Stage For Change

I first introduced them to theater, teaching them the basics of expressing themselves through their whole body. I tried to utilize different games to maximize their engagement such as bringing in characters from the Disney movie Inside Out and playing a variation of charades with animals. Following the hopefully interesting introduction to acting and theater, we slowly approached moving them to the stage, prompting them with lines, blocking stage directions, and giving individual comments based on their character.

 

Before anything, I had much fun spending time with these kids, receiving the unique, buoyant energy from typical 8 to 12-year-olds. Additionally, this experience was a chance for me to once again fall in love with the craft of theater and its strength in bringing people together through joy, love, and mutual respect. I hope that this exposure to theater stays with these kids in some way, shape, or form to be the stepping stones for building confidence, keeping in touch with one self, and appreciating the craft of art.