ALICE. a dramashop at the Eliot Pearson Children's School

Today was another day of bliss and busy fun in our kindergarten classroom. John from the Wheelock Family Theatre came and told the children the story of the play they will be seeing tomorrow. It was fantastic! He told them that the play is an adaptation of the Alice in Wonderland story, so there will be some things that will be different from the original story and from the Disney version. For one thing, the main character, Alice, is played by an African American actress, and not depicted as a blond haired, blue-eyed child. John explained that Wheelock Family Theatre strives to give its audience the chance to see people like them performing on stage. After offering a summary of the story, he asked if anyone would like to do a little acting exercise - being a caterpillar. Three children volunteered.

After today's morning meeting about riding the school bus and viewing Alice the Musical, I expect that the children are ready for our school-wide adventure and will likely have a great time tomorrow. Here are a few pictures taken during their meeting with John.

Musical Intensive: Helen on 86th Street

The 2-week Musical Intensive class performed "Helen on 86th St" on Friday August 15 AND playwright Nicole Kempskie and composer Robby Stamper came to see the show!

Circus Spendida at WFT

Our summer students (7-9 yrs. old) have prepared the mini-musical, CIRCUS SPLENDIDA.

Drama and Teen Education

Why pre-college teens should study drama.

The arts, including drama, are not just another area of study for teenagers; the arts can change the lens through which teaching and learning happen across the academic curriculum. A drama-and-movement-based approach, especially when combined with multiple intelligences theory and practice (all of us are smart in many different ways), enhances skills that are highly prized in the workplace: critical thinking; collaboration; improvisation; empathy; and outside-the-box problem-solving. Learning public presentation skills, for example, can enable teens to shine in college interviews – an oral version of their college essays. The business community seeks college graduates who can work creatively and productively in small groups. Training in improvisation allows for calm, clear, creative thought and action under pressure. Drama education develops all of a student's intelligences and heightens their awareness of themselves, others, and the world around them. And that's a good preparation for college and beyond!

Why study drama and movement at Wheelock Family Theatre?

You'll receive individualized attention to help you build on your strengths and give you the confidence and self-awareness you need to face your challenges. WFT's professional teaching artists include Boston's finest actors and directors. Our small class size, with a 10:1 adult/student ratio or lower, ensures that we can provide you with high quality, customized training in all aspects of performance. Teachers who have come to know you will help you select specific classes to continue developing your skills and honing your craft. Equally as important, WFT is truly a diverse family that celebrates differences and warmly welcomes all. It's a place where you will make friends and become part of a supportive community, both at WFT and in Boston's theatre community. At Wheelock, you are challenged to take your work seriously, but not yourselves.

SPRING SEMESTER of 5 week classes for children, youth, and teens!

FOR CHILDREN AGES 6-8

Spring Semester I:  5 Saturdays, 3/16-4/13/13– Tuition: $275

·         B7.  Many Voices Inside of You.   9-11am. Begins with the voice and the imagination to create unique characters and situations.  Improvisation, movement exercises, and vocal work all help let those internal voices be heard!

Spring Semester II:  5 Saturdays, 4/20-5/18/13– Tuition: $275

·         B8.  Tiny Dancers.  9-11am. Builds upon spontaneous movement to explore beginning ideas for shaping movement pictures and stories.  Ideal class for the kinesthetic learner and for any student who loves to move!

FOR YOUTH AGES 9-11

Spring Semester I:  5 Saturdays, 3/16-4/13/13– Tuition: $275

·         C7a.  QUICK!  It’s Improv Time!  9am-11am. When panic isn’t an option… Students will learn how to calmly, creatively, and quickly respond in a variety of unexpected situations, proving that quick thinking can save a scene or a play!

·         C7b.  Creating 5-Minute Plays.  11am-1pm. A bonsai approach to playwriting.  Students will write, cast, act, direct, and produce brief, original dramas in less than ten hours! 

Spring Semester II:  5 Saturdays, 4/20-5/18/13– Tuition: $275

·         C8a.  The Voice:  Exploring Characters Through Accents and Dialects.  9-11am. Connects vocal work to character development for focus and strength.  Explores and applies the principles of pronunciation, stress, and placement in creating specific and authentic accents and dialects.

·         C8b.  Broadway Hits:  Building a Singing Character. 11am-1pm. Examines the relationship between singer, character, and story.  Students will explore how to balance these elements using hit songs from Broadway.

FOR TEENS AGES 12-16

Spring Semester I:  5 Saturdays, 3/16-4/13/13– Tuition: $275

·         D7.  Stage Combat:  Duels and Battles.  11am-1pm. Emphasizes the safe and graceful dance behind the illusion of onstage violence.  In addition to the basics of stage combat, students will learn how to add character details and to place combat in the context of the dramatic scene. 

Spring Semester II:  5 Saturdays, 4/20-5/18/13– Tuition: $275

·         D8.  Comedy Improv. 11am-1pm. Covers the basics of comedic improvisation. Students will learn how to initiate and build on scenes, practice active listening, use the environment, and support scene partners. 

 

Register by Phone: 617-879-2235

Register online: www.WheelockFamilyTheatre.org

Register by mail: WFT Education Programs. 200 The Riverway, Boston MA 02215