3 Hour Drama Workshop - Ages 9 - 17

 Instructor: Deanna Storfie from Acting Up! Drama www.actingupdrama.ca 

I received my dramatic training about 35 years ago when I left my home town of Prince George, BC to join a drama ministry called, Covenant Players, based out of Los Angeles. It's a ministry that had over 400 Christian actors who traveled the world using drama to communicate the gospel. I traveled with them for a few years and learned how to use drama to minister to people. It was there I learned, what I call the 10 Basics of Drama.

After leaving the group and settling in Lethbridge, Alberta I continued using my gifts to serve the church, whether it was with Christmas and Easter dramas or just fun, but meaningful skits. I also taught countless drama workshops to adults, youth and children. So, in 2006, after writing and performing the story of Gladys Aylward, I started Acting Up! Drama.

Thirteen years later I've performed my 'heroes of the faith' dramas and kingdom plays to 95 different churches from over 20 different denominations in 30 different cities and towns, across three different provinces, and many invite me back to hear more! I've also done over 100 performances at my local correctional center for women inmates (many hearing the gospel for the first time).

THE TEN BASICS OF DRAMA

These are skills that every actor knows and uses. They are also indispensable when it comes to any kind of good communication.

The first three have to do with your voice. They are: projection, clear speech and expression.

The next have to do with becoming a character: eye contact, body language, characterization and costume & props.

The last ones have to do with the mechanics of acting: memorization, stage movement and rehearsing.

When it's all put together it becomes a play or readers' theatre or a poetry presentation or... Well, you're limited only by your imagination.

I have been blessed over the years in teaching many kids these skills and have seen them come out of their shells when they realize they are actually learnable skills and not just based on talent alone.

Then there are the kids who always have to be talking, moving and 'hamming' it up. They begin to realize that all actors practice self-control. That there are times to express themselves and go wild and then there are times to keep their actions under wraps, so to speak.

Drama is an excellent way to develop in these areas.

ACTING UP! WITH STORIES

This involves a lot of physical movement while engaging the imagination through storytelling. Participants will learn how important listening and following instructions are so they can bring to life different stories. Some are stories about Jesus from the gospels and others will be fables with life lessons in them. I provide simple costumes and will incorporate some of the 10 Basics of Drama in the process.

2-Hour Workshop: geared for ages 5 - 8 from 10am- noon . It involves a lot more imaginative play and storytelling participation

3-Hour Workshop: This is for ages 9 - 17 years old from 12:30 - 3:30pm + 1/2 hour performance by students until 4pm. involves learning the 10 Basics of Drama with lots of fun exercises and then ending with my Performing Parables Skits. The students will perform a 1/2 skit for their parents at the end of the workshop. 

FAQ's

Who can I contact if I have any questions?

Contact office@rootshomeed.com or call Tammy Eacott at 403-616-1381

What ages can attend each workhshop?

Please no one younger than 5 to attend but there is flexibility with the 8 & 9 year olds if they would like to attend the younger or older class that is fine.

Is this fieldtrip open to the general public? 

Yes non-Roots students are welcoem to attend with the purchase of a ticket!