Theatre for Kids Improv & Acting: Team Games With Boundless Reach
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
They will be asked to practice various tongue twisters. Students will sometimes be asked to bring an everyday item to use as a prop. Students will be given relaxation and breathing techniques they can practice outside class. For one class they may be asked to draw a mask ahead of time. They may be asked to print a one page scene ahead of time.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Beginner - Advanced Level
Classes begin with a warm up (so make sure you have room to move) followed by a group game. Then we move onto improv exercises aimed at one or two of the fundamental concepts every lesson: listening, making offers, accepting offers, raising the stakes, advancing, waffling, characterization, storytelling etc. In this ongoing course we will spend more time developing scenes together and digging into the structural elements that propel narratives forward in fun and rewarding ways. Sometimes We finish every class with a traditional improv-sports style competition utilizing outlandish challenges similar to those seen in “Whose line is it anyway?” Because this is an ongoing class and the group dynamic changes as learners come and go, I will alter and change the lessons to match the learner directed needs of each group; however, here is an example of how the first 10 weeks of this class look: Week 1: Introduction to the Basics Week 2: Making and Accepting Offers Week 3: Characterization Week 4: Stagecraft: Locations and Objects Week 5: Working With Props Week 6: Advancing Vs Exploring Week 7: Collaboration Week 8: Active Listening Week 9: Adding to Offers 10: Scene Structure I have been teaching this popular class on Outschool for 3 years now and have over 150 different lessons. I have learners who have stayed with the class since the beginning (3 years and counting!). I look forward to meeting your learner.
Learning Goals
-Students will learn to focus their minds and increase concentration
-They will practice and understand the importance of respect and teamwork.
-They will build confidence and gain tools to deal with nervousness or shyness through breathing and relaxation techniques
-They will develop tools to “think outside the box” and generate new ideas’ in the moment’
-They will learn how to shape and direct stories and narratives through miniature plots to ultimate resolutions
When a student comes up with a new and spontaneous idea in the moment, and it works, they feel the instant thrill of success. They get a laugh from their group peers and they develop a new and deeper connection with their scene partner(s). My goal for every student is to equip them with the tools to be able to achieve that moment and experience that success for themselves.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I make best efforts to avoid politics and religion but sooner or later a student will cast him or herself in the role of a religious leader or famous politician, or set a scene in a church or the Whitehouse etc. This is drama and make-believe and it is important to the process to let their imaginations open up. That being said, while I maintain a safe zone of inclusivity for all faiths and ideologies, hate speech, prejudice or cyber bullying will not be allowed and parents will be notified.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been a professional actor in film and television for many years. I've travelled to exotic shoot locations, won awards, was a lead on five different television series. But none of that is what makes me a good drama teacher. What do I think makes a good drama teacher? Marvel. I never cease to marvel how much the techniques I learned in theatre school as a kid still help me to this day. I never cease to marvel when a child "gets it" and comes up with a new idea and is overcome with joy and pride simultaneously. This is the "magic" you hear actors and filmmakers talk about all the time. And I am ever humbled by it. As our children spend more time in front of the computer, I strive to give them a chance to experience that magic and spark their imagination.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$18
weekly1x per week
55 min
Completed by 1288 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
6-14 learners per class