Does your child love to pretend, tell stories, or perform for family and friends? Aurora Players is excited to introduce Pre-ProjectSTAGE (AP PPS)—a brand-new theatre program created especially for children in Grades 1–4 who are just beginning their theatrical journey.
Developed by actor and director, Charlotte Von Adler (BIO below), this fun, engaging four-week pilot program introduces young performers to the fundamentals of theatre through creative games, movement, imagination, and teamwork. No previous theatre experience is required!
Pre-ProjectSTAGE focuses on building confidence while teaching the basic skills every young performer needs. Students will explore:
Our goal is to help every child feel comfortable expressing themselves, collaborating with others, and having fun on stage in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.
Who: Students in Grades 1–4
Session Length: Four weeks
Session Dates: October 27 – November 19, 2026
Class Times: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30–5:00 p.m. (Please note: all children must be picked up no later than 5:15 p.m.)
Tuition: $75 per student
Enrollment: Limited to 18 students to provide a personalized learning experience.
Please note that this program focuses on theatre education and creative exploration. There is no full-stage production or performance as part of the session.
Charlotte Von Adler is an educator, director, and performer. For seven touring seasons with Missoula Children’s Theatre, Charlotte led countless workshops while directing and performing more than 50 full-scale musicals featuring casts of up to 65 students ages 5–17 in just five days each. She then spent four seasons touring with Bright Star Touring Theatre, performing dozens of two-person educational and improvisational productions for audiences of all ages while working remotely for the home office staff and acting as executive assistant to the CEO. Most recently, she spearheaded a specialty touring program across Nevada, managing every aspect of production from outreach, marketing, and booking, to performance, strike, and talkbacks.
Upon returning to East Aurora, New York in 2024, Charlotte began her work with Aurora Players through Theatre in Hamlin Park’s productions of “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” and “The Hobbit.” She serves as a lead teaching artist at Buffalo Theatre of Youth, where she has directed, choreographed, designed props and simple sets, and co-created numerous original productions with her students.
Charlotte’s passion for teaching children life skills through the performing arts will bring her to the Boys & Girls Club of East Aurora this fall, where she is leading a new theatre education program. She continues to offer private music and drama lessons to students throughout the greater Buffalo area.
Outside the theater, Charlotte enjoys making music, volunteering, and exploring local restaurants and libraries. She believes there is always room for curiosity, creativity, and a healthy dose of silliness.