Our kids' classes begin with a creative and fun image-based warm-up. Once the kids have stretched out, we play theater and creative movement games which encourage students to express themselves through movement in a safe and supportive environment. These games also focus on theater skills such as spatial awareness, split focus, unison, canon, memory, and improvisation. These physical theater skills are then used at the end of the term when we create and perform a show for family and friends!

Next, we split up into groups for acrobatics, trapeze, and in summer camp, juggling.

In the acrobatics rotation, we start with the basics, such as pencil rolls, forward rolls, headstands, cartwheels, and bridges. These skills build the strength, flexibility and body awareness necessary to progress to more advanced skills, such as walkovers and handsprings. We also explore partner and group tricks such as wheel barrel, pyramids, and partner forward rolls, to name a few. These partner skills build strength, confidence, and the ability to communicate physical needs with a partner and be careful with someone else's body. In tumbling we also touch on character work, learning to tumble as a monkey, a detective, in a wind storm, falling asleep, etc.

In the trapeze rotation we use single point "dance" trapezes. These trapezes are hung low enough that the student can push off the mat with his or her feet to swing or spin. In class, we work on proper form hanging from the trapeze, swinging and spinning technique, and a variety of hangs, such as catcher's hang, ankle hang, knee hang, sitting on the bar, standing on the bar, etc. As students become more advanced we link tricks on the trapeze together into combinations or routines. Students gain strength and confidence while learning to "dance" in the air. We also explore partner tricks on the trapeze, reinforcing the communication and problem-solving skills needed to work successfully with a partner or in a group.

In the juggling rotation (summer camp only), we explore prop manipulation, diabolo, and stilt walking in addition to traditional juggling. Students begin with skills such as balancing a peacock feather and juggling scarves and, depending on age and skill level may advance to juggling balls, clubs, or rings…or tossing a diabolo while walking on stilts! As in the other rotations, we work on partner juggling skills such as passing and work with classmates to create skits in which the juggling tricks are given a theatrical context. Summer camps which run from 9 – 3 may also include arts and crafts such as mask making, aerial apparatus such as ring, and guest workshops such as clowning or music. These all day camps also include a daily trip to the park for some fresh air and playground fun.

Students are encouraged to try everything. We break down tricks into the smallest possible steps and encourage students to their best. If a child is afraid of a trick, we use spotting, mats, and detailed safety descriptions to foster a feeling of safety. We encourage students to overcome their fears, but do not force anyone to do anything.

At the end of each class term or week of summer camp, the students and teachers create a show which showcases all of the elements of class: creative movement, physical theater, tumbling, partner acrobatics, juggling, prop manipulation, stilt walking, and trapeze. These shows take place during the last 15 – 30 minutes of the last class. Family and friends are enthusiastically invited to attend. It’s a great opportunity for the students to experience the varied challenges and triumphs of ensemble physical theater performing and for families to celebrate the accomplishments of their children!