Drama Club
Where imagination takes center stage
CDM Drama Club is now in its 8th year at Carmel Del Mar and continues to be our most popular experience at CDM! It’s a fun, educational journey that builds confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of the performing arts.
Each year, 45 students in grades 4–6 take the stage in a full-scale musical production. From the first rehearsal to opening night, students learn real performance skills like teamwork, stage presence, and the joy of storytelling, all in a supportive, collaborative environment.
We partner with Junior Actors Company, a local children’s theater whose professional directors guide our young performers through theater games, stage techniques, and performance fundamentals.
This Year's Show is...
Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR!
A deliciously whimsical adventure filled with unforgettable characters, iconic songs, and pure imagination.
This Year's Show
Why CDM Families Love Drama Club
Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR. lights up the stage with a whimsical journey inside the world’s most famous chocolate factory. This beloved musical features classic songs from the 1971 film along with fun new numbers, guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.
The story follows the mysterious candy maker Willy Wonka, who hides golden tickets in five chocolate bars. The lucky winners receive a factory tour and a lifetime supply of sweets. Among them is kind-hearted Charlie Bucket, whose adventure—alongside four very different children—reveals what happens when you follow (or break!) Mr. Wonka’s rules.
With a flexible cast, plenty of featured roles, and the iconic Oompa Loompas, Willy Wonka JR. is a magical, high-energy production full of humor, heart, and pure imagination.
Key Information
A chance for students be part of something unforgettable.
Behind every great show is an incredible village and CDM Drama Club is no exception! Families play a vital role in bringing our musical to life by helping with sets, costumes, front of house, backstage, concessions, and more. It’s a fun, meaningful way to connect with other families and be part of something special.
Our program is open to 4th–6th graders, and no prior theatre experience is needed. Every student participates through a supportive, joy-filled audition process and walks away with new skills, lasting friendships, and unforgettable memories.
Students enroll through the link below and audition in person for their roles. Tuition is $350 per student, which covers professional instruction from Junior Actors Company (over 80 hours, 15 weeks). All production costs are funded by CDM PTA and supported by ticket and concession sales. The CDM PTA can provide sibling discount reimbursements and limited financial aid to those that qualify. Please contact PTA Drama Club Chair, Sanna Depew or Principal Leivera to inquire.
Important Dates:
-
PTA Early Enrollment: January 13
-
General Enrollment: January 15
-
Auditions: February 3 & 5 in the MUR - 2:30PM - 4:30 PM
-
Students who have registered for Drama Club will meet in the MUR and Audition for role placement.
-
More information will be emailed to registered parents.
-
Please note: Refunds will not be allowed after auditions.
-
-
Rehearsals: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:30–4:30 PM
-
Regularly scheduled rehearsals will run from February 10th - May 7th
-
Attendance at rehearsals is mandatory every week on both Tuesday and Thursday. Please do not enroll your student unless they can attend the FULL 10-week commitment on both Tuesday and Thursday.
-
-
Ticket Sales Open: Mid-April
-
Tech Week: May 11–14
-
5/11 Monday: 2:30pm - 5:30pm
-
5/12 Tuesday: 2:30pm - 5:30pm
-
5/13 Wednesday: 12:30pm - 5:00pm
-
5/14 Thursday: 2:30pm - 5:30pm
-
Full Attendance is MANDITORY for ALL Actors during tech week rehearsals. Failure to attend technical week forfeits your role/participation in show days
-
All actor's parents are required to volunteer during TECH week May 10th - 17th.
-
-
Performances: May 15–17
-
5/15 Friday @ 5:30
-
5/16 Saturday @ 5:30
-
5/17 Sunday @ 2:00
-
Whether your child dreams of the spotlight or wants to try something new, Drama Club is a journey that builds confidence, connection, and creativity.
Registration is full. Please join our waitlist
CDM Dramma Club Waiting List
The CDM Drama Club is a very popular program! Students often reconsider or drop out before auditions due to conflicts. If spots are full, we encourage you to join the WaitList HERE. Once you have signed up on the waitlist, a member of the PTA will email you if a space has opened for your student.
If you have any questions, feel free to email the Drama Club Chair, Sanna Depew Sannadepew@gmail.com.
Thank you for your interest!
Parent Volunteers
Be Part of the Magic!
Every great show needs a great crew—and that’s where our incredible parent community shines! CDM Drama Club is powered by volunteers who help bring the production to life through sets, costumes, backstage support, front of house, and more.
Parents often find this to be one of the most rewarding parts of the experience—connecting with other families, supporting their kids, and creating something truly special together.
All Drama Club families participate by joining a committee and sharing their time and talents to help make the magic happen. 🎭💜
Best Thing All Year!
Why CDM Families Love Drama Club
PROFESSIONAL THEATER EDUCATION – Our students learn performance skills from directors at Junior Actors Company through games, rehearsals, and hands-on stage experience.
TEAMWORK & COMMUNITY – Drama Club brings students, parents, and staff together to create something unforgettable.
FULL SCALE PRODUCTION – Each year culminates in three incredible performances for the CDM community.