In collaboration with the Huntington Theater and the Boston Public School system, we provided a 5-week Finding Your Voice Through Theater training program for students ages 9-13. These interactive, weekly lessons taught speaking and social skills, confidence, and self-advocacy through theater games, improvisation, movement, character work, mask making, and more.
Each class began with a series of theater games that teach kids how to work together as a group to achieve one goal. Kids warm up with movement exercises to help them gain an understanding of how their body moves in space, and they engage in improvisation to work outside their comfort zones in a safe environment. Teachers noted that in a short amount of time, they noticed marked improvements in the students' participation, confidence levels, ability to successfully interact with peers, and willingness to present themselves in public.
Younger students rehearsed and performed a variety show of practiced songs to audience of peers, older students, and teachers. Older students developed and performed an original play, starting with each person adding one word to the theme. Together, they picked the name "SUPER POWER KIDS" with each student choosing their own superpower, costume pieces, and props.
While the program began with only a few students willing to participate fully, each week cultivated more willingness to actively engage in rehearsals. They were encouraged to advocate for accommodations that made the exercises more fun and accessible. A student who chose not to participate in the first class later appeared in full costume, leaping into the center of the group to take up a leadership role.
This program was mad possible by generous donations from the Barre Savings Bank Charitable Foundation and the Boston Center for Blind Children.