WHO: Your early elementary aged child!
WHAT: A drama club, where we explore the basic elements of acting, drama, and theater together
WHERE: Right here online!
WHEN: For only a half-hour a week
WHY: Because drama activities  can help develop the empathy skills in children, help kids the express and control their emotions, help your child understand their feelings and the world, and can promote self-confidence and self-control. Plus it's just fun!

In this child-centered, collaborative, and creative class, we will explore the world of creative dramatics and  theater through a variety of themes and topics. Because this is a child-initiated, ongoing class, each week will stand alone and will focus on process over performance. My teaching style draws heavily from the works of Viola Spolin, Nellie McCaslin, and Mem Fox, all pioneers in creative dramatics with young people. It is always my desire to look at the arts through a global lens, celebrating diversity around the world.

A typical class might be structured as follows:
Gathering Activity, including greeting one another, a Zoom "circle," and breathing exercises
Vocal Warm Ups, including songs and tongue twisters
"Settling In" Warm Ups, with games and activities that help children with focus and active listening
Energy Warm Ups to wake up our bodies and our minds
Imaginative Play and Creative Movement, focusing on the theme or topic and incorporating dramatic play and simple theater games, creative movement. Music, stories, and art will be added as appropriate.
Cool Down and Closing Circle, including a brief reflection and taking a bow as we say goodbye

Detailed themes cannot be listed in advance, as they will follow the interests of the young actors. 
General themes are as follows:

February: Costumes and Dress Up
March: Sets and Settings
April: Pantomimes and Miming
March: Creating Characters