ABOUT
Theater Lab Kids promotes a well-rounded theatrical curriculum led by teaching artists with backgrounds in theatre and experience working with children. Students are placed in groups to collaborate on developing a daily performance piece.
​
Each class includes creative writing and storyboarding, along with hands-on creation of props, sets, and costumes. Students also participate in acting, movement exercises, and theatre games while learning how to be both performers and respectful audience members.
Social-emotional learning is an important part of the program, helping students build empathy, communication skills, and an understanding of emotions through body language and vocal expression.
​
Throughout the session, each class develops an original play, incorporating key story elements such as setting, characters, conflict, climax, and resolution. Students bring their ideas to life by writing scripts, creating visual elements, and performing their work.
​
The session concludes with a final performance for an audience on the last day of class.
​
Theater Lab Kids Houston has written, directed, and produced over 61 original student-created plays and continues to grow. We are always looking to expand into new schools and districts and welcome inquiries from prospective teaching artists (see employment).
Inquire to BRING THEATER TO YOUR SCHOOL ​
CATHERINE DEBLIEUX
About Theater Lab Kids
Theater Lab Kids began as an experimental idea to encourage creative play and inspire children. Theatre is a collaborative art form—an alliance of artists working together—and that collaboration is essential to how we connect as people. The goal of TLK is to give children the opportunity to work together, create, and develop an appreciation for live, collaborative art.
​
About the Founder
I am a parent, teacher, and Realtor who loves inspiring, performing, and working with children and people. I became involved in theatre as a teenager, performing in school productions. During a challenging time in my life, theatre gave me a positive outlet to express myself and connect with others. Every child deserves access to that kind of opportunity.
​
After graduating from the University of Houston School of Theatre, I spent 18 years in sales before developing TLK In 2018, I began acting and teaching until the pandemic. During Covid, I earned my teaching certification.
​
Today, I’m proud to say Theater Lab Kids is back and growing with plans to expand.
My current career is in the wine industry and real estate, but I strongly believe that programs like this can support youth performance training and collaboration while also creating opportunities for performing artists.
​
However, working with children in theatre remains the most rewarding part of what I do.
​
Our Mission
Every child has the ability to achieve their dreams with the right inspiration and guidance. Theatre arts provide a space for children to explore ideas, build confidence, and imagine what’s possible. With theatre training, the opportunities are endless.