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."

2025-2026 School Year - AT CAPACITY

Grades: 2–5

Frequency: Two classes per week

Fall Semester Dates: August 19, 2025 – October 2, 2025

Here are some important dates to note:
Dress Rehearsals:
• Monday, September 22 | 4:00–7:00 PM
• Tuesday, September 23 | 4:00–7:00 PM
Performances:
• Thursday, September 25 | 7:30 PM
• Friday, September 26 | 7:30 PM
• Wednesday, October 1 | (During the school day for students in Grades 3–5)

Spring Semester Dates: TBD

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m.-5:15 p.m

Cost: $300/semester

How to Register - AT CAPACITY FOR FALL SEMESTER

Use this link to complete the Lion's Acting Interest Form

Step 1. Thoroughly review the Lion's Acting Troupe program details and Triple A Terms for Participation.

Step 2. Submit the Lion's Acting Troupe Interest Form

Step 3. Receive director approval or schedule a student interview

**Note: Please keep in mind that submitting an interest form or participating in an interview does not guarantee placement. Not all students who interview will be accepted into the program, as space is limited and selection is based on fit readiness.**

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.