Beginning Readers Theatre
What is Reader's Theatre?
Like storytelling, Reader's Theatre can create images by suggestion that can be just as persuasive and powerful as works portrayed on the stage. Reader's Theatre frees the performers and the audience from the physical limitations of conventional theatre---no sets, no make up (unless you insist), no costumes, no props and no memorizing. Only a script is needed, from which we read aloud. Using our voices as our primary tool, we interpret the emotions, beliefs, and attitudes of the written material, making it come alive and letting the imagination soar.
Class Objectives
Reader's Theatre does rely mainly on oral expression but it is not an art form that is only from the neck up. We will spend a portion of every class doing fun theatre games through the promotion of spontaneity. These exercises require no acting experience and are not physically demanding. Emphasis will be placed on sound and movement exercises, non-verbal exercises, development of spatial awareness and creative expression. We will also work on the basic principals and strategies on how to craft and perform a written piece for reader's theatre. This will enable you to perform with a purpose and not only bring joy to oneself but also to our audience as well.
Class Benefits
- Have fun
- Raise your energy level
- Raise your level of creativity
- Reduce your stress
- Energize your sense of play
- Increase your cognitive flexibility (Improvisation is great brain food!
- Bring out your inner artist/playfulness
- Interact productively
- Offer and accept creative ideas
- Honor and respect the gifts and talents of others and yourself
- Laugh
- To develop a greater understanding of the principals of Reader's theatre.
