Youth theatre can be GREAT for so many kids. But, if the instructors and leaders are not in tune with the many different learning styles of students, the traditional youth theatre model does not work for all kids and teens. Many can feel left out at times. Often, it is the most "extroverted" students that land leading roles in many youth theatre productions. Those who do not stand out can be thought of as "shy," and find themselves hidden in the back of the ensemble, with little opportunity to shine onstage.
At TAS+SD, we are so fortunate to have KATI DULANEY as our Artistic Associate. With a degree in Special Education, and a minor in Theatre, from Loyola University Chicago, she carefully designs curriculum for her classes that meet the needs of all of her students. She also consults the entire TAS+SD team on ways be can best serve our students to help them flourish.
There are many different ways to approach young theatre artists, and not all teaching methods work the same way for all students. And also, no one is simply as extrovert or an introvert. We all sit on some part of the scale - and we can tip one way or the other from time to time. As educators, we learn how to capitalize on the strengths of our students, by providing them opportunities they might not receive elsewhere. And we have learned from our kids and teens - every time we give them an opportunity, they seize it and astonish us!
“The future belongs to a very different kind of person with a very different kind of mind—creators and empathizers, pattern recognizers, and meaning makers.”
― Daniel H. Pink, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future
At TAS+SD, it is our mission to help all of our students express themselves through the theatre arts by recognizing their unique learning styles, and creating a space that is safe, nurturing, and nourishing for growth in their craft.