Each spring, Paradise Valley Community College’s Storybook Playhouse brings the magic of storytelling to life, giving college students hands-on theatrical training while sharing live performances with young audiences throughout the community.
“This class is truly something special,” said Theatre Director Andrea Robertson, who first wrote the curriculum in 2007 for Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) and began teaching the course herself at PVCC in 2021. “We’re not just teaching our college students how to perform—we’re giving them the tools to build an entire production from the ground up, and to share that creation with kids in a meaningful, educational way.”
Students enrolled in PVCC’s Theatre for Youth class take the lead in crafting an original play inspired by fairy tales and fables from a variety of cultures. They adapt these stories into a fun, imaginative script, then rehearse, design, and build everything—from costumes and sound effects to props and scenic backdrops.
“Beyond acting, students gain firsthand experience in writing, set design, prop and puppet creation, and stage painting—making it the ideal elective for anyone interested in theater, whether professionally or as a creative outlet,” said Robertson.
Once the show is ready, they hit the road, performing in local K-2 schools or welcoming elementary schools to PVCC’s Studio Theatre. With 12 students participating this semester—the largest class yet—Storybook Playhouse is staging 16 performances, reaching more than 1,500 elementary school students across the Valley. Each show includes a live Q&A session with the cast and comes with a digital packet of pre- and post-show classroom activities to help teachers extend the learning experience.
“What makes the experience so impactful is the dual benefit—it’s just as valuable for the PVCC students as it is for the kids they perform for,” Robertson said.
“I love seeing the joyful smiles on kids’ faces and hearing their laughter,” said Tiana Hart, a theatre major in the class. “We want to encourage people to participate—there are so many skills learned in this class. Plus, it’s important for children to continue to grow with imagination and a love for storytelling.”
Gabby Gatt, who is studying forensic pathology, earning her associate degree in mortuary science, said her favorite thing about being a part of the class has been the process of creating the story and the props, and then “getting to watch the kids enjoy something we put so much time and effort into! It’s amazing. Sharing this experience shines a light on the importance of creativity. I think it’s the perfect elective class.”
Robertson agrees. “Theater is such an incredible educational tool, especially for young children. It introduces them to creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. And for our students, it opens up another avenue of employment in theater—Theatre for Youth is a growing field. There are so many opportunities out there.”
By blending education, performance, and community engagement, PVCC’s Storybook Playhouse is fostering a love of theater in the next generation—and training the next generation of theater makers in the process. For more information on PVCC’s Theatre Program, contact Andrea Robertson at 602-787-6580 or andrea.robertson@paradisevalley.edu.