Unlocking Creativity and Confidence: The Benefits of Community Theater for Homeschoolers

Whether you are new to the homeschool journey or you’ve been doing it for over a

decade (like me) you know that for kids to truly get engaged in learning, it has to be two

things:

*Hands on

Hands-on learning is a MUST

*Fun

Learning & fun can go together! (and should)

Reading things out of a book, looking at pictures, and hearing about abstract concepts can only take a kid so far. For them to form lifelong core memories and get a robust working knowledge of something, they need to roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty and experience the thing being taught. That’s where community theater comes in.

Your local community theater has likely been teaching people of all ages (from elementary school to retirees) about every aspect of theater for decades. They do it, not by lectures and talks, but by casting ordinary people in plays and musicals and teaching them how to shine! Community theaters are the experts at learning by doing, and they likely have tons of youth programs available over the summer.

Being onstage can teach our kids teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and pursing art in a community-centered way. That is why I love my local community theater: Richey Suncoast Theatre. This summer, they have tons of opportunities for kids of all ages to get hands on experience at a fully functioning community theater.

Kids are part of the magic at Richey Suncoast Theater.

First, Summer Camps:

RST has 4 weeks of summer camps all centered around a different theme. Each camp is only $250 and includes a Friday performance for family and friends followed by a karaoke pizza party. So, in one week, students learn and participate in every aspect of theater, then put all that learning into practice with an exciting Friday performance on the RST stage! Because of a generous grant provided by Duke Energy, every camper gets an automatic $25 off when they sign up. Need-based scholarships are available so everyone can get in on the fun.

Every week of camp is led by RST’s multi-talented Creative Director Jess Glass. She has decades of experience teaching theater to kids of all ages. She has created a curriculum that covers every aspect of theater from: singing, dancing, and acting, to set construction, costuming, and props. Even the most shy kiddos come out of their shell and light up centerstage under her leadership.

Speaking of placing kids center stage, for the FIRST TIME EVER, this August, RST is putting on an all youth show!

A youth leadership panel selected the show, chose the director, stage manager, and

production team. The all youth team selected an all youth cast!

I plan on getting tickets for my students so they can see that kids their age can do incredible things when they are taught and empowered!

So, whether you’ve got a kiddo who loves theater and can’t wait to get on stage, or one that is shy and needs to come out of their shell in a loving and supportive environment, get involved in all of the exciting youth programs available at Richey Suncoast (or at your local community theater).