Our Mission
“To enrich kids’ lives through theatre arts.”
To do this we:
- Provide a quality theatre education program for youth
- Provide a fun and safe environment for self-discovery and development
- Instill an appreciation of the arts
- Build a community of acceptance
What is CET?
Children’s Educational Theatre provides an immersive, enriching theatre experience for children of all ages, experiences and backgrounds in the Mid-Valley area. It is an inclusive and dynamic five-week program where anyone can step outside a traditional school construct and interact with positivity and collaboration.
“This program is not about turning someone into an actor,” said founder Phyllis Quanbeck. “It’s about helping kids to find their own talent and about cultivating creative, innovative team players.”
Students involved in CET have the exciting opportunity to participate in three classes everyday, which may include acting, music, dance, technical theatre, stage combat, improvisation, and more. 2024 course descriptions can be found here if you’d like an idea of what we offer.
Students enrolled in our performance program are cast in one of our productions – everyone gets a role! Students enrolled in our technical arts program work behind the scenes to make the productions happen. This includes working on lighting, stage management, prop making, and more. CET’s success is based on everyone’s commitment to the program. Students are also featured in our Fine Arts Night Showcase on the final night.
Sobre Nosotros
Classes
Students are enrolled in three classes based on their preferences. Classes are attended everyday.
Rehearsals
Students are either cast in or assigned to (depending on whether they are in the performance or tech track) one of our productions during the first week of CET. They receive a rehearsal schedule for the last two weeks of the program, specific to that show.
Performances
Each show has different dates, times, and locations where it is performed. Some of these include the Salem Public Library, the Gerry Frank Amphitheater, and local schools. Performance schedules are unique to each show, but all performances happen in the last week and a half of the program.
Age requirements
Enrollment in our performance arts program is open to:
Students who are entering 4th through 12th grade
Enrollment in our technical arts program is open to:
Students who are entering 6th through 12th grade
Students enrolled who have completed 9th grade or higher can earn ½ high school credit by participating in CET.
Levels
Students are labeled with different “levels” so that communication can be streamlined more directly to each group.
4th and 5th graders
Midsummers – all 4th and 5th graders perform in the Midsummer Festival.
6th – 9th graders
These students may choose to do either the performance or technical tracks.
Mainstage Players – Performance track
These students perform in the Library Show, Traveling Show, Musical, or Park Play.
Mainstage Tech – Tech track
These students are assigned technical arts roles on specific performances, such as running the lighting or the sound board.
10th – 12th graders
These students may choose to do either the performance or technical tracks.
Level 7 – Performance track
These students all perform in the Level 7 Show. (“Level 7” is a label leftover from our previous labeling system, but it stuck for sentimental reasons. It means you’ve made it to the oldest level!)
Tech Seminar – Tech track
These students are assigned important off-stage roles, such as the Stage Manager, to one of the shows.
Questions? Email the Office Manager, Clara, at cetsalem@gmail.com. We’re here to help!