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Author Archives: Kylee Sullivan

  1. Giddy-up and volunteer at the Salinas Rodeo to support ARIEL

    Volunteer “behind-the-scenes” at the Rodeo and support ARIEL Theatrical

    We are excited to be “backstage” at the Salinas Rodeo again and we invite you join us as a volunteer representing ARIEL Theatrical. Go behind-the-scenes at one of the largest annual events in Monterey County as you work with friends and neighbors setting up and serving in the VIP Hospitality Tent. Volunteers ages 14+ are welcome. 

    Every volunteer hour will be tracked and used to calculate the contribution given to ARIEL from the Salinas Rodeo Foundation. Volunteering at the Salinas Rodeo definitely puts the “FUN” in fundraising!

    There are many shift options including concert and Pre-Rodeo set-up (July 10-15), Rodeo days (July 16-19), and Post-Rodeo take-down (July 20). You may sign-up for multiple shifts, and if you’d like to work with friends or family members, sign-up for the same shift and volunteer together! All details are listed on the Google sign up form that can be found HERE. Please note – shift sign ups are due by July 7. 

    For specific dates, details and other important information about this opportunity, click HERE. 

    We hope you’ll consider joining this fundraising effort that will directly benefit ARIEL Theatrical programs for youth. If you are unable to volunteer at this time but would like to make a direct donation to ARIEL, please click HERE to access our Zeffy donation page. 

    We look forward to seeing you at the Rodeo, and at ARIEL!

  2. CHICKEN LITTLE – THIS WEEKEND ONLY!

    Could the sky be falling? Chicken Little is convinced that it is and begins frantically spreading the news all over the farm. Could there be more to the story? Come on down to the farm at ARIEL and watch the drama unfold as Chicken Little’s furry and feathered barnyard friends put their heads together in search of answers.   

    PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!

  3. MERLIN’S APPRENTICE OPENS THIS FRIDAY

    Hogwarts? The Sword in the Stone? Abigail unexpectedly finds herself in the midst of a host of otherworldly creatures in the magical underground kingdom of  Subterra where it will take all her wits – and a little bit more – to bring order and harmony. Purchase your tickets now for this musical that is brand new to the ARIEL stage!

    PERFORMANCES:
    Tickets linked to each date below

    Friday, May 8 at 7:00 pm
    Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 pm
    Saturday, May 9 at 7:00 pm
    Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 pm
    Friday, May 15 at 7:00 pm
    Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 pm
    Saturday, May 16 at 7:00 pm

    ARIEL is honored to acknowledge the Sally Hughes Church Foundation as the 2026 Presenting Partner. ARIEL is also grateful to local individuals and businesses for their generous support, including 2026 Season Sponsors, Taylor Farms, Hastie Financial Group, Cardinale Moving & Storage, and Aladin Properties.

  4. OPEN HOUSE FRIDAY, APRIL 3rd!

    For 25 years, ARIEL Theatrical has been a fixture on Main Street, and on April 3, our doors will be open for a “First Friday Salinas” Open House.

    Take this opportunity to explore our space, peek behind the scenes, chat with our staff and board, and learn more about ARIEL programs and performances.

    We’ll have sweet treats and an exclusive ticket deal for our upcoming production of Merlin’s Apprentice for our First Friday friends – while supplies last, of course. We’ll be here from 5-8 pm, or until the treats run out, so bring a friend and come say hi!

  6. Get Your Exclusive ARIEL Mini-Tote!

    In celebration of 25 years on Main Street, we created an exclusive gift just for our loyal monthly donors. You can proudly carry your ARIEL mini-tote when you become a monthly donor with a contribution of $15 or more. That’s only 50 cents a day!

    Your monthly donations will support our year-round theatre programs that help kids learn the importance of incorporating Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Leadership into every area of their lives.

    Click HERE to sign up through our payment platform Zeffy to begin your monthly donations.

    Thank you for supporting ARIEL Theatrical!

  7. ARIEL Theatrical Celebrates a Rich History and 25 Years on Main Street!

    This year marks a major milestone for ARIEL Theatrical – 25 years in the Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre on Main Street in Oldtown Salinas. In the early days, for 15 years prior to having a permanent home, ARIEL utilized driveways, garages, barns, homes, churches, schools, and warehouses, as rehearsal spaces. Performances were scattered around Salinas in a variety of venues, and Sherwood Hall shows, attended by tens of thousands of school children, became the main event each year.
    Despite these achievements, ARIEL had nowhere to call home.

    After an “all-hands-on-deck” capital fundraising campaign and years of planning and construction, ARIEL could now call the Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre on Main Street “home.” This new reality was wonderful and exciting, but not without challenge. Earthquake retrofits, electrical and plumbing upgrades, audience seating, lighting and sound equipment, and hundreds of other projects kept the early years in the building very busy – and expensive. When one problem was solved, another would not be far behind. Most notably, in 2015 a massive fire in the neighboring building put the theatre in extreme peril and caused significant damage. In 2020, the COVID pandemic closed theatre doors around the world. ARIEL continued to endure.

    What began as an idea discussed decades ago at founder Gail Higginbotham’s kitchen table, stands today as a welcoming and vibrant community gathering place where engaging programs and family-friendly entertainment are available to all.
    At ARIEL, young people are encouraged to make choices that will help them achieve success on stage, and more importantly, in their own lives.

    Annually, approximately 500 kids perform at ARIEL, and roughly 10,000 audience members attend shows. ARIEL has seen growth and change over the years, but continues to stand firmly on its guiding foundational principles: Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Leadership – A-R-I-E-L. Here’s to the next 25 years on Main Street!

    ARIEL is honored to acknowledge the Sally Hughes Church Foundation as the 2026 Presenting Partner. ARIEL is also grateful to local individuals and businesses for their generous support, including the 2026 Season Sponsors Taylor Farms, Hastie Financial Group, Cardinale Moving & Storage, and Aladin Properties.

    For more information, visit ARIEL in the Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre, 320 Main Street, online at www.arieltheatrical.org or call 831-775-0976.

  8. Opening Next Week…The Emperor’s New Clothes!

    LINK TO SHOW POSTER

    Two “Weavers of Unique Distinction” work together to create an exquisite fabric unlike any the vain Emperor and his royal entourage have ever seen.  Inspired by the classic Hans Christian Anderson tale, the ARIEL adaptation of The Emperor’s New Clothes is set in 395 A.D in the Eastern Roman Empire of Byzantium. Audiences will be carried away with clever word play and unexpected twists, ultimately revealing the truly important things “as they really are.”

    Performances: March 13, 14, 19, 20 & 21 at 7 pm on all dates with additional 2 pm shows on Saturdays

    Location: The Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre – Home of ARIEL Theatrical, 320 Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901

    Tickets: Adults – $16, Students/Seniors/Military – $14, Children 3-12 – $12, Under age 3 – FREE

    Tickets may be purchased online HERE, over the phone (831-775-0976), and at the ARIEL box office (advance purchase or at the door until sold out).

    ARIEL is honored to acknowledge the Sally Hughes Church Foundation as the 2026 Presenting Partner. ARIEL is also grateful to local individuals and businesses for their generous support, including 2026 Season Sponsors, Taylor Farms, Hastie Financial Group, Cardinale Moving & Storage, and Aladin Properties.

  9. A New Workshop & Mini-Camp Just Announced!

    Great news! We have just announced a new workshop and mini-camp that opens for registration on Wednesday, February 4. Click the colored links below to learn more about each program!

    ACTING BASICS WORKSHOP – February 23

    MAGICAL MINI-CAMP – March 24 & 25

    A special thank you to the Arts Council for Monterey County
    for their support for this program.

  10. Volunteer at Sea Otter Classic & raise funds for ARIEL!

    ARIEL Theatrical is excited to partner with the Sea Otter Classic Foundation for one of the biggest cycling events
    in the world!

    When you volunteer at the Sea Otter Classic event at Laguna Seca (April 16-19), you’ll not only help bring in financial support for ARIEL, but you’ll receive a four-day weekend pass to the event. Volunteer one shift (or as many as you’d like), and enjoy the spectacular event with free admission the rest of the weekend!

    Sign up for your shift(s) on Thursday, January 15, and be sure to mark ARIEL Theatrical from the list of nonprofits so that your volunteer hours will turn into grant dollars for ARIEL. A wide variety of jobs and shifts are available so you can easily find your fit.

    This Thursday, hop online, choose your job and your shift(s), and the folks at Sea Otter will give you all the information you need to be part of the action!

    Get ready to roll, and we’ll see you in April at the Sea Otter Classic!

    SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE STARTING JANUARY 15!