About Town Hall Education
Empowering an ensemble of storytellers
to connect, empathize and commit.
Town Hall Education is the education department at Town Hall Theatre Company in Lafayette. THEd is a process-based program committed to serving students from pre-school age through adulthood. Our core values focus on student empowerment; creating connections, empathy, and trust; and supporting student creativity. We believe all of these lessons can be learned through theatre education and applied in every day life.
Town Hall Education is dedicated to providing students of all ages with process-based, high quality, and engaging theatrical experiences. We strive to create classrooms where students can grow in a safe environment and build their voice through theatrical expression. In our classes and in our building, we have built a strong and welcoming community and are so excited to have you join it.
-Erika March, Education Director
FAQs
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A typical class begins with a warm-up, which prepares the students for the remainder of the class time, whether that be creating, acting, singing, or dancing. In all of our classes, student growth and engagement is our primary focus, and these skills are often practiced with the aid of games and theatre activities that align with the class focus. Performance-based programs additionally spend classes learning valuable theatrical skills and preparing for their production.
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Students should arrive to class in appropriate, comfortable clothing, including shoes- ABSOLUTELY, NO FLIP FLOPS or OPEN-TOE SHOES! Students should bring a pencil and something to write in, and any required class materials i.e. provided scripts. We also recommend a light snack and a reusable water bottle.
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As we run an educational program, it is our job to ensure that each student is learning as much as possible from their role in the production. When casting a show teaching artists consider first and foremost what skills each student needs to work and puts them in a role that will best help them to master that skill. Students will also be asked to self-reflect and create goals with specific skills they want to work on in the class. Behavior, commitment, and experience may also be taken into account. For more information about casting, please see our Parent Handbook or our Casting FAQs.
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Please e-mail your teaching artist DIRECTLY or call the Education Department at (925) 396-4873
About Our Classes
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Because we have limited space for classes, our classes often fill quickly! This is why it is important to keep track of registration dates if you are interested in signing up. Out of fairness, students are added to the waitlist on a first-come-first-served basis. There are no exceptions.
Once classes meet their initial class number, programs automatically open up a waitlist. We do our best to fill our programs to the maximum number of available roles or for the best learning experience for students, but are not able to guarantee every family on the waitlist a spot in our programs. Updates about the waitlist will always come via email through our registration platform, Ludus.
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Your tuition allows Town Hall Education to hire stellar, professional Teaching Artists. Around 80-85% of all education income goes directly back to our Teaching Artists, designers, and auxiliary team members involved in our Educational programs. It also goes to the purchase, creation, and maintenance of props, costumes, production materials, and performance rights that are licensed through production corporations.
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As a nonprofit theater, our tickets help fund our front of house and administrative team members who run, manage, and create our various programs across our company. Education Tuition alone does not cover these expenses, which is why we hold ticketed performances for all of our productions at Town Hall Theatre.
While we have ticketing fees, we strive to keep prices fair for all of our community members.
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Payment plans are available for all programs where registration is run by Town Hall Education.
Adding a payment plan to your registration
- On the "Look Over Everything" page when checking out, click on the plus sign next to "Additional Payment Options"
-To officially add the payment plan to your program fees, click "Apply" -
We are able to offer tuition assistance for any students whose family is in need of financial assistance. All Tuition Assistance requests need to be submitted prior to registration in the program of your choice. Registration in our programs, including for families interested in tuition assistance, are on a first come, first served basis. To ensure enrollment in the program of your choice, please reach out as soon as you are able.
No student is turned away for financial reasons. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please contact Education@TownHallTheatre.com.
About Student Enrollment
Teaching Artists
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Ainsley Harada
Ainsley Harada (she/her) is delighted to work with Town Hall Theatre as an Assistant Teaching Artist. She has been involved in theatre since she was three, and she is so excited to share this passion with the people in her community. Ainsley has been in the Bay Area her whole life and loves the endless discovery it offers. She is currently a student at Saint Mary's College of California studying English with a focus in Film, Theatre, and Cultural Studies. She recently appeared in Saint Mary's production of John Proctor is the Villain, and has appeared in a variety of shows in her youth including Seussical, Into the Woods Jr., Carousel, etc. Outside of theatre, Ainsley enjoys spending time with friends, exploring new places, and watching movies.
Fall ‘26 Projects:
Assistant Director of Glorietta Elementary Residency (4th-5th grades)
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John Mosa'ati
John Mosa’ati is a recent graduate of UC Davis with a B.A. in Theatre and Dance, with a focus on acting, directing, and dance/movement. With years of experience and training in theatre and dance, John is excited to share his passion and knowledge with young and emerging performers at Town Hall Theatre. He hopes to help inspire the next generation of artists and contribute to keeping theatre alive for many generations to come.
As a long-term goal, John aspires to become a working professional actor while continuing to grow as a theatre artist and educator. He is grateful for the opportunity to be part of Town Hall Theatre and looks forward to learning, creating, and connecting with the students and community.
Fall ‘26 Projects:
Assistant Director of Lafayette Elementary Residency (4th-5th grades)
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Crystal Odenkirk
Crys (she/they), an artist and all-around creative who benefited from programs similar to Town Hall’s when they were a child, is overjoyed to be paying that experience forward to a new generation as an Assistant Teaching Artist. She was graced with a family full of creative people who encouraged her from the start to explore and expand on her own passions and projects. They began performing on stage as soon as they were able to climb up on their own; notable community theater and radio broadcast performances through the years include Annie, Tiny Tim, the eponymous lord in the Scottish play, and Maria in The Sound of Music. She has also helped build sets and assisted with stage makeup. They graduated from Beloit College with a double bachelor’s degree in Studio Art and Classical Civilization. When she isn’t teaching, Crys can be found in her studio painting mystical motifs and messy knotwork, playing with her two rescue conures, Squeaky and Mango, or playing tabletop roleplaying games like D&D and Cyberpunk.
Assistant Teacher for Burton Valley Elementary Residency (1st-3rd grades)
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Emily Rae Reese
Emily Ray Reese is a storyteller, filmmaker, and theater enthusiast from the mountains of New Mexico. Reese attended NYU’s graduate film program. Her script ‘Baby Lu’ participated in the 2012 IFP Emerging Narrative Lab and earned Reese the 2013 NYFA Geri Asher Screenwriting Fellowship. Reese was a grant recipient of the 2020 Stowe Story Lab for her feature screenplay ‘Guadalupe Mountain’ and was chosen to participate in Stowe Story Labs Launch advanced development program as well as Tribeca’s 2021 Writing in Unreal Program. Guadalupe Mountain was most recently selected to participate in the 2023 cohort of the From Script to PreProduction lab, and was a finalist for the Athena Writing Lab, as well as the Lynn Sheldon of a Certain Age Grant. You can watch Reese on stage at storytelling events such as the Moth or performing improv with All Out Comedy, Provocation Theater, and Berkley Rep.
Fall ‘26 Projects:
Director of Sleepy Hollow Elementary Residency (4th-5th grades)
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Ashley Duarte
Ashley Duarte (she/her) is thrilled to be with Town Hall Theater as an Assistant Teaching Artist. She was born in the East Bay and has called it home for most of her life. Her passion for performing arts began as a child when she was introduced to theater through musical and improv camps. She continued to explore what the stage had to offer through multiple dance groups in college and aerial arts showcases at her local studio. Throughout her life, she has cultivated a deep love and reverence for the art of performing that she is excited to share with the students of Town Hall Theater. In her free time, you can find her reading many books and seeing her loved ones.
Fall ‘26 Projects:
Assistant Director for The Grunch (4th-5th grades)
Assistant Director of Burton Valley Elementary Residency (4th-5th grades)
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Eva Vargas
Eva was born and raised in the Coachella Valley and has had a passion for the arts since childhood. Whether it was performing Ballet Folkorico for after-school events or taking the stage at the annual Date Festival's Arabian Nights, she loved absorbing all experiences around dance and live performance. Eva attended Connecticut College where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Human Development. In 2016 she began to work for the Gibney Dance Company’s production team and became the marketing associate for Keigwin + Company in New York City. More recently, she has worked with Dance Mojave on several productions as a stage manager working with 35 or more young cast members. Through these experiences, Eva hopes to cultivate an environment that is based on discovery, self-care and joy. It is her goal to engage and empower her community with techniques and tools that will challenge both their physical and creative abilities; and in doing so building up their confidence so they may present their true selves.
Fall ‘26 Projects:
Assistant Director of Sleepy Hollow Elementary Residency (4th-5th grades, Wednesday cast)
Assistant Choreographer for Into the Woods Jr. (6th-12th grades)
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Aero England
Aero England (they/them/theirs) is thrilled to be a Teaching Artist at Town Hall! They graduated from Saint Mary's College of California in 2022 with a major in Performance and Theatre Studies and a minor in Women's and Gender Studies. They enjoy teaching young artists and have previously worked with TEAM Theatre, Plethos Productions, American Conservatory Theater and California Shakespeare Theater. Aero got their start in children's theatre when they were eight years old and has been performing ever since! Some of their favorite roles include Moritz in Spring Awakening, Orcus in She Kills Monsters, Erin in Snowbound and Lydia/Miss de Bourgh in Pride and Prejudice. Outside of theatre, Aero enjoys reading, writing and playing D&D with their friends.
Fall ‘26 Projects:
Director of The Grunch (4th-5th grades)
Director of Burton Valley Elementary Residency (4th-5th grades)
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Aubrey Bonham
Aubrey Bonham (she/her) is very excited to start teaching at Town Hall Theater. She is currently studying at Saint Mary’s College of California as a double major in history and theater. Aubrey has been lucky enough to be very involved in theater in her hometown and can’t wait to get involved in a new area. She has experience both onstage and offstage with some of her favorite roles being Anna in Frozen and the Queen of Hearts in Alice by Heart. She also has a background in children’s theater having worked at both Crocker House Creative Arts Center and Sugarloaf Fine Arts Camp for many years. Aubrey loves working with children and looks forward to sharing her love of theater with the next generation!
Fall ‘26 Projects:
Assistant Teacher for Tales of Tails (PreK-Kinder)
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Caleb Thomas-Hughes
Originally from New Jersey, Caleb graduated from William Paterson University of New Jersey with a degree in Media Production with a minor in Theatre and Comedy in 2020. Graduating in the beginning of the pandemic, Caleb used his time in lockdown to pursue voice acting, where he was able to work in a few Indie projects as well as produce a few of his own. Alongside his current work in theater education, he continues to work freelance as a VoiceOver artist, actor, writer, director, and producer. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, games with friends, and creating stories of his own. He is so grateful for the opportunity to share his passion for theater and storytelling.
Fall ‘26 Projects:
Assistant Director of Happy Valley Elementary Residency (4th-5th grades)
Assistant Music Director for Into the Woods Jr. (6th-12th grades)
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Camille La'akea Wong
Camille La’akea Wong (they/them) is so excited to be a teaching artist at Town Hall Theatre! Camille grew up doing children’s theatre in the Bay Area and is so grateful for the opportunity to teach the next generation of theatre kids. In addition to teaching, Camille serves as a director, stage manager, technical director, and actor. Recent projects include Shidaiqu (Stage Manager, SFBATCO) and School of Rock (QLAB operator, Royal Theatre Academy). In their free time, Camille loves to crochet and play dungeons and dragons with their friends.
Fall ‘26 Projects:
Director of Happy Valley Elementary Residency (4th-5th grades)
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Sarah Dove
Sarah Dove has been so fortunate to spend a life invested in the theatre growing up in the Bay. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts in Theatre Performance from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois where she gained experience not only on stage, but also as an assistant stage manager and a teaching assistant. Sarah has performed with theatre companies in the Bay Area such as City Lights Theatre Company, Chanticleers Theatre, and Theatre Cultura. She is so grateful to be a part of the Town Hall Education staff and to have the opportunity to pass on her love of theatre to a community of eager young theatre artists.
Fall ‘26 Projects:
Director of Into the Woods Jr (6th-12th grades)
Director of Springhill Elementary Residency (5th grade)
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August Webber
August Webber (any pronouns) is proud to be a Teaching Artist with Town Hall. They have been involved with theatre since they were young, and have worked in various schools around the Bay Area. Getting to teach the next generation of actors and watch them grow is an amazing experience they are thankful for. They are so proud of all their students. In their free time August likes to read, crochet, play video games, and play D&D.
Fall ‘26 Projects:
Lead Teacher for Tales of Tails (PreK-Kinder)
Director of Swamped! (1st grade)
Director of Olympus the Greek Rock Musical (2nd-3rd grades)
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Kelly Handler
Kelly Handler (she/her) is very excited to be working with Town Hall as both a Teaching Artist and Education Coordinator. Kelly received a bachelors in Theater from Mills College in Oakland in 2021. She has trained and performed at the Young Rep Summer Conservatory as well as SingOut Theatre Company. She loves kids and also works at Village Music School. When she's not working, you can find her learning guitar, going on walks with family, or visiting friends.
Fall ‘26 Projects:
Director of Joaquin Moraga/Moraga Elementary Schools Residency (4th-6th grades)
Assistant Director for Springhill Elementary Residency (5th grade, Wednesday cast)
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Erika March
Erika March (she/her) is a Bay Area native and is consistently excited to be at Town Hall working as Education Director and Teaching Artist! Erika has been with Town Hall Theatre as Education Director since 2020 and is honored to have such a stellar team of creatives to work alongside. She loves the art of creating together with actors of all ages, and has recently directed shows such as Yoga Moms, Finding Nemo Jr, Xanadu Jr, and The Wolves with Town Hall Theatre. She has taught in theatres and schools around the Bay Area, Seattle, and Oklahoma City regions with a focus in arts integration and student devised programming. Erika is a graduate from Oklahoma City University and University College Cork, Ireland. When not in the theatre, Erika enjoys playing in the garden with her dog and chickens.
Fall ‘26 Projects:
Director of Glorietta Elementary Residency (4th-5th grades)
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Julie Rossi
Fall ‘26 Projects:
Director of Lafayette Elementary Residency (4th-5th grades)
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Bethany Chase
Fall ‘26 Projects:
Assistant Director of Olympus the Greek Rock Musical (2nd-3rd grades)
Assistant Director of Sleepy Hollow Elementary Residency (4th-5th grades, Thursday cast)
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Tristan Kelley
Tristan Kelley (he/they) is a born and raised Bay Area theatre artist. He is seeking his B.A. in Psychology, but has always had a passion for theatre! They have been performing onstage since they were eight years old and his most recent credit was as Christian in Berkeley Shakespeare Company’s Cyrano. He holds his Early Childhood Education certification and loves working with kids. In their free time, he is playing D&D, reading, and seeing friends and family. Photo credits to @saranicole_mindfulphotography on Instagram.
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April Garro
April Garro (she/they) is a Trans Artist, Clown, Improviser, Teacher, and Actor. California grown, they’ve been studying performance arts for over a decade. Though Clowning is one of April's primary passions, She has loved the stage in all its forms and its capacity to move people and create connection through storytelling. Teaching has been a huge passion of April's for the past 4 years, teaching everything from clowning to improv to acting. It’s been her delight to spread the magic of theater with Town Hall since 2024.