Friday, 16 February 2018

Youth Theatre classes equip teenagers for life!

You are probably thinking drama, why drama? What does reciting Shakespeare, breathing exercises and movement have to offer? A lot in actual fact. 
 
Teenagers are faced with many demands, whether it is in school, on the sports field, or in social settings amongst their peers. That is why our Academy offers Youth Theatre classes to 13 to 18 year-olds – through our programme, teenagers gain skills that not only develop their acting ability, but also enable them to flourish in all aspects of their lives. Our curriculum exposes students to theatre games, radio plays, open-ended dialogues, improvised interviews and more.

We focus on teaching a wide range of skills in our Youth Theatre classes. Building on our Lower and Upper Primary Curriculum, we provide specialised speech training in which we develop students’ vocal projection, articulation, and resonance. Our speech training is also aimed at promoting flexibility of the voice and extending students’ vocal range. Through regular practice, our students will develop the skills they need to communicate clearly, confidently and effectively.



Improvisation skills are also further developed in our Youth Theatre classes. Teenagers have the opportunity to improvise scenes in various contexts and work individually, in pairs and in groups. In this aspect of our programme, we develop students’ ability to think on their feet, to act spontaneously, to work in a team and to be creative. Group improvisation exercises also teach our students drama-specific skills such as blocking techniques, awareness of plot development and characterisation. Through improvisation, our students learn a great deal while having fun!

Youth Theatre students also have the opportunity to work on monologues and scripts from a wide variety of genres, including modern comedy and Shakespeare. This exposes teenagers to literature, but also teaches them how to analyse texts and think critically. Further, our students learn how to portray various characters realistically and believably – a difficult skill to master! As scripted work places demands on the voice and body, students learn how to combine the various skills which they have learned throughout the programme.

In addition to these specialised dramatic skills, Youth Theatre classes contribute to students' personal development. Our classes develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. By stepping into the shoes of another character in various contexts, students develop their sense of empathy and understanding of others. Within a group setting, teenagers learn social interaction skills, emotional intelligence and confidence. Further, we strive to develop our students’ self-esteem and aim to see them grow in their confidence beyond the classroom.

By promoting confidence, creativity, communication and self-esteem through our Youth Theatre programme, our teenage students are sure to have bright futures ahead!

Have a look at where we offer Youth Theatre classes and join us at the one nearest to you:

Atlantis          
Avondale Library Hall, Civic Centre, Grosvenor Avenue, Avondale
Saturday 11:00 – 12:00

Malmesbury
Malmesbury Public Library, Voortrekker Road, Malmesbury
Friday 16:00 – 17:00

Melkbosstrand
Koeberg Library Hall, Merchant Walk, Duynefontein, Melkbosstrand
Thursday 17:00 – 18:00

Milnerton
Milnerton Library Hall, Pienaar Road, Milnerton
Monday 17:00 – 18:00

Sunningdale
Bowling Club House, Sunningdale Sports Club
2 Waterville Road, Cor. of Sunningdale Drv. & Waterville Rd, Sunningdale
Tuesday 17:00 – 18:00

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