Set the Stage
the communication power of theater
Alissa Peterson, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
Between the Educational Theatre Association and the American Alliance for Theater and Education, not to mention the loads of research studies out there, there’s some striking proof that involvement in theater builds communication, literacy, problem solving, and overall academic skills as well as self-confidence and empathy in those that practice it.
While visual art acts as a conduit to the “core” subjects, often theater is a channel for all of the arts subjects, as visuals come into play for sets and costumes, music for mood and storytelling, and dance for storytelling. Thus it is possible to glean crossover benefits from other arts through theater.
But even if it’s performance alone, drama asks performers to read, comprehend, interpret, and communicate a text, thus having obvious benefits in literary comprehension, memory and recall, plus verbal and non-verbal communication. Specifically, studies have found that performance of Shakespeare helps with understanding other complex texts in math and science.
Based on the 2005 SATs, those involved in drama scored 65 points higher in verbal and 34 points higher in math than their non-theater counterparts. Not to mention that improv theater teaches quick problem solving skills, and an innate confidence since you have to get on a stage, unprepared, and perform sometimes-humiliating situations without breaking character.
While in-school drama classes only involve about 5 percent of students statewide, luckily here in the Valley we have no less than three theater groups fighting to involve and engage our youths.
THEATER OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS
Eau Claire Children’s Theatre (1814 Oxford Ave.) has provided area kids and families with a creative outlet since 1989. They invite the community to participate in a variety of volunteer roles from prop set up, costume design, make-up application, and of course acting for more than a dozen shows every season. Every summer they host over 30 classes and camps that are open to ages 3 to 18. They have an agreement with the Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls school districts where the student only needs to pay for the materials and their school district will cover the camp/class. All other aspects of the classes and volunteer opportunities are completely free for students. Visit ECCT.org or call 839-8877.
Red Cedar Youth Stage (205 E Main St., Menomonie) was created in 2009 as an effort to involve the area’s youth in performing arts (they’ve had a handful of shows). It offers a summer mentorship program that pairs high school and college performers with younger students and culminates in a performance. The group also has a summer camp where they partner with Menomonie School District to help 50-60 youths in a musical. The camp runs for three weeks starting in June. The “Storm the Stage” after-school program is completely free and allows kids to be part of a production’s cast or crew without auditioning. Each session is three weeks long and is in conjunction with a current performance at the Mabel Tainter. There are also several improv and other acting classes throughout the year, as well as family talent showcases. Depending on interest, there is even a summer karaoke camp in the works for young singers. Visit MabelTainter.com, their Facebook page, or call 235-9726.
Since forming in 1981 by citizens dropping money in a hat, the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild (102 W Grand Ave., Eau Claire) strives to create hands-on learning experiences for children as well as adults. In an attempt to involve area youth in the arts, the guild puts on their Summer Youth Drama Camp for kids ages 4 to 18. This coming summer will be the 10th year. The weekly classes offer the opportunity to explore all aspects of theater production. They likewise have an agreement with Eau Claire area schools where the student only pays the materials fee, and the school supplies the tuition. Part of the mission is to provide a variety of shows and productions that will satisfy the cultural appetites of every age group in the Chippewa Valley (they had eight shows this season). Visit CVTG.org or call 832-PLAY.
The Chippewa Valley Cultural Association (3 N High St., Chippewa Falls) hosts their “Chill on the Hill” every Tuesday in summer from the time school is out through the end of August. Each class has between 30 and 50 kids ages 4-10. The CVCA looks at these classes as an opportunity to expose local kids to the arts. June 13-18 they will also be hosting the traveling Missoula theater group which will assist kids in putting on two performances of Robin Hood. CVCA also collaborates with several local youth organizations and the Chippewa Falls School District to serve as a venue for area talent and art showcases. Visit CVCA.net ot call 726-9000.
