CREATIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
“a commitment to supporting young peoples stories, ideas, and dreams through creative expression and honoring their lived experience.”
CCAE Theatricals’ Creative Youth Development (CYD) efforts include school programs, camps, and workshops for youth, all centered on helping children express themselves through the creative outlet of theatre. In our CYD efforts, we center equity and strive for social justice, ensuring that children of all races, ability levels, and socioeconomic statuses have access to and feel welcomed in our programming.
One CYD effort, Camp ¡Exprésate!, is presented in partnership with Escondido Union School District’s Expanded Learning Program. Camp ¡Exprésate! is an introductory theatre camp for 2nd-4th graders that centers storytelling and self expression. “Exprésate” means “express yourself.” At Camp ¡Exprésate!, we do that every day, in every way. Campers receive instruction in acting, singing, dancing, and design, all with the goal of helping them tell their own stories and find inspiration through art.
Check out photos from our Fall Camp!
POETRY CURRICULUM TOOLKIT
Christina C. Q. Olague
Arts Administration Fellow
she/hers & they/them/theirs
Cover Art by Jazz Diaz
At CCAE Theatricals, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling—on stage, in classrooms, and within communities. The Poetry Curriculum Toolkit is more than just a resource; it’s an invitation for educators and students to explore language, identity, and creative expression in meaningful ways.
Developed by our Arts Administration Fellow, Christina Charlene Quintana Olague, this toolkit reflects their deep passion for arts education and their commitment to fostering creative youth development. Through their thoughtful curation of exercises, prompts, and adaptable lesson plans, Christina has crafted a resource that empowers young people to find their voice, build confidence, and connect with others through poetry.
Rooted in CCAE Theatricals’ mission to illuminate individual experiences and cultivate a collective voice, this toolkit blends artistic exploration with social-emotional learning. Whether in a classroom, an afterschool program, or a theater workshop, these tools help young artists harness the power of words to express, engage, and inspire.
Thanks to Christina’s dedication, this toolkit stands as a testament to the impact of arts engagement, education, and Creative Youth Development. Let’s build a world where every young person has the opportunity to create, share, and be heard.
Dr. Tom Abruzzo
Director of Education & Engagement