Lion's Acting Troupe (2-5)

Students in Lion's Acting Troupe will begin the session learning improvisation skills, building characters, creating the world of the play, and voice and movement techniques for the stage. As the session progresses, the students will rehearse a play to be performed for parents/guardians at the end of the session. During the rehearsal process, foundational skills will be reinforced while the students learn rehearsal/performance procedures. In addition, there will be flexibility for students who show more interest in other elements of theatre to explore those passions: design, directing, playwriting.

Lion's Acting Troupe is designed to help students gain confidence through performance while having agency over their own creative expression. This program is taught by Molly Chapman and Corey Franklin, current Meridian Primary teachers.

Parent Testimonials:

"My kids absolutely love the program and it's clearly a feeling shared by their peers based on the joy each of the performers brought to the stage. Mrs. Chapman and Mr. Franklin have produced a rare gift for the Meridian community: a true touchstone educational moment. I have no doubt the lessons my children learned in teamwork, self-confidence, and goal realization will carry far beyond the stage."

"Even between the fall shows and spring shows, I saw a difference in the students' skill and confidence on stage. I know it will make a difference for these students as they move into secondary theatre classes."

"It was beyond any expectations I had. Great experience."

"We are so thankful for this program."

"This semester was so artfully done and the children had the freedom to create their own character."

Lion’s Acting Troupe 2026–2027

Fall Season: August 17 – October 23, 2026

Registration Opens: May 11, 2026

We are excited to announce that Lion’s Acting Troupe will include two separate class groups this year to better support student growth and performance level.

Program Structure

Class 1: Grades 5–8

Rehearsals begin Mondays, then move to twice weekly (Monday & Friday). 4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
Performance Dates: October 22 & 23

Class 2: Grades 2–5

Rehearsals begin Tuesdays, then move to twice weekly (Tuesday & Thursday). 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM
Performance Dates: October 21, 22 & 23

Key Highlights

Program Runs: August 17 – October 23

Optional Special Half-Day Rehearsal: Friday, September 4 (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

No Rehearsals:
- September 7 (Labor Day)
- October 5–9 (Fall Break)
- October 12 (Staff PD Day)

Dress Rehearsals (Primary Gym):
- Class 1: Monday, October 19 (4:00–7:00 PM)
- Class 2: Tuesday, October 20 (4:00–7:00 PM)

Performances (Primary Gym)

Class 2 (Grades 2–5):

Wednesday October 21 (School Day Performances)
Thursday, October 22 & Friday, October 23 (6PM - 6:45PM)

Class 1 (Grades 5–8):

Thursday, October 22 & Friday, October 23 (7PM - 7:45PM)

Detailed Schedules

Full rehearsal calendars for each class are available here:

Class 1 (Grades 5–8)
Class 2 (Grades 2–5)

Registration Timeline & Process

To manage high interest and limited space, registration will take place in two phases:

Pre-Registration (Opens May 11, 2026)

Families may reserve a spot on a first come, first served basis
A $25 non-refundable registration fee is required to hold the spot
Each class is capped at 30 students

Important: Pre-registration holds your place but does not complete enrollment.

Full Registration (Opens July 13, 2026)

Families who pre-registered will receive access to complete full registration
Remaining program tuition and required forms must be submitted at this stage

Final Deadline to Complete Registration: August 14, 2026

Spots not finalized by this date may be released to students on the waitlist.

Important Notes

The $25 fee is a non-refundable registration fee and does not apply toward program tuition
Pre-registration spots are limited and expected to fill quickly
If you have not been in Lion's Acting Troupe before, confirmation of enrollment may require an interview first.
Enrollment is only confirmed once full registration is completed

Update on the program

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, Lion’s Acting Troupe will be managed in partnership with Village Theatre LLC. This transition allows us to better support the program, streamline registration and payments, and expand opportunities for students.

Meet the Instructors

Molly Chapman

Molly Chapman is a 3rd Grade teacher at Meridian and a former Theatre teacher. She has taught Theatre at Indiana University, Ball State University, Austin Community College, and Georgetown High School. During grad school, she ran a summer camp for 5 to 8 years olds through Bloomington Playwrights Project in Bloomington, IN. Molly earned an MFA in Acting from Indiana University, a BA in Theatre from Bloomsburg University, and is a SITI Company alum.

Before making the switch to teaching 3rd Grade, Molly was a regional theatre actor, performing with several companies around the country including Williamstown Theatre Festival, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, Passage Theatre Company, and Indiana Festival Theatre. Molly is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association.

Molly's love of Theatre began at a young age. She saw a high school production of West Side Story and she was hooked. Theatre gave Molly confidence that stretched into every facet of her life. This is why she is so passionate about introducing the art form to children during their primary years. Theatre teaches collaboration, public speaking, empathy, and is a place where everyone belongs.

Corey Franklin

Corey Franklin joined Meridian in August 2022 as a 3rd Grade teacher. Mr. Franklin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from The University of the Incarnate Word and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Regents American University of London. Throughout his life he has always loved traveling and has traveled to over thirty different countries. Mr. Franklin worked in China for seven years and moved back to the United States with his cat, Chairman Miao, in July 2022. While in China, he worked as an English as an additional language teacher, music teacher, and as PYP Coordinator. He has experience teaching students in all grades, but enjoys working with primary students most. Mr. Franklin has always had a passion for music and theater. He directed a choir and lead winter shows and spring concerts for a school in China for several years. He sings in different choirs in the Austin area and attends local theater productions in support of the arts.

Late Pick up Fees

Late pick-up from Arts/À la carte/After school programs will result in additional fees to accrue at the rate of $5 per 5 minutes starting with the first minute.
Students who participate in Arts/À la carte activities will be charged $5 per 5 minutes with a 5 minute grace period from the activity's dismissal time to allow for transition from the classroom.
For full-time after school students end-of-day, "late" begins at 6:01 p.m.

1 – 5 minutes = $5

6 – 10 minutes = $10

11 – 15 minutes = $15

16 – 20 minutes = $20 ...

How to Withdraw

To withdraw, please complete the Triple A Withdrawal Form.
Please note, all fees paid for Lion's Acting Troupe are non-refundable. Review the Triple A Terms for Participation for more details.