Theatre
School plays fundraise for children in developing countries. Local actors give standards-based workshops that dramatize curriculum-based study materials. Script writing and theatre skills build confidence, and improve language development. Original student plays can support an adopted classroom in a third world country.
Arts Education
Arts Education enhances creativity and increases creative thinking and problem-solving skills; and has been proven to increase communication skills vitally needed in today’s complex society with its emphasis on technology and mass communication. A variety of studies have demonstrated that participation in arts programs is critically important to education and learning, and leads to greater academic achievement.
A valuable historical perspective:
"As revealed in the earliest recorded history, theatre reflects the time and place of its origins. The creations of theatre artists come from perceptions of nature, from relationships and interactions with others, and from artists’ inner selves. Through storytelling and other oral traditions, cultures define themselves and educate their members down through the ages. In contemporary and historical commemorations, celebrations, and dramatizations, theatre gives voice to culture. Theatre, pageant, entertainment, new media, and electronic technology continue to serve many social functions. Theatre unifies groups, expresses important knowledge, reinforces group values, strengthens the individual, and defines and commemorates events. It provides a powerful multisensory mirror reflecting social issues, challenges, and accomplishments. The elements of theatre in stage, film, and video productions include scriptwriting, acting, technical production, management, and design."
- California Visual and Performing Arts Framework
The Class-ACT Focus
Dramatizing History Program:
This program is a sequential series of six to ten curriculum-based workshop sessions that are conducted in collaboration with the classroom teacher. Programs incorporate general history, stylistic history, vocabulary, reasoning, critical thinking, creativity, expression and student/instructor interaction. The culmination of each session is a presentation, for parents and friends that showcases the students’ accomplishments.
The goals for this program include:
- Students learn to distinguish between a time for originality and a time for replication, a time to receive individual focus and a time to be a productive member of the group.
- Students develop a fluency in artistic expression and problem solving related to interpersonal skills.
- Students use their imagination and judgment, permitting the creation of dramatic works where we see the world afresh.
- Students learn stage movements and vocal techniques that build confidence and promote enthusiasm for developing their creativity.
- Students acquire a general interest in literature – reading, speaking and writing.
Greek Theatre:
Students study the history of Greek theatre and create a short scene study from Greek mythology. They learn about the Greek actor, the masks, costumes and props, and explore the main structures of the Greek theatre, drama techniques, scene writing and the use of stage masks. Students create masks utilizing a variety of creative techniques. Mask design is coordinated with the stage characters developed in the scene studies, and students take home their masks at the conclusion of the final showcase performance.
English Learning Development (E.L.D.) Creative Dramatic Workshop:
Utilizing basic theatrical skills this workshop encourages self-expression through performance, the purpose of which is to expand the students understanding of the importance of proper English speaking skills while communicating. Utilizing focus on correct diction, critical thinking, creativity, and word play students will be challenged to confront shyness by being encouraged to speak in front of classmates.
Dramatic Puppets:
Children learn stage techniques, build their own simple flat-hinged stick puppets and bring them to life by creating an original puppet show using their own imaginative stories, or traditional stories of their choice. Movement exercises lead children to understand how puppets communicate, and help build confidence in front of their peers.
Play Writing/Theatre Workshop:
Utilizing basic script writing techniques and theatrical skills, this program encourages self-expression through the creation of an original stage performance. Using critical thinking skills, students write an original script and design a short “showcase performance” around a topic of their choice.
Poetry & Creative Writing
This program teaches a variety of writing exercises that enhance the academic curriculum, and give children the ability to think and write creatively. By providing opportunities for expression in a constructive and non-judgmental environment we encourage the development of self-confidence. Students play with the nuances of language and study poetic forms and grammar while discovering their own raw material for writing imaginatively. Focus is placed on sensory observation, right-brain techniques, memories, stories, art, music and the magic of metaphorical thinking.
How to Find, Learn and Tell a Story
Children discover that learning a tale by heart doesn’t require memorization, and that telling can be a breeze. The program includes focus on public speaking, cultural values and literal traditions in stories from all over the world.