Three…two…one…ACTION! Pre-K through 6th grade AFIA students are learning and exploring the world of Theatre in enrichment. I am Lacy Cunningham, AFIA Enrichment Teacher, Director, Teaching Artist and Playwright. I have the pleasure of introducing our students to elements of drama. Click here to learn more about me!

Why Theatre?

Theatre teaches so much more than “how to be in a play.” Research has shown that children who participate in creative drama have more developed social and communication skills, self-esteem and confidence in their academic abilities.

“Theatre is like a gym for empathy. It’s where we can go to build up the muscles of compassion, to practice listening and understanding and engaging with people that are not just like ourselves. We practice sitting down, paying attention and learning from other people’s actions. We practice caring.”

-Bill English, San Francisco Playhouse

What Is Happening In Theatre This Year?

Throughout the school year we will focus on developing interesting characters, establishing settings, and creating our own stories by using movement, vocal exercises and facial expressions. We will continue to build on our understanding of these elements through puppeteering and construction, pantomime, reader’s theatre, mask, improvisation and storytelling.

Ways To Support At Home

Some students feel natural and at-ease in the Drama classroom, while others are more hesitant to explore the art form. It is completely normal for there to be some apprehension about participating in Theatre and to have a “I will NOT get on stage!” mentality. My focus this year is to help to build an appreciation and comfortability of all elements of Theatre and create a space where students feel like they can take a creative risk. You can help support at home in a number of ways! Here are a few ideas to nurture their appreciation and interest in Theatre.

Encourage Dramatic Play

A few moments a day of acting out a story through toys, drawings or their own body movements makes a big impact!

Ask Them What They Are Reading

Literacy is a fundamental building block of theatre arts. Having your child reenact or retell a story that they are familiar with is a great way to activate their imagination.

Share Your Own Experiences with Drama 

Whether you were the star of the show, or had a great experience in the audience, sharing your own experience helps to connect your student to the arts!

Seek Out Resources in the Community

There are many wonderful organizations across the metro that make it their mission to inspire, educate and connect young actors to theatre at little to no cost! Click here for children’s theatres by county.