TribLIVE: “Out of your seats and onto the stage” might well be the rallying cry for a diverse selection of theater-education programs available to area youngsters.
Unlike traditional classes in acting, singing and dance, these programs have goals that extend far beyond creating the next Broadway star or American Idol.
3 comments:
I wish there were more programs for younger children. Children are more influential when they are younger and theater (even with every experience being different) has a great structure. It teaches many good lessons like leadership and creativity. Some children could use the exposure to that.
It's really neat to see some of these innovative outreach programs that step beyond "let's host a student matinee" and into longer-term, project-based partnerships with the students to help them get more out of the experience than a day out of classes. I was particularly interested by Quantum's program where, inspired by the themes of the mainstage plays, students produce their own play and then the cast of the mainstage and students present their plays for each other and talk about them. They're gaining a lot here - analyzing a play before seeing it on stage, creating original work, and opening their presentation to critique and discussion with professionals. That's going to drive leadership and creativity, the initiative to carry a project through its execution, and being able to receive and process feedback, which are all very valuable skills regardless of your background or your interests. I really applaud these hands-on experiences, and appreciate all the hard work that goes into maintaining them.
First I want to say that I really like what Quantum Theatre does outside of education. They are doing things with theatre that will teach us all how theatre can survive and thrive in a modern age of tv, film, and video games. As for eduction I think that Quantum has the right idea. When your just a kid the most important thing that you can learn about theatre isn't how to become the " next Broadway star or American Idol. " it's all about learning that the arts are important and fun and fulfilling. I know that in my home town we didn't have enough programs like the one this article outlines and far to many that were just aimed at kids who wanted to become a star. (not that there is anything wrong with stars). Keep up the good work Quantum.
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