AURORA
Education
Classes, Camps, & Workshops
Aurora Theatre Academy Classes
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.
Before and After Care options are available. Just contact our Education Director, Jasmine Renee Ellis at Jasmine@auroratheatre.com
- We’ve got classes for ages 3-103, covering various topics and interests. Your student will LOVE their time at Aurora! Classes fill quickly, register today!
Winter Classes Open House
Join us for our Open House for a sampling of classes with our professional actors and Teaching Artists, and tons of fun.
Winter Classes Open House (18+)
Join us for our Open House for a sampling of classes with our professional actors and Teaching Artists.
Aurora Academy Scholarship Fund
Preparing Students to Perform Like Professionals
What’s so special about 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 Academy 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)
Aurora Theatre Signature Series Field Trips
Aurora Theatre Season 29 Signature Series
Wednesday Matinees at 10AM
Our Season 29 features Broadway-caliber musicals, thought-provoking plays, and timeless holiday magic— with twists of unexpected brilliance and heart-warming humanity. While this will be one of the best seasons in Aurora history, we want to ensure that everything we do is built to support the next generation of theatergoers. So all over our Signature Shows will have Weekday Matinee Field Trip opportunities throughout the run.
Summer Children’s Playhouse Lineup 2024
Summer fun is guaranteed at Aurora Children’s Playhouse!
Miss Nelson is Missing
Field Trip Opportunity – January 11 – February 2, 2025
10am and 11:45am
Miss Nelson’s class is the worst behaved in the whole school. Spitballs flying across the room, paper airplanes sailing every which way and uncontrollable children send gentle, long-suffering Miss Nelson over the edge. But the students of Room 207 are in for a surprise when Miss Nelson goes missing and is replaced by Viola Swamp, a no-nonsense substitute who assigns piles of homework! The students learn lessons of appreciation and respect as they set out to find their beloved Miss Nelson … but will they ever get her back?
Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart
JACKIE ROBINSON: A GAME APART is a powerful lesson of courage through dedication, perseverance, and leadership. Award -winning playwright and performer Mike Wiley gives students a glimpse of life during a bygone era of separate and unequal locker rooms, and the real person behind the legend.
Tuskegee Airman: The Men Who Refused to be Washed Out
During World War 2 a group of courageous men had a desire to fight for their country even though their country did not fight for them. This is a story of one of the airmen who shows not only what he had to endure just to serve but the character traits needed to endure. The audience will also get a glimpse of what it was like inside the cockpit of a world war 2 bomber plane.
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 program for teens interested in the arts! All students ages 13-18 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
- Meetings/ activities with theatre games, thematic conversation, and refreshments.
- Meet and Greet with Select Cast Members of Subscriber Series shows
- Safe space to socialize with other Gwinnett teens with a passion for drama!
- Aurora Academy Discounts
- Workshops with Creative Professionals
- Knowledge of Theatre management
Requirements
- Each applicant must complete the application before review.
- Each member must be enrolled in an educational institution, school, homeschool program, etc.
- Volunteer at 2 events per month
**Applications for 2024-2025 will be open from August 1- September 13, 2024**
Each member can choose to be a apart of one of our two Teen Nation Tracks: Varsity (Dues: $100/yr) or Jr. Varsity (Tuition-Free).
| Varsity Teen Nation – $100 Dues per year : SEPTEMBER-APRIL | Jr Varsity : Teen Nation (tuition-free) |
| Ages 13-18 | Ages 13-18 |
AND MORE…
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Teaching Artists
Aurora Theatre Education Staff
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| Jasmine Renee’ Ellis | Jahi Bogard |
| Director of Education | Education and Volunteer Coordinator |
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Aurora Academy Teaching Artists
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| Cody Russell | Maxwell H. Breaux | Jessie Brownie |
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| J.D. Myers | Kristen Oliver | Kymberli Green |
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| Jackie Glassman | Cara Mantella | EmJ Fulford |
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| Rea Kelley | Amitria Fanae | Rebecca Lennex |
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| Kendra Johnson | Candy McLellan Davidson |
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