Experienced tutor in Acting in Woodstock, Edie offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

“Edie is a self-starting, disciplined, creative theatre matriarch. Her efforts result in personal creativity as well as determination and diligence and the pride shows in each of the students she works with.” –

My name is Dr. Douglas Erwin and I am the K-12 Fine Arts Coordinator for the Ferguson Florissant School District as well as the Director of Theatre at McCluer Senior High School. My students and I had the privilege of working with Edie Avioli on a residency to create Theatre for Children. I am writing to voice my support for Edie and her outstanding program.

As an educator in an economically disadvantaged district (85% of our students are on free or reduced lunch, as a district 78% of our population is African American) I know first hand the problems with exposing students to cultures outside their own and the power of storytelling in bridging cultural gaps. One of the major accomplishments of Edie’s Fairytale Theatre is that it unites students from a variety of backgrounds by using children’s stories to find common ground and teach social skills. The fact that the residency allowed my students to perform for children provided an audience that raised the stakes for the participating students.

My students have benefited in numerous ways. The program has enabled them to rehearse and practice theatre skills. Their participation provided a positive outlet where they felt they were improving the lives of the children for whom they performed.

My drama students especially enjoyed the chance embrace the “silly” and free their creativity. This opportunity built self-esteem and confidence.. The group process over a week of technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals and performances was a wonderful and key element of the program’s ability to bring together contrasting school populations to form a trustworthy and working ensemble.

Additionally the program helped fulfill the following Missouri Content Standards for our school in both proficient and advanced areas FA 2, 1.9, 1, 3.5 and 3.6 and the National Standards P 2a, 2c, A 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e.

As you can see, Edie’s Fairytale Theatre has proved invaluable to the development of young artists. I encourage your support.

For years our children have had the joy and pleasure of being performers in Edie’s Fairytale Theatre. Edie focuses on giving children the opportunity to perform at an early age, opening them up to exploring their fears and interests in a safe and creative way. Each show they were involved in provided opportunities far beyond the performances. Writing and staging the shows together, learning to collaborate, pushing through to the deadline of your big premiere. Working together with the adults the children flourish, overcoming challenges and fears, earning those applause, and growing into bigger and brighter versions of themselves.

Engaging and energetic and very helpful with audition technique and storytelling