ARIEL Theatrical
The Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre, 320 Main St, Salinas, CA 93901
About
ARIEL Theatrical offers year-round programs in theatre arts where participants learn, perform, and share experiences. The program involves children and adolescents in enacting stories on stage that have purpose, integrity, and a positive moral message.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
More than 30 years ago, Founder Gail Higginbotham made a commitment to the children of Monterey County to create a place for them to learn and grow, and she continues to lead ARIEL Theatrical Inc. ARIEL Theatrical is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping young people learn to lead principle-centered lives through theatre arts. Its mission emphasizes personal integrity, respect for others, and accepting responsibility for choices, with key principles of Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence, and Leadership taught, modeled, and encouraged. ARIEL notes that practicing these principles can influence how young people participate in their families, schools, communities, and the wider world.
ARIEL is supported in part by the Arts Council for Monterey County with funding from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. One participant describes learning the maxim “I can do hard things” at ARIEL and connects this with discipline, modesty, and a willingness to serve. Another notes that ARIEL has allowed them to be a mentor to young people and to ask critical questions about their own life and actions. A third testimonial describes seeing people of different ages and qualities doing much to enrich many lives.
Last updated March 13, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
More than 30 years ago, Founder Gail Higginbotham made a commitment to the children of Monterey County to create a place for them to learn and grow, and she continues to lead ARIEL Theatrical Inc. ARIEL Theatrical is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping young people learn to lead principle-centered lives through theatre arts. Its mission emphasizes personal integrity, respect for others, and accepting responsibility for choices, with key principles of Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence, and Leadership taught, modeled, and encouraged. ARIEL notes that practicing these principles can influence how young people participate in their families, schools, communities, and the wider world.
ARIEL is supported in part by the Arts Council for Monterey County with funding from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. One participant describes learning the maxim “I can do hard things” at ARIEL and connects this with discipline, modesty, and a willingness to serve. Another notes that ARIEL has allowed them to be a mentor to young people and to ask critical questions about their own life and actions. A third testimonial describes seeing people of different ages and qualities doing much to enrich many lives.
Last updated March 13, 2026.
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