ABOUT
Theater Lab Kids strives to promote theatrical curriculum and employs teachers with backgrounds in Theater and experience working with children. Lesson plans incorporate multiple aspects of theater arts. Students are be placed into groups to work on a daily performance composition.
Each class encompasses creative writing/story boarding, crafting/drafting tactile elements such as props, sets, and costumes, as well as acting and movement exercises and games. We learn to be a good audience and engage both on stage and off stage during class performances.
In addition, classes incorporate Social Emotional Skills to create an environment of acceptance and understanding. These skills are vital to understanding people, emotions based on body language or vocal infection, and communication as students and beyond.
Each class produces an original play by developing a story line setting, with literary elements including a setting, characters, conflict, climax and resolution. Student imaginations come alive to create stories, props, costumes, and act out their original script. They may craft set, costume and or prop pieces needed to tell the story. Shows are then presented in a final performance before an audience the last day of class.
Theater Lab Kids Houston, has written, directed, and produced over 55 plays written by students. We look forward to producing more plays in the Fall of 2024.
Theater Lab is open to expanding into other schools and districts and is always interviewing teaching artists for upcoming seasons (see employment). Inquire to BRING THEATER TO YOUR SCHOOL
CATHERINE DEBLIEUX
ACTING DIRECTOR/FOUNDER
Theater Lab Kids is a creation out of an experimental idea to promote creative play and inspire children. Theatre is an alliance of artists working together which is critical to humanity. The objective of TLK is for children to collaborate with one another and develop an appreciation of the people's living art.
I am a parent, teacher, and Realtor that loves, inspiring, performing, and working with kids and people! I became active in theatre arts as a teen performing in school shows. Theater helped me through a difficult time in my life. It allowed me to express myself and become involved in activities that were positive. Every child should have this opportunity available to them.
After graduating from the University of Houston School of Theatre, I spent 18 years in sales then returned to my passion - theatre. I began acting and teaching in 2018 with Theater Lab until the Pandemic. During this time I received my teaching certification. Today I am happy to say Theater Lab Kids is back up and running and we offer the program to over 11 campuses in the Houston area. We are always looking to expand.
In addition, to these short plays, I have also participated in outreach partnerships and the HLSR, directed and designed/assisted with various productions crafting props, sets, costume, and giving backstage support. However, I find working with children in productions is the most gratifying work.
A child can accomplish any dream or goal with inspiration and direction. Theatre arts offers the perfect opportunity for children to really explore ideas and dream. With theater training, the possibilities are endless!
Anna Snyder
Teaching Artist
Anna is excited to be teaching with Theatre Lab Kids! She graduated from Xavier University in 2023 with degrees in Musical Theatre and Psychology. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Houston studying personality psychology. Her research focuses on how creativity (and the arts) change our lives. Some of her favorite onstage credits include 9 to 5 (Roz), Something Rotten (Tap Dancing Omelette), and Mamma Mia (Tanya). Her favorite backstage credits include Measure for Measure (costume designer), Peter Pan Jr. (director), High School Musical Jr. (director), and Unmuted (co-writer). As a teacher, Anna enjoys sharing her love for theater and helping students develop the skills theatre teaches us, like empathy, teamwork, and confidence!
Amber Fingers
Teaching Artist
BIO AND HEADSHOT COMING SOON
Amber is an experienced teaching artist that LOVES working with children and has strong classroom management skills.
Graham Childers
Teaching Artist
Graham Childers is thrilled to be working with Theatre Lab Kids! Currently studying at the University of Houston’s School of Theatre and Dance, Graham is looking forward to his graduating from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, where he developed skills in voice, movement, sword fighting, and even dramatic pauses for effect…Graham’s favorite recent work has been in Footloose (Ren McCormack), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Demetrius), and Urinetown (Mr. McQueen). Graham is exceedingly grateful to his friends and family who have supported him along the way - and for the awesome ideas the students bring to creatively explore theatre.
Emily Buesing
Teaching Artist
Currently living her DREAM
Emily Buesing is currently pursuing her passion as an actress onstage! She has worked with Theater Lab Kids for three semesters and is always welcome to return. Since graduating in 2020 with a degree in Theatre and Dance from Lamar University, Emily has had the opportunity to work in theatre in multiple capacities. Primarily an actress, some of her favorite performance credits include The Importance of Being Earnest (Cecily), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Judy), Luna Gale (Cindy), The Birds (Julia), and most recently, her role as Frau Hilda in The Garden Theatre’s workshop production of While Childhood Slept. Emily has also had the pleasure of working as choreographer, assistant director, and teaching artist with multiple children’s theatre companies including LiFT, Beaumont Community Players Kidmunity, and currently with AD Players education department.
In the classroom Emily is a compassionate and dedicated teacher that aids in bringing the creative ideas of students to life!