KINDER

Cooperative play is(n't) all fun and games

These students think they are just playing pretend, but they are cultivating teamwork, empathy, patience and so much more!

Kinestetic learning shines

Students work together and use their bodies to create the letter ‘M’ in our ‘D-R-A-M-A’ warm up.

Curriculum that aligns with academic standards

A student experiments with casting shadows, learning about both technical theatre and science!

Grounded in routine

A familiar class structure ensures that every student (new and old) feels anchored.

Challenge by choice

Students are given ample opportunity to be in and in front of an audience, building their confidence to take bold steps.

Modeling full participation

Ms. Liz shows that adults can be silly, too - encouraging full participation among students.

Not just for actors

This class explores costume design, as they create their own super heroes.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Kinder students explore the world of theatre through interactive read-alouds, imaginative play, and confidence-building activities. Like all of our classes, our weekly Kinder classes focus on our monthly Core Skill. Each month features four lessons grounded in: technical theatre, acting or performing, character creation, and world building. We explore these foundational areas of theatre through the lens of the Core Skill of the Month.

For example, character creation during the month of Teamwork, may have students working in pairs to create a costume for an assigned character (like “business person” or “super hero”, etc). They will have to collaborate and compromise to choose the best costume pieces for their character. Character creation during the month of Resilience, might ask students to become a character using one article of clothing (for example: a witches hat or an apron) and then ask them to change things about that character, like how they walk or how they talk.

The Drama Spot is a unique opportunity for students who are shy or nervous about performing to gain the confidence they need to try it out. We never require or pressure students to do anything they don’t want to. We value every role, including that of the audience, which is actually a tremendously valuable experience in its own right. We find opportunities to encourage students to step outside their comfort zone, whether that is speaking in front of the class or sharing a costume. Our goal is to challenge students just enough to help them grow, while still ensuring they have the most fun ever.

Our classes follow this predictable structure, to ensure every student can walk in confidently and leave full of joy:

• Warm-ups with songs and movement introduce routine and predictability while teaching that our voices and bodies are creative tools.

• Warm up games activate young children’s brain-body connection and get their whole selves ready for the larger activity. Games are a fantastic way for every human to learn, regardless of age, and each of our warm up games targets one or more of our Core Skills.

• Whole group activities help 3-5 year olds clearly see their role in the group and encourage a feeling of belonging and support. These activities:

  • Deliver instruction for what is to come and why we are doing it, enabling autonomy and cultivating buy-in.

  • Give students the opportunity to participate, observe until they are ready, or both. (It is very rare that a student just observes for long!)

  • Wrap up, providing closure and opportunity to ask unexplored questions.

• Closing rituals and bubble dance parties reinforce learning in a joyful, energetic way.

Theatre In Pre-School

At three to five years old, children are rapidly developing social awareness — learning how to share space, express feelings, and collaborate with peers. Dramatic Play becomes a powerful tool in this stage. In pretend worlds, children practice taking turns, solving problems, and exploring emotions with curiosity and courage. Our classes create a joyful environment for that growth, inviting them to imagine boldly, connect kindly, and discover what they are capable of.