Getting Kids Involved in Theatre...

Most high schools I know have theater departments. But our junior high has an outstanding thing they do... every year they put on just one musical and it is a LOT of fun to watch! This year, they did Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat.

Okay, so they're not the school for the performing arts. But wow, for being a bunch of kids who don't necessarily lean toward the artsy-fartsy side of the fence, what an amazing show they put on! The guy who played Joseph had a voice & a half; the kid who played Pharoah did an absolutely hysterical "Pharoah as Elvis" for his performance. Even Tim (who really didn't want to go, truth be told) was laughing out loud at the excellent performances (complete with outstanding break dancing for one song, the aforementioned "Elvis" impersonation with cheerleading bobby soxers and screaming fans, and an outrageously hokey country "cry in your beer" number)!

Something else I thought was really cool: after the show, all of the 8th graders took a turn at the mike to express their gratitude. Yeah, it got a little long winded but I thought, "Wow, what a cool observation!" when one guy said, "Hey, I'm not really into theater or whatever but this was a great experience and a lot of fun... and besides, if it wasn't for this show, I'd probably be sitting around bored in my room watching t.v. right now!"

LOL! Wasn't my kid... didn't know the parents... but what a great observation. And how cool it was that ALL of the other 8th graders nodded their head in agreement at what he'd said.

*warm, fuzzy, happy sigh* See what excellent stuff you've got to look forward to, Mer?

Awwww, MrsHH. That's a great post! Wish I could have been there. ;) I did a lot of theatre when I was in 6th-11th grades. I even did my community center's summer theatre camp and HS one act play festivals. It was always a challange, always interesting and tons of fun. Wish I hadn't stopped.

My kids aren't in school. Apparently, though, WVA passed a law not that long ago allowing home schooled kids to participate in school sports. I haven't looked into it yet, but maybe that extends to clubs ~ like drama! Maybe... hope so. :D

~phosphorescent

Hey Fos...Out where I live, the homeschooling parents kind of put together a "league of their own" so to speak. The used a local church, and had get togethers for holiday parties and dances, some sports, etc. I will have to check into how they did that....

I really hope they do allow your children to do the school sports and extra activities! My kids are HUGE into school activities, and I honestly do believe that it has helped them be more involved and excited about school. My daughter does cheerleading, runs track, manages the wrestling team (uh, yeah to hang out with the guys probably), Matheletes (math contests) and spelling bees, and sings with the honors choir. My son does track and cross country, student council, Madrigals, drama...all that stuff. Shoot, his singing in high school even developed into a college scholarship. Who would have thought, certainly not me!

MrsH...every time I go to one of those school plays or music presentations where my kids are involved...I cry. Even if it's funny, I cry. Im terribly sentimental.

The sad thing here in Kansas is that the school budgets are getting cut so much, they are looking to cut out what they consider to be "un-necessary" activities, and unfortunately those seem to be fine arts and atheletics. What a shame, I think.

I completely agree that when your children engage in the arts it has a whole host of benefits. Sports are great too...but most times the ability to play sports doesnt last a lifetime like music or drama can. My daughter and oldest son are both musicians, and my son is an actor as well. Currently he is playing the part of Lumiere in a huge production of Beauty And The Beast put on by his highschool thespian troupe. Music (and drama) is a passion for both of them, and they take it very seriously. My house is always noisy, they are always working on something, and we are forever running back and forth to practices, preformances, and the like. I wouldnt change it for anything, it has enriched their lives greatly, made them better students, and even at a young age, they have clear decisive goals for their lives. They would much rather be home recording and working on a new piece than out running around town....its going to be strange (and quiet!) when they are gone... My daughter was just accepted at Ohio University's school of music and will be attending in the fall....I am very excited for her...but wow, Im gonna miss her and hearing her play and sing everyday :(