does… I love the Aurora Theatre and all you do for the kids in the community!” – Tricia Williams (Home School Parent/Teacher)
Summer Children’s Playhouse Lineup 2023
Summer fun is guaranteed at Aurora Children’s Playhouse!
Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart
JACKIE ROBINSON: A GAME APART
Written & Performed by Mike Wiley
A Game Apart provides a glimpse of Jackie Robinson’s life during a bygone era of separate and unequal locker rooms, of whites only hotels, and of restaurants with only a back door for colored athletes to enter. Witness the hopeless humiliation of a star player who was showered with adulation on the field and became a second-hand citizen when he walked off the diamond. Meet Jackie’s compatriots fighting the same battles between the end zones, inside the ring and around the track. A Game Apart is a powerful lesson of courage through dedication, perseverance, and leadership.
Intern at Aurora
We love interns! They can get hands-on experience in any of our departments.
If you love theatre and are interested in learning and working alongside us, please reach out to education@auroratheatre.com.
Audio Assistant: Training with Audio Engineer, training and hands on experience with wireless microphone system, experience working in live performance event environment. Additional audio training available for interested candidates.
Wardrobe Assistant: Training with Wardrobe Supervisor, opportunities to learn alterations, costume care, and experience working backstage in a live performance environment. Additional wig care and styling, and costume construction training are available for interested candidates.
Lightboard Operator: Training from Head Electrician on theatrical lighting instruments, and lighting console. Hands-on experience with operational tests for smart lighting fixtures, and with operating console in a live performance environment. Additional training with electrics and light hang and focus available for interested candidates.
Props Assistant: Training with Props Designer on property construction, purchasing, and tracking. Hands-on experience with creating unique properties, and property repair and maintenance.
Teaching assistant Intern: Lead warmups and games/exercises in the classroom. Utilizing time and classroom management. Create content and a safe space for young talent. Develop scripts and performances. Act as a stagehand or board operator as needed.
Box Office Intern: Use Tessitura to perform ticket sales and record patron information. Communicate effectively with patrons via walk-up, phone, and email for general inquiries and to sell tickets. Keep up to date on all productions, programming, and season subscription packages at the Aurora Theatre and Lawrenceville Arts Center.
Costume Intern: Work with designer, apprentice, and/or wardrobe supervisor to build and create costumes/pieces for productions. Interns may work during ongoing live performances. Perfect for those with an interest in fashion, costumes, and sewing.
Front of House Intern: Greet Patron Walkups. Distribute Will Call tickets, and sell tickets with knowledge and confidence. Work with volunteer ushers.
Tech Theatre Intern: Learn hands-on skills in technical theatre production. Assist professional carpenters and electricians in the construction and installation of theatrical scenery, sound, and lighting. Excellent introduction to technical skills for those interested in working in theatrical, concert, film/tv production.
Scenic Artist Intern: Get hands-on skills as a scenic artist. Work with professionals in the execution of professional designs and learn different painting techniques.
Music Intern: Assist the resident Music Director to create, develop, arrange, transpose, and compose music for concerts, cabarets, and full musical productions and performances. Work with music software. File and sort music compositions. Observe band rehearsals, job shadow in the orchestra during live performances. Students with advanced skills may get to play in the orchestra pit during live ongoing performances.
Teen Nation
Aurora Teen Nation
Aurora Teen Nation is a tuition-free program for teens interested in the arts! All students are welcome to join. They will be invited to special events just for them, and learn more about the world of professional theatre!
MORE INFO:
This program was designed for teens who are craving more exposure to the world of professional theatre. Aurora Teen Nation will provide:
· Sneak peek to a preview of each Season Production.
· Inside scoop and participation on production development ( table reads, lights, sets, costume)
· Pre-show meetings/ activities with theatre games, thematic conversation, and refreshments.
· Meet and Greet with Current Aurora Appco (which can be considered the next step after Teen Nations)
· Safe space to socialize with other Gwinnett teens with a passion for drama!
· Opportunities to volunteer in an Aurora Academy camp as a Teaching Assistant with Professional Theatre Teaching Artists (excellent way to attend free camp classes).
· Workshops with Creative Professionals (acting/movement/voice/directing/playwrighting)
· Knowledge of Theatre management
Requirements
· Host student-led meetings geared toward creative conversation and engagement with the arts in their schools and the community
· Volunteer twice a month at the theatre, where they will learn front of house operations and event planning
· Host a fundraising project for Teen Nation as a group
· Put together a visual project of their choosing summing up their experience at the end of each semester (showcase, visual documentary, photo gallery, etc-we will provide the means to make this happen)
· Teen Nation Monologue Competition
Fill out this quick & easy application and email it to jasmine@auroratheatre.com!
Apprentice Company Applications
AppCo23 is off and running. Contact k2@auroratheatre.com with any questions about AppCo24!
Here’s what you can expect from us:
- A Paid Stipend for rehearsals, shows, crew work, etc.
- Hands on experience in Acting, Costuming, Stage Management, Technical Theatre, Assistant Directing, Arts Administration & Management, and more, depending on your track.
- Training/FREE Classes with Aurora Staff: Auditioning, Education, Dance, Voice, Readers Theatre, Administrative, Scene Study, Working in the Business, and more!
- Networking with Atlanta Theatre Professionals
- A Chance to Study with Atlanta’s Finest: Workshops with our friends at Center for Puppetry Arts, Dad’s Garage Theatre Company, Drama Inc, and other Atlanta professionals
- Professional Credits working on productions
- Understudy opportunities
- Experience as Teaching Assistants
- Showcase at the end of the Season for family, friends, and Industry Folks.
- Time off around the holidays to promote healthy life balance
- Arts leadership that listens to their artists, seeks to grow more compassionate daily, and authentically welcomes our global community.
Check out what the Alumni have to say about their experience.
Current Apprentice Company
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Akasha |
Alexandria |
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Jahi |
Kendall |
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Sebastian |
Syndey |
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Sydni |
Taloria |
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Tyler |
Victoria |
AppCo Alumni
The Aurora Apprentice Company is designed to help emerging artists bridge the gap between Educational and Professional Theatre. These talented young theatre artists joined Aurora Theatre’s staff for a year-long intensive that prepared them for a career in the arts. Here are a few of our graduates and where they’ve been since their time at Aurora.
Where are they now?
Shelli Delgado (AppCo14)
Shelli is a professional actor, writer, and producer. Regional credits include work with Alliance Theatre, Horizon Theatre Company, Warehouse Theatre, Actor’s Express, Synchronicity, and Children’s Theatre Company. She served as a producer for the Weird Sisters Theatre Project (2016-19) and associate producer/writer for “Quarter Life*” the web-series. TV/Film: “Doom Patrol” & “The Vampire Diaries”. Instagram: @shellidelgado
Lydia Eku (AppCo15)
Following her apprenticeship, Lydia has had a prolific career as a performer both on stage and in film/TV. Most recently, she filmed with the cast of RESPECT alongside Mary J. Blige, Heather Headley, and Forrest Whitaker. She is co-host of the podcast Black Table Read, and has a YouTube series #RenaissanceWomanTV, both of which look to elevate young artists to be the change they want to see and hear. Instagram: @iam_lydiaeku & @blacktableread
Morganne Evans (AppCo18)
Since her apprenticeship, Morganne has worked as a performer, intimacy director, and playwright in New York City. She is currently the Education Programs Manager at Manhattan Theatre Club, and is working on her doctorate in Educational Theatre at NYU. Instagram: @morgannejevans.
Torreke Evans (AppCo20)
Currently working at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Recently cast as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet for Chesapeake Shakespeare Company in Baltimore and Jim Crow for a new play Marie Antoinette and the Magical Negroes. Instagram: @torrekeperforms
Elliott Folds (AppCo17)
Since participating in Aurora’s AppCo17, Elliott has worked as an actor and dramaturg all over Atlanta. He is a founding member of Zero Circle Theatre Company. Elliott currently works as the Program Coordinator for ArtsBridge Foundation and is pursuing his MFA in Theatre Pedagogy through the distance program at the University of Idaho. Instagram: @elliottfolds
Casey Gardner Ford (AppCo15)
Casey is a theatre photographer and actor. She regularly works at 11 Atlanta theatres, including Aurora, produced the #isolatedartistsofatlanta series, worked closely on the growth of the Atlanta Musical Theatre Project, and got married in 2020 to Dan Ford who she met in her first show as an apprentice. Instagram: @caseygardnerford
Michael Frederick (AppCo15)
Since his apprenticeship, Michael has made a name for himself as an Atlanta-based videographer & photographer. To view his work, please visit: www.myhumantrip.com or follow @humantrip on Instagram.
Edward McCreary (AppCo14)
Following his apprenticeship, Edward performed at several theatres around Atlanta for many years. In 2018 he moved to the frigid tundra of Chicago, where he completed his MFA in Arts Leadership at DePaul University and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. He now serves as the Associate Director of Institutional Giving at the Joffrey Ballet. Edward is forever grateful for the opportunities and guidance he received during his time at Aurora.
Evan Hill Phillips (AppCo19)
Evan is an Associate Artist of the Sense-Ability Ensemble and is currently developing an original musical geared towards neurodiverse audiences. Since his apprenticeship, Evan has continued to perform at Aurora and other companies around Atlanta and the country. Sporadic updates at @evanhillphillips & www.evanhillphillips.com.
Joshua Quinn (AppCo17)
Following his Acting Apprenticeship, Joshua was invited to join Dad’s Garage as an Improviser. He has worked with multiple local theatres, including the Alliance Theatre & Actor’s Express. Joshua has appeared on TV and Hulu, and continues to hone his craft! Instagram: @MrJoshQuinn
Jacky Seguí (AppCo20)
Following her apprenticeship, Aurora produced Jacky’s one-woman show Too White to be Latina, Too Latina to be White. She’s currently writing another play called Dangerous Cycles. As Aurora Theatre’s Director of Community Impact, it is Jacky’s hope to continue helping this be a place of inclusion, acceptance, and opportunity to our diverse communities. Check out her website www.JackySegui.com and follow her @Jacky.091
Miche’ Smith (AppCo20)
Miche’ Smith is a nationally-recognized dancer, actor, and choreographer whose creative work encourages us to expose our humanity, examine our wounds, and deeply connect with one another empathetically. Favorite highlights include work with Bronze Lens Film festival, MAD film festival, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre, LoveDanceMore, SLPublicLibrary, Noori Dance film festival, Plan-B theatre, and Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company. Instagram: @mashaysmiff
Kristin Talley (AppCo20)
Since her Apprenticeship, Kristin has broadened her performance portfolio on and off stage. She was a principal dancer in a 2-time Emmy award winning movie, a main dancer in a commercial, and an actor/vocalist for an international TV show. Kristin is also a dance teacher, props designer, and has her own Etsy business. Instagram: @Ktdancer97
Private Acting Coaching
One on One Coaching
Private Coaching | $25/hr
By Appointment, January- March 2021
For anyone who wants more catered instruction, this is an opportunity to work on any individual pieces.
This is also an excellent opportunity to get additional assistance with audition pieces for school, or any kind of professional audition. Our veteran coaches will guide you so that you feel more confident in your work.
Email education@auroratheatre.com to schedule your private coaching session.
Educational Collaborators
Educational Collaborators
Thank you to our Educational Collaborators. Please support those who make what we do possible.
Georgia Gwinnett College
678.407.5000• www.ggc.edu
Central Gwinnett High School
770.963.8041 • home.centralgwinnett.net