Suzy Buglewicz
Exposure to the performing arts at an early age encourages kids to explore their own creativity and can increase their awareness of the world around them. While watching and participating in live theater, kids are not only entertained, they are learning about improvisation, memorization and public speaking, skills designed to give them a big dose of self esteem. Eric Peterson, Artistic Director of Kids Theatre West agrees, "Live theater requires that the audience and the actors interact, which provides an incredibly rich experience for a young child. Kids learn that they too can be part of the play, even as an audience member, creating a love of theater that lasts a lifetime."
Act One, Scene Two
When kids get involved in the performing arts they learn many important life skills like teamwork, public speaking, self discipline and creative collaboration. Being involved in an arts program is a great way to inspire curiosity in kids and boost literacy skills. According to Anthony Hubert, Founder and Artistic Director of the Rocky Mountain Conservatory Theatre, getting kids involved in the theater in any capacity teaches them to work in an ensemble, have the confidence to be creative, the courage to risk and fail, and the fortitude to keep trying so that they eventually succeed. "A child who is involved in theater, whether attending shows or participating in them, is taking part in an integral development of the young mind. If you learn to be emotionally present at a young age, you will grow up to be a healthy participant in the ensemble that is the world," he says.
With many schools around the country forced to cut arts programs due to shrinking budgets, it's more important than ever for parents to expose their kids to the arts, especially local live theater. Studies have shown that kids from all backgrounds who are involved in the arts have demonstrated improved academic performance, are more likely to be involved in community service and are less likely to drop out of school. Michelle Romeo, Founder and Artistic Director of Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids, sees firsthand that being part of a live theater performance inherently creates self confidence. "Performing is a great preparation for the unpredictability of life, such as learning to improvise in various situations. I can't think of a better way to develop good positive social skills and a positive sense of self."
Denver on Stage
Why is it important to take kids to live theater? Encouraging or inspiring a love of theater early gives kids a chance to blossom creatively and maintain a lifelong appreciation for the arts. "The shared experience of a live performance helps provide a real and immediate sense of community. Rarely, does this relationship between audience and actors exist outside of live theater," explains Tam Dalrymple-Frye, Director of the Denver Center Theatre Academy. Here's a sneak preview of the local children's theater scene, from musicals to fairy tales to original scripts:
Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities
As the metro area's seventh largest cultural attraction, the Arvada Center features 6 main stage and 2 children's theater productions a year, as well as year round classes in acting, music, dance and theater for ages 4 to adult. The center also offers summer drama camps for kids. Current Performances include Evita, running on the Main Stage Theater from April 21-May 17 and Just So in the Children's Theater from Feb 17-May 9. 6901 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada. 720-898-7200. www.arvadacenter.org.
Denver Center Theatre Academy
The academy's philosophy is focused on the idea of providing students with a complete theatrical experience which includes performing, directing, design and even playwriting. "Theatre classes build self confidence by providing doable steps that lead to success," says Academy Director Tam Dalrymple-Frye. Year round performing arts classes are offered for ages 2-1/2 through adult. During the youth summer camp programs, groups create a ten minute musical on the center stage. 1101 13th Street, Denver. 303-446-4892. www.denvercenter.org.
Festival Playhouse
Current Performances in February: The New Kid on the Block; March: Beauty, Brains and Personality. Tickets $13-15. Classes with The Junior Players run from 6-12 weeks featuring On Stage, On Film and private instruction. The Playhouse also offers one and two week summer camps in June and July with everyone guaranteed a part in the final production. 5665 Old Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. 303-422-4090. www.festivalplayhouse.com.
Kids Theatre West
Offers year round classes in acting, singing, dance, stage combat, improvisation and makeup, as well as a fall and spring show, and two and four week summer camp programs for ages 8-16. Advanced summer acting camps are also available for older actors. All camps culminate with a production in a professional theatre with full costumes, lights, sound and live accompaniment. 303-507-7424. www.kidstheatrewest.net.
Rocky Mountain Conservatory Theatre
Their motto is Theatre for Youth, By Youth. Ongoing classes are offered in acting and hip hop on Saturdays at the University of Denver for ages 7-17. Summer camps for ages 6-17 are three week sessions that let kids participate in a show from beginning to end. 2009 camps will include Annie and Peter Pan. Located at the University of Denver Dept. of Theatre, 2306 E. Evans Ave, Denver. 303-476-0222. www.rmctonline.com.
Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids
Year round classes are offered for kids ages 3-16 in all aspects of the performing arts including makeup design, technical arts, set design, improvisations, acting for the camera and scriptwriting. Singing, dancing, dialects and stage combat are also taught. Summer performing arts camps prepare students to put on a full length, licensed professional musical. Locations in Denver and Boulder. 303-245-8150 www.theaterforkids.net
Check it Out!
For a more comprehensive list of local classes and live theater performances, visit the Camps for Kids and Kids Classes links on the left side of the kidspages.org home page and the daily community calendar of events.
