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Author Archives: Kylee Sullivan

  1. ARIEL Theatrical announces $10,000 gift from the Rudi Schulte Family Foundation

    To honor and memorialize the decades-long impact of beloved ARIEL teacher and choreographer, Diane Chatwin, the Rudi Schulte Family Foundation and Shelley Schulte presented ARIEL with a $10,000 check to fund a much-needed lighting project. With the guidance of lighting specialists and contractors, new equipment was purchased and permanent fixtures were installed to light areas of the stage that previously lacked full coverage. This lighting upgrade was timed to be unveiled during the Christmas season, also known as the “season of lights.” This beautiful gift initiated by Diane’s daughter, Shelley Schulte, and funded by the Rudi Schulte Family Foundation, will allow Diane’s influence and light to brighten the world of the children who step onto the stage at ARIEL for many, many years to come. Founder and Artistic Director, Gail Higginbotham, lost not only her creative partner, but her long-time friend. She shared, “Diane was an integral part of ARIEL from its inception 40 years ago. It is impossible to measure the influence for good that she had upon thousands of children, young and old. The light, warmth, and generosity of spirit which she radiated touched everyone in her presence. We miss her every day.”

    Donations to ARIEL in memory of Diane Chatwin are gratefully accepted and can be made securely online here.

    Located in the beautifully renovated Oldtown neighborhood of Salinas, ARIEL Theatrical provides opportunities for children to explore the stage and learn valuable lessons about Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Leadership – A-R-I-E-L. ARIEL is a safe and nurturing gathering place for young people where engaging programs and family-friendly entertainment take center stage.

  2. A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS – GRAB YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY’RE GONE!

    Gather your family and friends and make plans to catch A Charlie Brown Christmas this December at ARIEL Theatrical. Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang share their usual wit and wisdom as they work together to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Your favorite Charles Schulz characters can’t wait to see you! Make new memories this Christmas and bask in the warmth of nostalgia and holiday cheer at ARIEL Theatrical. This production is graciously supported by our 2025 Presenting Partner, the Sally Hughes Church Foundation.

    Performances: December 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13, 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 – $12, Students/Seniors/Military – $11, Children 3-12 – $10, Under age 3 – FREE

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

    Located in the beautifully renovated Oldtown neighborhood of Salinas, ARIEL Theatrical provides opportunities for children to explore the stage and learn valuable lessons about Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Leadership – A-R-I-E-L. ARIEL is a safe and nurturing gathering place for young people where engaging programs and family-friendly entertainment take center stage.

    ARIEL is honored to acknowledge the Sally Hughes Church Foundation as the 2025 Presenting Partner. ARIEL is also grateful to local individuals and businesses for their generous support, including 2025 Season Sponsors, Taylor Farms, Cardinale Moving & Storage, and Aladin Properties, and our show sponsors, Hastie Financial Group and Pathfinder Content Marketing.

    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.

  4. Surprise! ARIEL’s FIRST HOLLY-JOLLY MINI-CAMP ANNOUNCEMENT!

    FULL PROGRAM INFORMATION HERE!

    Kids ages 6-15 are invited to join us for a two session mini-camp filled with fun, friends and holiday cheer. Register November 5th at 5:00 pm to be part of this first ever sing-along camp that takes place Monday and Tuesday, December 15 & 16 from 5-8 pm. Parents, take advantage of this perfect opportunity to do some last-minute errands while your kids are learning holiday songs, practicing their singing and dancing skills, and creating memories with friends. And on Tuesday, parents and immediate family members of the participants are invited back a little early for an EXTRA FUN, EXTRA LARGE, SING-ALONG FINALE at 7:30! And remember, there’s no business like SNOW business!

  5. PRESENTING THE 2026 SEASON!

    We’re so excited for 2026!!!

    Additional program details can be found by clicking HERE.

    The first wave of registration will open on Monday, September 22.

    Stay tuned for more details!

     

  6. DON’T MISS THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH TYA AT ARIEL THEATRICAL!

    Adapted from Norton Juster’s beloved children’s book, this riveting musical will take audiences on an unforgettable adventure.

    ARIEL summer camp performers will open the door to the distant Land of Wisdom where a young boy, Milo and his time-keeping dog Tock, meet Princesses Rhyme and Reason, and an array of other quirky characters. Working together to bring peace to feuding kings, they discover and learn to appreciate the purpose that lies behind the quest for all knowledge. 

    With wonderful word-play and quizzically creative calculations, The Phantom Tollbooth TYA will inspire audiences to approach learning with curiosity, enthusiasm and joy.

    Click HERE for performance details and our full schedule of upcoming productions.

    Questions? Call us at 831-775-0976.

    See you at ARIEL!

  7. NOMINATE “ARIEL THEATRICAL” FOR “BEST LOCAL THEATRE COMPANY”

    Thank you for taking a few minutes to write in “ARIEL Theatrical” as your nominee for the “Best Local Theater Company” in the Monterey County Weekly annual contest.

    Our commitment to the community by providing character-building theatre programs for youth and family-friendly performances makes ARIEL Theatrical a slam-dunk for the top prize!

    Thank you for letting the world know that you are an ARIEL fan!

    Click the button below to be directed to the Monterey County Weekly nomination page.

    NOMINATE ARIEL HERE

  8. VOLUNTEER FOR ARIEL AT THE SALINAS RODEO!

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

    We are excited to be “backstage” at the Salinas Rodeo again this year, and we invite you to participate as a Rodeo volunteer representing ARIEL Theatrical as part of our summer fundraiser. This opportunity will put you 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 and up are welcome.

    Fundraising couldn’t be easier! All hours worked by ARIEL volunteers will be tracked to calculate the contribution amount that will be given to ARIEL from the Salinas Rodeo Foundation. This fantastic opportunity is only possible with help from our amazing community – YOU! 

    There are many shift options including Pre-Rodeo (July 12-16), Rodeo (July 17-20), and Post-Rodeo (July 21). You are welcome to sign up for multiple shifts, and organizing a group of friends and family to volunteer for the same shift is highly encouraged! All details are listed on the Google sign up form that can be found HERE. Please note – shift sign ups are due by July 11. 

    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!

  9. Imagine YOUR Dragon Art Contest

    ARIEL Theatrical wants to see your dragon drawings!
    Entries should answer the prompt:

    IF YOU HAD A FRIENDLY DRAGON FOR A PET, WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?

    Winners will be gifted art supplies and tickets to see Imagine a Dragon at ARIEL!

    OFFICIAL RULES HERE

    WHAT TO DO:

    • Submit on Letter Paper (8×11)
    • Create by HAND ONLY, no digital art, please.
    • Include the entry form info here 
    • Be creative and have fun!

    HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ART:

    • Bring it to 320 Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901
    • Mail it to P.O. BOX 1268, Salinas, CA
    • Email it to COORDINATOR@ARIELTHEATRICAL.ORG

    No purchase necessary. Contest open to kids between the ages of 5 and 18. Limit one original entry per person. Contest begins 4/4/25 and ends 5/5/25. Submissions must be received by 11:59pm on 5/5/25.

    Winners will be chosen on 5/6/25.
    ONE WINNER IN EACH CATEGORY:
    5-9
    10-14
    15-18

  10. Diane Chatwin Celebration of Life Announcement


    A Celebration of Life will be held on May 10 at 10:00 am at the Skyline Forest Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1 Forest Knoll Road, Monterey, CA.
    All are welcome.          

    In lieu of flowers, Diane’s family has requested that donations be made to ARIEL Theatrical, where Diane taught thousands of children and touched so many lives for nearly 40 years.  

    Donate Here
    Submit a remembrance of Diane Here