Transform timeless tales into original 10-minute plays.
Once Upon a Time- Story Drama
Once Upon a Time, ignite students’ imaginations with folktales and fairy tales. Inspired by their real-life attitudes and understandings, they learn to connect story and drama to perform a 10-minute play.
Designed For: Expanded Learning Programs, Non-Profits, Libraries, Community Centers, Camps, In-School Residencies (Elementary, Middle)
"Only 36% of U.S. students in grades K–8 are reading at or above grade level in English Language Arts."
National Assessment of Educational Progress NAEP, 2022
Once Upon a Time – Story Drama boosts literacy by turning reading and writing into active storytelling. Through drama, students build comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills in a fun, creative way.
Learning Outcomes
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Students will explore characters, settings, and themes from folktales and fairy tales through improvisation and guided drama activities. (CA Theatre Standard: TH: Cr1.1.3–5, 6–8)
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Students will collaboratively create and write a 10-minute play inspired by traditional stories and their interpretations. (CA Theatre Standard: TH: Cr2.1.3–5, 6–8)
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Students will rehearse and perform their original plays, using voice, movement, and staging to bring their characters and stories to life. (CA Theatre Standard: TH:Pr4.1 & Pr5.1.3–5, 6–8)
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Students will reflect on how stories and drama express personal and cultural values, identifying connections between traditional tales and their lives. (CA Theatre Standard: TH: Cn10.1.3–5, 6–8)
Success Story
"When I was teaching at St. John Chrysostom School, I got the pleasure of seeing the impact the PEAK Theatre Arts after school program had on our students. This program introduced theatre arts to our school. I witnessed some of my shy, more quiet students grow confident and use their voice on that stage and in the classroom as a result of this program. My students looked forward to going to PEAK Theatre Arts as they found it fun, made new friends, and were using their creativity. It brought me so much joy seeing my students motivated and committed, learning their lines for a play and working cooperatively with other students. PEAK Theatre Arts is an impactful program for students reinforcing skills such as confidence, perseverance, focus, collaboration and offering them another space to express themselves and increase trust in themselves and others. I highly recommend PEAK Theatre Arts."
Ms. Erika Jimenz, 2nd Grade
Why Partner with PEAK?
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Social-Emotional Growth Through the Arts
Students develop social-emotional skills like empathy, self-awareness, and resilience through acting, writing, and directing—building confidence, communication, and leadership for success in school and life.
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Tailored to Meet YOUR Needs!
Our programs are mobile and flexible—we bring the full experience directly to your school, community center, or organization. Whether it's a one-day workshop or a multi-week residency, we tailor the schedule and setting to fit your needs.
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VAPA Aligned
Curriculum
California’s Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA) Standards emphasize critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving—all highly valued in the workforce. By engaging in VAPA-aligned projects, students develop artistically while acquiring real-world skills that they can confidently showcase on their resumes and in interviews.