Hope & Wonder Theater classes seek to improve learning and literacy through the theater arts. We utilize Viola Spolin’s improvisation and Paul Sill’s story theater techniques to teach children the wonders of story telling, improvisation, shadow puppets, playwriting, public speaking, brain-storming, team work, and critical thinking skills.  

Hope & Wonder theater classes are all about the child. The children become co-creators in the process, giving them a sense of accomplishment. Our goal is not only to teach children about theater, but also to teach children empathy through character work. In this way we hope to create not only better students, but also  more empathetic citizens.

Story theater classes are perfect for the pre-reading age child. They give children a sense of mastery in all stages of the play development. Children learn empathy through character work and teamwork through staging the plays. Ultimately this class helps to increase attention span, enhance language skills and build self confidence.
In our Improv classes students learn the basics of improvisation enhancing their impromptu speaking skills, listening skills, and team building skills.

Hope & Wonder Theater classes can also help children with ADHD and Dyslexia. Through rhyming exercises, classic theater games that utilize executive regulation, and good old-fashioned fun, children gain confidence and a sense of hope and wonder about their world.

According to the early childhood theorist Neva Boyd, children learn through play. Story Theater and improvisation helps children become better writers, better readers and better thinkers. In the words of the great theater teacher Viola Spolin, a student of Neva Boyd “We are never more alive than when we are at play.”  

S T A F F

Natalie Picoe Founder

Talented Guest Instructors

Joe de Gise II and others