DRAMATIC STORYTELLING

with a multi-arts approach

two simultaneous classes, for older & younger children

(the age guidelines are flexible and dependent on the comfort of the child;

younger children wishing to join the Hummingbirds may be accompanied by parent

if needed)

Thursdays, 12-3 / 1-3

one-time intro class Feb. 16 ;

9-week session begins Feb. 23

accepting late, pro-rated enrollments

the Mockingbirds -

dramatic play, acting, & storytelling

ages 7ish to 13ish

12 - 3 pm

taught by Sarah Douglas

the Hummingbirds -

dramatic play, movement, music basics, physical theater, & storytelling

ages 3ish to 7ish

1 - 3 pm

taught by Artis Moon Amarche

FAMILY-FRIENDLY PRICING!

One-time intro class:  the Mockingbirds - $25; the Hummingbirds - $20

9-week session:  the Mockingbirds - $270; the Hummingbirds - $180

1st child full price; additional children - 50% off!

(The discount applies regardless of which classes your children are taking.

For example, if you have one Mockingbird and one Hummingbird, your session total would be

$270 + $90 = $360.)

location:  The Lab at Convergence

1819 N. Quaker Lane (at Crestwood Dr.), Alexandria VA 22302

The Lab is across Crestwood from the church - looks like an old school building.

There is a parking lot by the playground, and you enter at the white double doors off the lot. 

Sarah’s class description for the Mockingbirds:

Using myths and folktales as a starting point, I will work with the group to explore basic story structure.  Students will work together to discover ways of using their voices, bodies, and imagination to dramatize the narrative.  After working as a group on an introductory story in order to explore different approaches to story performance, the students will begin to imagine their own stories, individually or in small groups. 

    Participants will explore developing original narratives for performance, utilizing theatrical storytelling techniques. Individuals will make choices about enlisting the rest of the group to support the process of bringing their ideas to life, through movement, dialogue, sound, music, props/artwork - whatever elements the storyteller chooses. 

    While no student will be required to leave her or his personal comfort zone, each will have the opportunity to experience both the role of the narrator/director, who must drive the creative process, and the role of the supporting actor, who must help to support the vision of the storyteller.  The process will be guided by the needs and impulses of the group, and emphasis will be placed on collaboration, communication, and becoming aware of the creative process from its first spark to a fully formed idea.

Artis’ class description for the Hummingbirds:

We will explore movement vs. stillness and sound vs. silence as the components that make music, dance, and even theater.  We will begin with stretching, stillness (including lying on the floor and exploring sensation of the inside of the body, feeling the breath, heartbeat, etc.), movement, and dramatic play, utilizing the body, voice, imagination, and improvisation.  Then, there will be ‘story time’ (myth, folktale, fairytale), after which we will discuss the characters, relationships, main theme, idea, and/or moral.  We will then explore physical and verbal dramatic illustration of the story. 

    I will drum for portions of the class, and the children will be invited to join me for a short jam session (instruments provided) where we’ll explore mood in music as it relates to storytelling.  We may work with developing original narratives as individuals or as a group, depending on the desires and abilities of the participants.  Children will experience both the role of performer and the role of audience.

In addition:

Sarah and I will be doing a little swapping or combining groups so that both groups have an opportunity to work with both of us at some point.  I am doing a basic bookmaking workshop for the kids to create books in which they can write and/or illustrate their stories, and possibly journal about their experiences with this process.  There may also be some other art-making incorporated, for props and such.  Our overall wish is that the emphasis is on process over product - less pressure to produce a masterpiece, more focus on fun, exploration, and unfettered imagination, from which an inspired work of art is born.

Each class will have a ‘working’ lunch/snack break in the middle.

All students should bring food & drink.  Please save any sugar for after class so that they will be able to focus & concentrate during class. :)

The Mockingbirds and the Hummingbirds will come together towards the end of each class for a sharing session.

The intro class is being offered for folks to try this out

before committing to the full 9-week session.

Please let me know asap if you are interested in this class

and haven’t contacted me already.  Feel free to call with any questions.

REGISTER BY PHONE OR EMAIL:

artismooney@gmail.com or 202 215 4498.

Include in your message your children’s names, ages,

what their reading/writing ability is, and your phone number.

I will calculate applicable family discounts and respond with payment request information.

Read full instructor bios here.