"Christmas Toy School" Kids (7-12) Performance Class

By Paul Collette

Directed by Alexandra Rovirosa and Adrienne Jackson

A theatre experience where stories awaken — and students shine.

Toys, you know, don’t automatically know how to be the perfect plaything when Santa puts them in his toy sack.  First, they have to attend North Pole Toy School! 

Jig and Saw, Ted E. Bear, Princess Ann, Glow Toy, and others have come to the toy school to hopefully graduate and receive their Christmas bows so they can be on Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve.  Not graduating from Toy School means certain doom at the...  da-da-da-dum...  Toy Dump!  With the help of teacher assistant Cool Cat, these all-too-human toys learn about paying attention, practicing and persevering, developing self-confidence, and overcoming both their fears and weaknesses...  but only after a charming and funny series of trial and error!  They even let their fears get the best of them when they imagine the worst about their elf teacher, Miss Grumplegus. 

It doesn’t get better than this for an absolutely delightful Christmas show for young actors and audiences:  gentle lessons about liking yourself, having confidence, and not giving up; an ensemble cast with no role over 30 lines; and a cameo appearance by Santa himself! 

About the Class

Led by Alexandra Rovirosa, a seasoned children’s theatre educator, and Adrienne Jackson, our Head Teen Intern, this 10-week performance class nurtures creativity, collaboration, and confidence in a warm, supportive environment for students ages 7-12. Students will explore acting, movement, and character development while rehearsing for a fully staged performance on December 12th, 2026 - just in time for the holidays!

Alexandra understands the unique experience of working with children — their curiosity, independence, and heart — and crafts her classes to inspire artistic growth while fostering friendship and community.

Through theatre, students gain not only stage experience, but real-world skills in communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.

Program Details

Classes Begin: October 1st, 2026
Schedule: Thursdays, 6:30-8:00pm (once a week)
Location: The CO-OP at Shoal Creek
(6816 N. Church Rd., Pleasant Valley, MO)
Performance: December 12th, 2026
Ages: 7–12 (accepting six year olds if they are turning seven before the end of production, and accepting 13 year olds if they are turning 13 during the class/production)
*If you have teens who are interested in learning the ropes backstage, we have our Teen Apprenticeship Program that they can be involved with, and they’ll get to work with our amazing Head Teen Interns! More information here.
Tuition: $100 (or 3 monthly payments upon request, please email contact@aplaceforusproductions.com for more information)
*Tuition includes ten weeks of professional training, a script for your child to keep, and their costume(s), as well as two free tickets for the show. Additional tickets will be $12 at the door the day of performance.

Why Families Love This Class

• Creative learning that builds confidence, empathy, and storytelling skills

• Community connection with other families who value the arts

• Experienced instructors who understand both structure and freedom in learning

All enrolled students will have a speaking part in the show! Our first rehearsal will consist of auditions, where students will be able to learn the process of reading from a script (or what we call a cold read) in front of a director, and get to work on group reads with other students.

Students also have the opportunity to share their favorite monologue with the director and class (not required, but we highly encourage the kids to find a monologue they really love, whether that’s a speech from their favorite book, movie, or play - we like to find some really awesome ones here!). The kids will have an opportunity to fill out a form sharing a little bit about themselves and the roles they are (or aren’t!) interested in, to help us gauge their experience and comfort level (although we can’t promise that everyone will get the role they want!) The cast list will be emailed by the next day.

There will be a form when you enroll that asks about conflicts during the rehearsal process. Please note that we have a strict policy requiring students to be at the final dress rehearsal class and performance, except for cases of emergency. We understand that issues come up that can’t be avoided in life, but we ask that you thoroughly list all conflicts with the class schedule in your initial form, and that to the best of your ability, no other conflicts come up during the duration of classes.

Also please note that we will not have classes the week of Thanksgiving!

CAST T-SHIRTS are available, an email with a link to purchase a cast t-shirt will be sent after the first class.

Cast of Characters

GLOW TOY - not too bright
COOL CAT - teacher’s assistant; studying up on proper “catiquette”
TOY SOLDIER - marches to a different drummer
TED E. BEAR - rough around the edges
PRIMA DONNA - clumsy ballerina doll
ROVER - stuffed dog; everyone’s best friend
PRINCESS ANN - doll, but not quite princess-like
JIG - one piece of the puzzle
SAW - another piece of the puzzle
JACK - jack-in-the-box clown with poor timing
SIDE - coordinator of the puzzle
WEDGELY - another coordinator of the puzzle
MISS GRUMPYGUS - toys’ teacher… or is she a grumpy, grouchy, elf?
SANTA CLAUS - a very famous guy!

Join the Cast

There’s a place for your child in this story.
Step into the world of Christmas Toy School this season and give your child a chance to make friends, learn the world of theatre, and have a chance to shine this holiday season!

REFUND POLICY: In case of withdrawal of student by parent, full refunds are available only for student enrollment cancelled within 48 hours of the original purchase. Cancellations made after 72 hours of purchase are eligible for a 50% refund. Any cancellations made after the applicable refund period are non-refundable.

Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Denver, Colorado