Ms. Flanagan’s theater program is part of the larger LAUSD ARTS PROGRAM which includes music dance and Visual Arts. The ARTS PROGRAM uses engaging, rigorous, state standard based arts lessons that help all students, especially English language learners access lesson content, increase literacy skills, and build critical and creative thinking skills across the curriculum.

There are six foundational theater lessons: Pantomime, tableau, setting, improvisation, character, and plot. Students then use the skills to hear a story (fables, folktales, myths, legends, etc.) and then act out a story in pairs, small groups, and large ensembles.

As a collaborative and creative art form, theater provides opportunities for students to build literacy skills, confidence, and empathy through speaking and listening as opposite characters, paraphrasing, making eye contact, and performing in front of others.

Lastly, for students who struggle with learning through sitting and listening, theater provides a dynamic, fun opportunity to learn academic content in a way that they can understand and feel successful because having fun and learning makes lifelong learners.