Welcome to PEAK Backstage!

A PEAK Theatre Arts Blog!

Hi, I’m Jessica Alvarado—actress, director, educator, and founder of PEAK Theatre Arts. Whether you're a school administrator, an Expanded Learning professional, an educator, or a parent seeking enriching arts experiences for your students, I’m glad you’re here.

From the moment I stepped on stage at 9 years old, I knew theatre would shape my life. What I didn’t realize then was how deeply it would inspire my mission: to use the performing arts as a tool to help young people build confidence, community, and nurture creativity.

Over the years, I’ve worked across the country as a professional actor, writer, producer, and teaching artist. My experience spans the stage, classroom, and community, and I’ve seen firsthand how theatre can transform not only how students express themselves, but how they see themselves.

What is PEAK Backstage?

PEAK Backstage is an extension of my work with PEAK Theatre Arts—a youth theatre arts education company dedicated to bringing high-quality theatre arts to schools and communities through classes, workshops, camps, curriculum, and professional development. Here on PEAK Backstage, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how theatre can ignite learning, strengthen social-emotional skills, and support whole-child development.

What You Can Expect?

• Resources & Tools for ELOP professionals and teaching artists

• Curriculum Spotlights and lesson inspiration aligned with California VAPA standards

• Tips for Parents & Caregivers on supporting creativity at home

• Insights for Administrators on building impactful arts programs that align with academic goals

• Real Stories from the classroom, the stage, and the community

Whether you're navigating grant funding, planning after-school programming, or just looking for fresh ways to engage kids, PEAK Backstage is here to support you.

Thank you for being part of this growing community of arts advocates, educators, and changemakers. Let’s keep lifting young voices—onstage and off.