Our Story
Photo credit: uıɐɾ ʞ ʇɐɯɐs
Acting Out Theatre Company was founded in 2014 by Emily Norman out of her love of both theatre and working with young people. With three decades of experience in theatre as an actor, director, facilitator, student, teacher, collaborator and stage manager, Emily had a dream to open a theatre company that would serve her own community of Boulder, the town she fell in love with a decade ago.
Realizing that there was a need for theatre education beyond the city limits, Emily knew she wanted the company to serve all of Boulder County. From Title I schools to ECE programs, independent schools to community centers, devised theatre to after-school programs, Acting Out strives to bring theatre education to young people in Boulder County.
Acting Out uses theatre not only as a form of creative expression, but also as means to help children acquire literacy skills, express emotions, develop techniques for coping and interacting, find their voice and gain confidence.
Acting Out strives to meet the needs of every young person we work with. From the outgoing child who was born to be on stage, to a young person so quiet he/she seems to blend into the woodwork, we tailor every class and workshop to the needs of the specific group of actors we work with.
One of the foundations Acting Out is creating curricula that are inclusive of all learning styles.
Acting Out Theatre Company's Core Values
To promote literacy through memorization, written responses, and a supportive environment.
To foster a space where questions, and questioning, are not only allowed but encouraged.
To nurture creativity and inspire confidence.
To meet students where they are socially, academically, and artistically.
To build ensembles that are supportive, cooperative, and caring.
To plan lessons that embrace different learning styles.
Acting Out Theatre Company's Mission
Our mission is for young people to learn literacy, acquire personal and artistic skills and express themselves in a safe, creative environment.
We strive to grow a young person's confidence, self-expression and ability to take creative risks, whether in a traditional acting class or a classroom environment.