The Embankment School, Hamilton Park Montessori School,  Rafael de J. Cordero School, Dr. Michael Conti School, The Baird, South Mountain Elementary, The Tuscan School & Nimbus Dance Works

BUILDING A CHARACTER

The class is designed for students to gain a deeper understanding of theatrical play by exploring either characters from classic folk tales such as Chicken Little or co-creating original stories. By defining who they are, what they do, and how other characters relate to them, students get the opportunity to learn acting in a hands on way. We utilize Story Theater tradition and with minimal props and sets, students discover how to create a character using their faces, bodies, and voices. The students experience the character's point of view. In every sense they get a chance to walk in another person's shoes and have tremendous fun doing it!

Ultimately this class helps to increase attention span, enhance language skills and build self confidence.

Grades: K-2nd or 3rd-5th

TELL ME A STORY

Students learn to tell their own original stories in a theatrical format.  Through writing exercises paired with improvisations designed to help students get in touch with their own creativity students write original plays and one person shows to be performed in front of an audience. Students participate in all aspects of creation, from character development, to script writing, to scenic creation.

Grades: 9th- -12th

THEATER GAMES & IMPROV

This class is for kids who want to act by improvising. These students want the quick wit of comedians on stage. They want guidance and support to really learn improv skill. We teach these skills using theater games and improvisation techniques. The class is loosely based on Viola Spolin’s book “Improvisation for the Theater.” Students will learn the basics of comedy improvisation and they’ll enhance their impromptu speaking skills, listening skills, and even team building skills.

Grades: 3rd -6th or 9th-12th