Theatre for children is what comes after preschool theatre, where kids start undertaking roles. Preschool theatre is used only in the first 15 minutes of the lesson as a warm up. Theatre for children is where theatre becomes more than just a game.
Kids start reading theatrical scripts and they learn to understand the dialogues and the directing instructions. They begin to understand the role of the director and go deeper to learn and improve their theatrical skills. Improvisation becomes an exercise that is enriched as the lessons progresses.
So, what are the reasons to children to take theatre lessons?
1. empathy by taking theatre lessons, the kid will hear stories that would never have heard otherwise. Through the stories, the kid must recognize differences in characters, understand them and their backgrounds, in order to be able to understand their actions. This way, when the kid has to play a role, it gets the chance to understand the role's character and get in their shoes. This is how empathy is developed, a characteristic needed by everyone.
2. knowledge few people know that through theatre, a kid has the chance to acquire knowledge in an interactive and interesting way. Through the scripts, the kid has the chance to learn historical events, acquire scientific and social knowledge effortlessly, without memorization involved. It is proven that when a kid learns in a creative way, it also helps at school.
3. Increased attention span
a short attention span is one of the greatest challenges related to kids nowadays. Due to the fast pace of life, the technology and the social restrictions due to covid-19, the attention of kids is becoming shorter and shorter as information is retrieved easily but not methodically. A kid taking theatre lessons, learns to pay attention, as information is given gradually. A kid must pay attention to the instructions given, to the movements of other kids/actors and to implement different steps.
4. critical thinking critical thinking is developed through theatre lessons. This is due to the narrative structure (of theatrical plays) that is based on the logical progression of matters. The kid partakes in this process developing its logic, discipline and perception, by accepting and processing facts. The kid does not merely memorize information but rather learns to gather useful and solid information to reach a conclusion.
5. creativity and observation
theatre is by nature a creative process and a kid that plays theatre, becomes more and more creative through the lessons. The kid also becomes more observative as it has to observe movements, sounds and images. Many times, the kid has to observe its own self in order to portray a role. The combination of observation and creativity is an important one for the kid's life.
6. expression of feelings
expressing one's feelings is crucial for all people, at all ages. Through theatre, the kid learns to express and channel the energy of their feelings in a creative and polite way. In this way, it learns to express itself while respecting others and learns how to react when another kid/team member expresses themselves.
7. socialization
in the lessons, the kid belongs in a group of people that acts as a team. In this team, the kid makes friends, solves problems, learns to participate in discussions, learns to belong under different circumstances. As a result, the kid socializes in a space outside of school and acquires skills that will help it to navigate social occasions in the future. By being a student of our school, the kid has the chance to watch theatrical performances as a group and participate in rehearsals, expanding its social circle.
8. speech development
a play is based on a theatrical script, on the words that develop the premise for the existence of the performance. Based on the script, the kid enhances its vocabulary as it learns new words and learns the correct structure of a dialogue. The lessons also help in correct utterance of words and correct use of the vocal chords.
9. self confidence
self confidence is developed as the kid discovers itself better and cultivates its acting talent. Rehearsals and performances in front of others, the small "wins" during the lessons and happiness induced by the lesson, lead to a more self confident kid. Self confidence is necessary for the healthy development of the child.
10. energy
the lessons are full of energy, movements, music and dynamic exercises. Through the lessons the kid is energized and happy and these effects last long after the lesson. The lessons help the kid to relax and recharge!
Theatre lessons are a lovely activity that kids look forward to.
GROUPS:
Theatre for children is divided into different age groups. Lessons are taught in Greek and in English. The age groups are:
4 - 6 year old.
6 - 9 year olds.
9 - 12 year olds.
Our school also offers private lessons.
To check availability and to organise a meeting with members of our team, please contact us by: