Niki Taylor
The performing arts in this summer’s Learning Points started off
with a bang in the Little Dramatists class! Learning points is a
program from Lewis-Palmer School District 38 that offers classes
for all ages in visual and performing arts, life skills, academic
enrichment and outdoor education. For the children longing to get
their time in the spotlight, Little Dramatists was the perfect way
to have some serious fun. The instructor, Susan Lauria, put
together a spectacular program that the kids had fun performing and
the parents enjoyed watching at the end of the week. The class
launched the week of Flag Day, and it appropriately followed the
theme of patriotism. Filled with singing, dancing, a short play,
commercials and knock-knock jokes, the performance was a must-see.
The young actors learned all of the aspects that go into creating a
performance — from the behind-the-scenes props to the onstage fun.
Impressively, all of the props used in the performance were
handmade by the children during the first couple days of class. The
children were enthusiastic about being a part of something that not
only told the story of the American flag, but also provided a way
for them to embrace the spotlight and act.
Among the other Learning Points classes directed towards the
performing arts are: Star Power with the Colorado Springs
Children’s Chorale (June 8-12); Performing Shakespeare for both
students in grades four through six and middle and high school
(June 15-19 and July 6-10); Performance Spotlight (July 13-17);
Original Musical Theater Extravaganza (July 20-24); and Directing
& Production in Theater (July 20-24).
Becky Albright and Missie Bonser are the instructors for Musical
Theater Extravaganza, Performance Spotlight and Directing and
Production in Theater. One of the great things about these classes
is that the middle and high school students in Performance
Spotlight and Directing & Production have the chance to mentor
and assist the younger students in the Musical Theater Extravaganza
class. This is an excellent way to develop a bond between the
students as well as build important leadership skills for the older
students. One of the main goals is to give middle and high school
students the responsibility of putting together their own show and
an opportunity to be creative with it. For the Musical Theater
Extravaganza, Albright and Bonser are gearing toward a variety show
with different acts, but Albright said that it’s flexible and
subject to change, as their intention is to incorporate what the
students want to do while still maintaining structure. “A normal
day in the Theater Extravaganza class would consist of learning
songs, dances, movements, staging, and techniques for projection
and body position. We will concentrate on the concept of performing
for the audience,” Albright said. She is also looking forward to
working with Bonser, whom she has worked with before. Their
knowledge and teaching styles compliment each other to make an
enthusiastic and qualified team. Albright is also excited about
taking advantage of Palmer Ridge’s new and extensive performing
arts facilities. “We can choose between using the black box theater
and the large
auditorium, which would both enable us to get behind the scenes,
look at staging, lighting, and sound, and get creative.” She
encourages everybody to sign up for the classes for a time of fun
and creativity in theater.
For more information about classes and registration, check
online at www.lewispalmer.org (click on
“Community Schools” link on the left-hand sidebar). Have Facebook?
Become a fan of the new Facebook page (Lewis-Palmer School District
#38 Learning Points) for previews about the remaining classes,
pictures of current/past classes, and other upcoming events.