We all know that kid: imagination always working, body always moving, energy at full! They are fearless and precocious and… challenging. For this child, theatre is perfect!
We all know that kid: cautious and hesitant, likes their comfort zone, needs guidance and reassurance in all of their actions. They are fearful and shy and… challenging. For this child, theatre is perfect!
Sometimes a child is wholly one or the other; sometimes it’s two different sides of the same child. Either way, the benefits of theatre and arts education are numerous.
The National Endowment for the Arts focuses research on how the arts (theatre, music, dance, visual arts) benefit children of all ages. Studies show that school aged children, who are engaged in the arts, have higher test scores, more advanced reading comprehension skills, and better performance in STEM-focused areas of study. But what about the littles? What about preschool aged students, who are just discovering the world, and are simultaneously ecstatic and fearful about every new thing? What about young children who are full of big, new emotions, they have no idea how to control? For these children, theatre is perfect!
Young children are make-believers and creators. They learn about and understand the world around them by re-enacting and re-imagining the events and people they encounter. They are natural actors! Theatre gives these young minds the tools they need to recognize different emotions in themselves and in others. Creating characters and telling stories, leads to self-awareness and empathy. The play that is theatre, helps children be better advocates for themselves and for others.
Theatre classes mimic the social constructs of more traditional classrooms. Children have more freedom to move, make noise, and think, but must still be mindful others. In a theatre class, students learn to wait patiently, take turns, share space with others, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully. Yet, because they are doing these things under the guise of play, they are learning in their native language.
Theatre gives young minds and bodies the tools they need to think, create, and learn. Whether the child is introverted or extroverted, fearless or overly cautious, quiet or loud in their creativity, by giving them the gift of theatre we are empowering them with the tools they need to grow!
Birmingham Children's Theatre Summer Camp - Imaginarium
Birmingham Children’s Theatre exists to educate, enrich, and entertain children of all ages through the magic of live theatre. One of the best parts of summer is opening our doors to Birmingham area children for theatre summer camps. Our educational program, called The Imaginarium, features full day camps for students 2nd grade and up, and half day camps for students 4 to 7 years old.
Macaroni Kid readers get 10% off when they use the code ImaginariumKid.
This year, Imaginarium Superstars will take theatre classes, rehearse, and produce A Wrinkle In Time during their two week camp June 4-15.
Our half-day camps kick off June 18-22 and 25-29 with Imaginarium Adventureland. Through the magic of stories and make believe, students will embark to a land of excitement and discovery using acting, voice, and movement skills to explore the world of imagination.
The Imaginarium Circus rolls in July 9-13. Campers will create a side-show extraordinaire, dancing, singing, and acting their way the week, discovering the special skills that make each performer unique.
July 16-20, the Imaginarium will travel to Magical Places, a far away land of imagination and creativity, where dancing, singing, acting, and storytelling will guide them o their journey.
Our last week of camp, July 23-27, is Imaginarium Crazy Creatures. Using acting, singing, and dancing, campers will unlock a world of crazy creatures and their special talents.
Macaroni Kid readers get 10% off when they use the code ImaginariumKid. Register your child today at www.bct123.org.
About the Author
BCT’s Imaginarium and educational programming is created and run by Director of Education, Rebecca Yeager. Rebecca holds a BA in Musical Theatre from Birmingham-Southern College (where she is now an adjunct professor and guest artist) and a MFA in Theatre Performance from The University of Southern Mississippi. She has spent ten years working to make quality collegiate and early childhood education accessible to students of all socio-economic backgrounds. As an actor and educator, she specializes in integrated performance techniques including, Lugering, yoga, stage combat. She has a love for classical works, especially Shakespeare, Commedia dell’Arte, Moliere, and Greek tragedy. Rebecca is excited to return to the BCT stage this summer as Milady in The Three Musketeers.
About Birmingham Children's Theatre
Our professional theatre artists perform, year-round, for Birmingham audiences. This summer we are introducing the Magic City Theatre Festival at Brookwood Village. BCT isn’t just for kids! Audience members of all ages will enjoy the mystery, intrigue, and daring sword fights of Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of the Alexander Dumas classic The Three Musketeers, July 12-29th at 2pm and 7pm. WeeFolks audiences can discover the brave adventurer within themselves during Jack and the Beanstalk July 10-28th at 10am. Plan your summer fun and purchase your tickets at www.bct123.org!
Disclosure: Birmingham Children's Theatre proudly supports Macaroni Kid South Birmingham and vice versa.
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