In these 90-minute classes, student writers, and those who show an interest in theatre arts from 4th–6th grade, will work together in small teams to create and later showcase on stage their original short plays. No acting or theatre experience necessary.

In the first 4 after-school sessions, Rita Goldner, children’s picture author and illustrator, will guide the brainstorming of creative plot ideas, participate in friendly and supportive critique, and help students develop their original short stories into lively short-format scripts. Guided step-by-step, they’ll create characters, describe a simple setting, and construct an interesting plot that comprises a beginning, middle, and end, with rising excitement, a climax, and story ending. They’ll practice writing fun, spirited dialogue. And each small team will complete a five-minute play that they will later perform on our stage.

In the 5th – 7th sessions, the youth teaching team from Desert Foothills Theater will review written plays and work closely with each team to help students move their scripts from the page to the stage! Children will be guided in performance technique including lessons in vocal projection, expression, narration, simple stage directions, speaking with confidence, and storytelling basics.

At the end of the last class, families will be invited to see these original plays come to life on stage in a “reader’s theatre” format here at The Holland Center. This class offers kids a unique opportunity to see their own words and imagination performed in front of a live audience!

No acting or theatre experience necessary.

SERIES DATES: 7-class series