Who wants to do theatre?!

Today was the last day of my first week working with the kids during our after school program here at The Neighborhood Center. Spoiler alert: I love it.

*Students exploring Improv in grades 6-8. (Photos of students shared with permission)*

Every day after school, students from about 6 Camden schools take a bus to the Center. I offer a 45 minute Theatre activity for different age groups each day. This is brand new to the Center and I’m still a new face, so getting students interested and making relationships with the community has been my top priority. Every time I hear “Hi, Miss Angela!,” my heart melts a bit. Hearing students’ excitement in their voices makes me feel so welcomed and also like I’m making progress!

K-2nd graders got a special “Animal Day” where we moved like different animals to different songs, and explored the voices of different animals… We also sang through “Down by the Bay.” 3-5 graders did a fun dance warm up and learned theatre games like Zip, Zip, EEK! (each student says zip around the circle and if you say “EEK!” the order is reversed). 6-8th graders played Charades and did an improvisation game called “What are you Doing?” which brought lots of laughter to the room. The older group seemed to start out a little skeptical but left saying that they enjoyed games. Small victories.

All images of students shared with guardian permission — *Creative movement in K-2 Creative Drama (Photos of students shared with permission)*

Week 1 was still met with some challenges. Since my program takes place during the after school program it could be interrupted by parent pick-ups or delayed due to snack time, or students needing to complete their homework. Not to mention our schools get out at all different times, so it’s tricky to find a time that works best for as many students as possible… Plus, I’m a stranger to these students, I don’t look like them, and theatre is something not many of them have had a lot of experience with. All that being said, I didn’t always capture their attention instantly or without effort. But when I got the students in the room and could get their full participation— we had a blast. It won’t be overnight that this program takes off, but I think we’re planting the seeds for something beautiful.

The biggest thing I’ve learned is that authentic, genuine relationships are everything. Getting to know the students personally, learning what they like, understanding their humor— that’s what strengthens respect and relationships between teachers and students. I mean, frankly, in all aspects of life, how can we gain respect if we don’t demonstrate that we care for the other person? To be in a position where I’m constantly “correcting” behavior would be exhausting. I want my students to be 100% themselves, and I want them to be excited about what we’re doing in class!

After I have a group, I send them home with jolly ranchers and a flyer for my evening program (jolly ranchers was a tactic Miss Tess, Director of Children’s Programs suggested LOL) I’m starting to get interest and handful of sign ups. :) Baby steps... The program can only grow if these students have joyful experiences and can spread the word with their friends and connections.

That’s really all I can share for now! Looking forward to learning more with these sweet students next week!

PS. Thank you SO much to my friends and family who have helped get some items off our Amazon Wish List for our Theatre Classroom. I’m particularly pumped about these puppets we got! The room is being renovated and I am still in need of supplies to make the room feel like home. If you want to help us out check out our list, or consider making a donation to The Neighborhood Center.