FALL 2025
FALL 2025 INFORMATION
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – FALL 2025
Fall Session Dates
- Start Date: August 27, 2025
- End Date: December 8, 2025
- Duration: 16 weeks (once-a-week classes)
- No Class: Week of November 24 (Thanksgiving Break)
- Location: 626 E. Foothill Blvd., La Canada 91011 (LCPC Campus)
What is Project Live Arts (PLA)?
Project Live Arts is a unique after-school program where kids don’t just perform—they create. Through original musicals and storytelling, students become the writers, choreographers, performers, and visionaries behind every production.
Whether they’re in Playmakers (Grades 3–6) or Story Singers (TK–2), kids at PLA take an active role in building something from the ground up—choosing their characters, crafting lines, selecting songs, and even choreographing dances.
What makes PLA different?
Originality – Every show is one-of-a-kind, created by the kids themselves.
Creative Ownership – Students are involved in every part of the process, not just handed a script.
Empowerment Through Performance – We celebrate effort, imagination, and voice—every child has a chance to shine in their own way.
Collaboration & Community – PLA fosters a warm, inclusive environment where kids build confidence, friendships, and leadership skills.
Programs Offered:
Story Singers (TK–3rd)
- Emphasizes music as a storytelling tool
- A gentler, guided experience with room for creative expression
- Perfect for younger students or those newer to performing arts
Playmakers (3rd–6th)
- Highlights creativity, collaboration, and ownership
- Students help build the show—from script to stage
- Energetic, inventive, and empowering
- Opportunities for students to write original monologues, choreograph short dances, or sing solo songs
- Featured small group or solo pieces will be selected for the final performance
Assistant Directors Program (7th–12th)
- Volunteer-based leadership role for 7th- 12th grade students
- Hands-on experience in directing, choreography, stage management, and mentoring younger students
- Earns community service hours and looks great on college applications
Tuition
4 Monthly Payments
Story Singers (TK–3) $620 total.....$155/payment
Playmakers (3–6) $792 total .......$198/payment
Assistant Directors (9–12) Volunteer-based
Payment Due Dates:
August 29, 2025
September 26, 2025
October 24, 2025
November 21, 2025
*late fees applied if received after payment date
Materials Fee
$30 Includes:
- Official PLA T-shirt
- All scripts and music
- Tech support for the final performance
Class Schedule
- 🎶 Story Singers (TK–3rd grade):
Wednesdays, 3:30 PM – 4:45 PM (1 hr 15 min) - 🎬 Playmakers (3rd–6th grade):
Tuesdays, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM (2 hrs) - 🎓 Assistant Directors (7th–12th grade):
Volunteer-based leadership; schedule varies
Performance Info
- Date: Monday, December 8, 2025
- Call Time: 4:00 PM
- Dress Rehearsal & Dinner: 4:00–6:00 PM
- Curtain Up: 6:30 PM
- Location: LCPC Family Center (La Cañada Presbyterian Church)
- A magical night of original performances created and performed by our students!
Registration
- NOW OPEN! Register by August 27, 2025 to secure your spot.
- Scholarships and sibling discounts available (cannot be combined with other discounts)
- Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis
Join Us!
At Project Live Arts, your child will explore their imagination, grow in confidence, and discover the joy of performing in a supportive and inspiring environment. Whether they're writing, singing, dancing, or acting—we can't wait to see them shine on stage!
PLA, ARTS YOUR WAY! COME PLA!!
About Project Live Arts
Our Program
At PLA, we believe that every child has a story to tell, a song to sing, and a dance to share. Imagine a place where children can craft their own stories, choose the music, and convey positive messages through one of a kind musicals. That's the kind of place you find at Project Live Arts (PLA). PLA is a dynamic after-school performing arts program serving students from TK through 12th grade in La Cañada and surrounding communities. PLA empowers children to become creators, storytellers, and performers by guiding them through the process of building original musical productions from the ground up. Whether students are just beginning their artistic journey or looking to deepen their skills, PLA offers a nurturing space where creativity, confidence, and collaboration take center stage. From songwriting and script development to character creation, choreography, and vocal performance, every child has a voice and a role to play in bringing their story to life.
Program Structure
Project Live Arts (PLA) is thoughtfully structured into age-specific groups to ensure tailored instruction and developmentally appropriate material for our performers. Each age group receives specialized attention and guidance, fostering not only artistic growth but also educational and skill-based development. At PLA, we believe in the power of the arts to foster creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. Through our age-appropriate programs, students not only cultivate their artistic talents but also develop important life skills that will serve them well in their academic and personal pursuits. We also emphasize the importance of a supportive and encouraging environment, where every student feels valued and empowered to explore their creativity. The joy of performing is at the heart of our program, and we strive to make every rehearsal and performance a positive and memorable experience. In addition, students have the unique opportunity to take part in the full creative process—from brainstorming ideas and writing scripts to selecting music and choreography. This hands-on approach not only makes our program exciting and engaging but also allows each child to take ownership of their artistic journey.
PLA Sections
Story Singers (TK-3rd grade)
Story Singers (TK–3rd Grade):
Our Story Singers program is designed to nurture young voices and imaginations through music, movement, and playful storytelling. Led by Ms. Maria in a warm and supportive environment, students explore singing, acting, and simple choreography while developing the confidence to express themselves on stage.
Throughout the session, children will build foundational skills in rhythm, vocal technique, and stage presence. They’ll engage with a guided script—learning lines, developing characters, and even helping shape parts of the story themselves. Story Singers is all about joyful participation, creative exploration, and working together as a team to bring a musical story to life. It’s the perfect introduction to performing arts, where every child is encouraged to shine and grow through song, story, and imagination!
PLAY MAKERS (3rd-6th grade)
Playmakers (3rd–6th Grade):
The Playmakers program at Project Live Arts is where young performers take the lead! Designed for students in grades 3–6, this program empowers children to become true creators—developing their own stories, characters, scenes, and songs under the guidance of Maria Vasiliou.
In Playmakers, students refine their vocal and performance skills, explore more advanced choreography and stage movement, and build a deeper understanding of dramatic structure and storytelling. They’ll strengthen collaboration, improvisation, and public speaking skills while taking part in every stage of building an original musical—from brainstorming and scriptwriting to staging and performance.
In addition to the group production, Playmakers also have the unique opportunity to create and perform original solo or small group pieces. Students may write and perform their own monologues or scenes, choreograph a short dance, or work on a solo song to be featured in the final performance. These spotlight moments allow each performer to express their individuality while continuing to build confidence and technical skills.
Playmakers don’t just perform—they create, collaborate, and shine.
Assistant Directors Program: Leading the Next Generation (7th-12th grade)
Assistant Directors Program: The Assistant Directors Program at Project Live Arts offers passionate 7th-12th grade students a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the performing arts from a leadership perspective. Participants will work closely with our director, Maria Vasiliou, in the development and execution of our programs for younger age groups, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience in directing, choreography, and stage management.
In addition to these practical skills, students will also develop strong leadership and mentorship abilities as they guide and inspire the younger performers. They will enhance their creative problem-solving skills, learn effective communication strategies, and gain insight into the collaborative nature of theater production. This internship/mentorship opportunity is perfect for students eager to explore the behind-the-scenes aspects of the performing arts while contributing to the success of our programs.
Maria Santana Vasiliou
Maria Vasiliou is a passionate educator and performer with over two and a half decades of experience in the arts. Her career has spanned teaching a diverse range of subjects, including special education, music, choir, dance, and musical theater, impacting students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Maria’s dedication to artistic and academic excellence has been evident in her leadership as the Artistic Director of Mia Foni, an award-winning youth choir specializing in Greek Folk and Byzantine music, where she has inspired countless young performers to reach their full potential.
For over 15 years, Maria has played a pivotal role in after-school and extracurricular programs within the La Canada Unified School District (LCUSD), where she mastered the craft of creating original musicals that convey positive messages to children. Drawing from her extensive experience in teaching and the arts, Maria founded Project Live Arts, a program dedicated to nurturing the next generation of performers and storytellers.
Currently, Maria is also channeling her creativity into writing a musical inspired by the life of Laskarina Bouboulina, a legendary figure in Greek history celebrated for her bravery and leadership during the Greek War of Independence. Her unwavering commitment to the arts and education continues to leave a lasting impact on her community and beyond.
Reviews
Most Entertaining Show!
Most Entertaining Show!
Most Entertaining Show!
This show was so incredible. Thank you for your creativity, patience, and dedication!
We had many friends in the crowd tonight, several from other schools, and everyone loved it!
They even suggested you take the show to their
Schools. Great message, great songs, great all around. Bravo!!
J .Chung
Thank YOU!!
Most Entertaining Show!
Most Entertaining Show!
Dear Maria,
thank you for giving
thank you for creating
thank you for joy
thank you for changing the lives of my children
Thanks again,
B. Martinez
Awesome and Fun
Most Entertaining Show!
Awesome and Fun
Those are the words that my son used to describe today’s session. He comes home singing all the time. This is a kid that never used to sing. Since joining your program he is a happier and more confident kid.
Thank you for being so inspirational !
K. Thompson
Make a Tuition Payment
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