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
