Exploring imagination and empathy through storytelling
Once Upon a Time- Story Drama
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Who It’s For: Students who love dress-up, imagination, and playful storytelling
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Content Areas: Creative Play, Character Exploration, Storytelling
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Core Benefits: Empathy, Expression, Joyful Play
Designed For: Expanded Learning Programs, Non-Profits, Libraries, Community Centers, Camps, In-School Residencies (Elementary)
"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 transforms reading and writing into dynamic storytelling—bridging literacy with cultural identity, creativity, and voice.
Learning Outcomes
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Cultural Story Inquiry- Students examine characters, settings, and themes across diverse folktales—ranging from West African Anansi stories to Latinx legends—using improvisation and drama to uncover cultural meanings. (Aligns with CA Theatre Standards TH: Cr1.1.3–8)
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Collaborative Play Creation- Drawing from both traditional and personal narratives, students co-write original 10-minute scripts that reflect their cultural roots and creative interpretations.(Aligns with TH: Cr2.1.3–8)
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Performance with Purpose- Using voice, movement, and staging, students bring their stories to life—honoring cultural storytelling traditions such as call-and-response, narrative chant, or movement motifs.(Aligns with TH: Pr4.1 & Pr5.1.3–8)
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Cultural & Identity Reflection- Through guided discussions, participants reflect on how their plays express personal and cultural values, and connect to community experiences.(Aligns with TH: Cn10.1.3–8)
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 Jimenez, 2nd Grade Teacher & School Administrator
Our Valued Partners
Why Schools Choose Peak
Theatre that honors every story, strengthens school culture, and makes partnership easy.
Equity
PEAK Theatre Arts advances educational equity through culturally sustaining drama experiences that honor every child’s voice, story, and culture.
SEL in Action
Drama isn’t just performance — it’s connection. Through storytelling, students practice empathy, courage, and creative expression while discovering the power of community. These experiences naturally support social–emotional growth and joyful learning.
Alignment
VAPA-aligned and Proposition 28 eligible, Peak makes it easy for schools to offer meaningful, high-quality theatre experiences that center joy, belonging, and student voice.