12/25/2023 0 Comments Drama club![]() For those who can’t come to us, we bring it to them. Ultimately, improv improves us, which is why we create space for youth to discover it. ![]() Our students share how they also apply these same philosophies to their life guiding their decisions and development. Find the Conflict/Resolution (Conflict Resolution)ĥ. Decide Who-What-Where (Imagination, Creativity) 4. No Violence (Safety, Emotional Regulation)ģ. Say ‘Yes, and.’ (Healthy Risk-Taking, Trust)Ģ. The thrill of performing without a script allows youth to practice healthy risk-taking, self regulation, and teamwork all on their own terms.įrom reducing social anxiety to building trust, the mental health benefits of improv are undeniable for everyone, let alone youth who are facing challenging times.ġ. Most importantly, improv is fun and gives young people who feel silenced, confined, and controlled, an outlet to collaborate and express their imaginations freely. ![]() Our classes specifically utilize the magic of improv, as it is a strengths-based approach and is highly inclusive, meaning anyone can participate regardless of background, spoken language, or literacy levels. Theater has a unique advantage as a social-emotional learning tool because it uses activities such as play, storytelling, and role playing which all develop prosocial bonds, executive functioning, empathy, and imagination. We continue to bring improv classes to youth who are incarcerated and/or court- involved, and we’ve expanded to now also serve communities throughout New York. The success of this project blossomed into a consistent year-round program. It started as a rehearsal process of a play at Crossroads Juvenile Center, which was presented as a staged reading for staff, fellow residents and family members. Other advocacy efforts include our monthly DEIB Committee (made up of Apprentices, Staff, and Board Members) that discusses intersectionality and self-care, oversees our internal policies, and seeks ways to support the decarceration movement as well support improving conditions within confinement. In 2020, Drama Club was awarded funding through the National Endowment of the Arts to commission playwright, Ren Dara Santiago and a cohort of formerly incarcerated individuals, to develop a play spotlighting the human cost of (the uniquely American injustice) of mass incarceration. Our Apprentices are paid to assist in classes, represent Drama Club publicly (e.g., post performance Q & As), and attend mentorship sessions to discuss current issues in their lives and the goals they have for their futures. In 2018, we increased our services to include ongoing mentorship, professional development, and living-wage employment to youth reentering society post-incarceration providing vital supports and a viable pathway away from recidivism. Our presence within communities offers youth returning home a space to reconnect and continue their journey as artists. Incarceration should not be a pre-requisite for continuing with Drama Club. In 2017, we expanded into communities most impacted by mass incarceration, via our program partner, The Door (in both lower Manhattan and the South Bronx). We believe everyone deserves a drama club. ![]() Evening performances are usually held in mid-December and are open to the general public for a nominal ticket price.Since 2013, Drama Club is the only organization in New York City that provides year-round theater programming consistently within facilities such as: Horizon, Crossroads, Rikers Island and other sites such as Belmont Academy, and non-secure detention. Students should be able to travel independently or have transportation provided by their parents or guardians. Rehearsals are held after-school and, occasionally, on weekends. Participation is open to any high school student who would like to participate and can commit to the attendance expectations for their role. Students gain a greater sense of independence, confidence, and responsibility - qualities that transfer over to their everyday lives. Students learn about acting, stage terminology, set building, lighting, costuming, makeup, and program design.ĭrama Club strengthens students’ communication and interpersonal skill and promotes literacy and critical thinking. Through membership in the Drama Club, students gain a diverse experience in the arts, both on-stage and behind the scenes. The Lexington Drama Club is committed to providing theatrical and artistic educational opportunities to students.
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