Community Arts Initiative: Alectra Theatre “Step Up” Programs
Arts On The Ave is all about community revitalization through the arts. It’s a job much to big to take on alone. Often, there are other organizations doing great work alongside AOTA, and we want to help them get the word out about their great offerings, too.
Here is a program starting up in our community from Alectra Theatre. All information below has been provided by Alectra Theatre.
Alectra Theatre: “step up” programs
Stepping Stones: 8 to 12 years
Stepping Out: 13 years and up
The above programs are created specifically for children and youth both considered at risk, as well as those whose families cannot afford enhancement programs such as sports, performing arts, music etc. for their children. They are designed for constant progress in a choral speech environment where it is planned to introduce them throughout the city at as many festivals and events as possible.
The aim of the Alectra “Step up” Programs is to help children and youth build self-esteem and pride through choral speech performance. One of the biggest fears most people have is speaking in front of an audience. Imagine, then, how much more intimidating the experience would be for children struggling with English as a second language or for young people lacking in self-esteem. These programs will give those children and young people an opportunity to alleviate their fears of public speaking, whether in school in front of their peers and teachers, or in their day to day lives: a life skill to last a lifetime.
Performing arts offers more than just the skill of performance, however. The experience of being part of a cohesive group, of working to a high standard for the audience, of hearing the applause of that audience after the bows are taken is unique. Taken as a whole, the experience instills a pride in each one of the children taking part. It gives them the beginning of a self esteem that the Alectra experience has brought for other children who have not thrived elsewhere, but found a safe haven in speech arts.
The Program
- Establishing group cohesion: the Artistic Director listens to each child speak, to determine the level of the group and the depth of theory necessary to establish proper speaking skills. The first three to four sessions will be based around getting to know one another and the strengths and weaknesses of the groups. Any class moves at the rate of its weakest member.
- The performance material: each child will get a chance to connect with the material provided: do they like it? Does it have cultural/ personal resonance to each of them? The aim is to establish one program especially for aboriginal youth with culturally appropriate material.
- The children will form a performance troupe, probably named “The Edmontonians”, performing at locations and events in and around Edmonton.
- Nutrition: snacks will be provided to aid concentration, and to help break the ice with a party-like atmosphere.
Class Structure
- Structure for both classes will be as follows, increasing in depth and intensity as they porgress:
- Opening relaxation.
- Physical (ragdoll etc.) exercises.
- Vocal warm ups and breathing exercises.
- Speech theory – how we breath etc.
- Reading of proposed pieces.
- Work on formations, spacing, entrances and exits and all staging procedures.
- Each one will take turns being the spokesperson for the group and introducing the group at performing functions.
- Working on pieces, and the formations and dramatics included in the performance of these pieces.
- The goal or “carrot” is, of course, the show.
- The group will be guided by the rules of theatre, which are universal and are an excellent guide for students and behavior.
The Artistic Director
Jacquelyn Bland-Lawrence ATCL, LTCL is the Artistic Director at Alectra Theatre Arts, as well as the local representative for Trinity Guild Hall, London, an international organization based in London, England. Trinity has an impressive world-wide reputation in all phases of the Arts, from Speech to Drama to Music.
While raising her children, Jackie initially began as a costume designer and wardrobe mistress about 40 years ago. She expanded on her interest by studying drama, theatre and speech arts with a specialty in children’s theatre. She studied drama/speech arts for many years under the tutelage of Walter Kaasa, ultimately acquiring her Licentiate status from the Trinity College of London. She is a sought after Speech Arts and Children’s drama instructor and adjudicator for Kiwanis and Rotary Festivals throughout Alberta. Jackie has also written or adapted many children and family centered plays. She has been the Artistic Director for the Alectra Theatre Arts Company since its inception in 1987.
Many students Jackie has worked with have received awards and recognition locally, provincially and nationally. They have also realized professional careers in the arts, or utilized their theatre training to further their careers in other fields.
Jackie has always been committed to ensuring that the arts should be accessible to children from all walks of life, especially those who have a passion and a desire to express themselves. She views theatre as a valuable conduit to assisting at-risk youth and children with behavioral and/or mental health issues.
Contact
Jackie Bland-Lawrence: 780.436.5493
Tags: community arts
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