filmed a couple of the nonprofit’s productions and had plenty of chances to see ARIEL’s children in action. “It’s funny that the two theaters [ARIEL and Paper Wing] are different in a lot of ways, but the core is actually kind of similar no matter what age you’re working with,” she says. “Having a really supportive structure and high expectations is really important, and from experiencing children’s theater and now working at a community theater that has very professional standards.” Most of the children that take part in the program will not choose professional theater careers, Higginbotham explains. “But they all are going to have to be able to speak in public,” she says. “Ask questions in school, do job interviews, conduct business across the counter with a clerk, and be able to handle the unexpected, because there’s all unexpected things that happen on stage. These are all very practical life skills.” Stella Del Real is a perfect example of the growth through theater experience. “I’ve seen her become a better actor,” her mother, Jamie, says. “But I can also see her growth in confidence, the way she carries herself and interacts with adults. I’m amazed how she balances her school with the program. She still has straight As.” With each play, at first everything feels like too much, Stella shares. “But at the end, it seems easy,” she says, demonstrating how she learned a stepby-step, one-thing-at-a-time lesson in life. What about stage fright? “I always get a little nervous,” the young actress admits. “Everytime it’s a different experience and you never know how the audience will react.” Still, a little stage fright doesn’t stop her from seeking more exposure—she played in PacRep’s Annie in 2025 and will be part of Beetlejuice Jr. this April. “When she is not in a production,” her mother comments, “she’s bored.” 18 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® FAMILY 2026-2027 Monterey County Students Bowl for free With our student summer bowling pass All Monterey County students K-12: Pick up your Student Summer Bowling Pass and get one free game of bowling EACH weekday (M-F) before 5pm all summer long! Valid June 1 thru August 7. Call the call the bowling center for details. GIFT One GET One MONTEREY LANES 2161 N. Fremont St., Monterey 373.1553 VALLEY CENTER BOWL 1081 S. Main Street, Salinas 422.9031 STOP IN TODAY AND RELIEVE THAT HOLIDAY STRESS! *Promotional gift card valid 1/2/15-3/31/15. Not valid for alcohol of for league fees. is Holiday Season, spread a little cheer …and keep some for yourself! Buy $100 worth of gift cards and get a $20 Promotional Gift Card FREE* Buy $50 worth of gift cards and get a $10 Promotional Gift Card FREE* Give the perfect gi that can be enjoyed by everyone on your holiday list, PLUS get a gi card for yourself! MONTEREY LANES 2161 N. Fremont St., Monterey 831.373.1553 MontereyLanes.com VALLEY CENTER BOWL 1081 S. Main Street, Salinas 831.422.9031 ValleyCenterBowl.com Time for Fun! Bowling is much more than a game monterey-lanes_1-3s_FG26_KB.indd 1 3/17/26 10:09 AM THE MONTEREYPENINSULA’S MOST RECOMMENDEDPIZZERIA ’98-’24 BEST PIZZA ’25 BEST PIZZA PLACE 3 BLOCKSUPFROMCANNERYROW/AQUARIUM Gianni’s Pizza Family Owned & Operated Since 1974 AFFORDABLE FAMILY DINING Pizza • Pasta • Ravioli • Calzones • Salads Great Italian Sandwiches Gelato • Delicious Desserts BANQUET ROOM • FULL COCKTAIL BAR OPEN MON-THUR 4PM • FRI 3PM • SAT & SUN 12PM Call ahead for take-out service 649-1500 725 Lighthouse Avenue Monterey
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