John R. Schlenker has been a brilliant educator, mentor, and motivating force in theatre on the Central Coast since 1967. An actor, teacher, director, and co-founder of the Great American Melodrama in Oceano, Schlenker positively influenced the lives of thousands of students and actors over his career, and provided family entertainment for 35 years of Melodrama audiences.
Schlenker came to the area in 1967, when he began teaching drama at Righetti High School. He instituted School Within a School, an innovative drama program that taught at-risk kids skills in carpentry, math, painting, and lighting, as well as self-confidence and how to get along with others.
In 1975, with Anet Gillespie Carlin, Schlenker co-founded the Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville Theatre in Oceano, providing training and career experience as he mentored hundreds of PCPA students, many who went on to professional careers in LA and on Broadway. He also created opportunities for aspiring young actors aged 7-16 to experience a broad range of theater skills at Camp Melodrama. Each summer for the last 15 years, and with no auditions required, youngsters build self-confidence, learn theater skills, and grow personally in a fun and highly effective theater program.
In recognition of a career dedicated to creating innovative theatre experiences for actors and audiences alike, the Arts Council salutes John R.
Schlenker as honoree for the 2011 Individual Grants Awards.