These programs are designed for children ages 3-6 and 7-12 to choose their favorite characters and in 10 classes, perform an original play for family and friends to enjoy. Play-Ground Theatre School Age and Preschool curriculum is stimulating for teachers and students as they explore all aspects of performing arts.

Play-Ground Theatre brings to the classroom an extraordinary combination of focus and discipline, spontaneity and joy. With an exuberance that matches the children's own, teachers create an environment in which the natural creative instincts of children can flourish. Play-Ground Theatre Drama Programs encourage the freedom to take the lead in the creative process, fostering not only a delight and appreciation in the performing arts, but a powerful self-esteem that carries over into their day-to-day lives.

These programs are designed to assist students to feel self-assurance on and off stage. If students are shy, outgoing or in between, Play-Ground Theatre will support each individual dream or goal. It is a powerful prelude for students who want to pursue the performing arts on a middle school, high school, college or professional level. Creative dramatics will enable students in all aspects of public speaking or creative thinking. Thousands of children have experienced the Play-Ground Theatre's magical formula "listening and validating the creative expression of every child".

Play-Ground Theatre is designed to:

• Develop student self confidence.
  
• Hone social and communication skills.
  
• Promote enjoyment of the learning process.
  
• Enhance creative expression.
  
• Create a safe, positive environment for students.
  

Play-Ground Theatre's mission is to encourage imagination and creativity while cultivating an appreciation and understanding of the arts. We strive to instill a true sense of self-worth and individuality in a setting filled with cooperation.

• Every student is a STAR: Super Talented Actor Role model.
  
• Each child is special, appreciated and understood.
  
• Students have opportunities to excel at their own pace.
  
• Students can portray any character in a supportive environment.
  
• Teachers and students are exposed to: acting, singing, movement, pantomime, improvisation, theatrical productions and performance processes.

Top Ten Reasons for Play-Ground Theatre's Success:

1. Leadership.
   
2. Well-built curriculum.
   
3. Quality teaching.
   
4. A positive atmosphere.
   
5. A professional and committed staff.
   
6. An ongoing process of self evaluation.
   
7. On going staff development.
   
8. A sense of shared goals and expectations.
   
9. Clear communications with schools and parents.
   
10. Support and involvement of students, parents and community.
    

Now let's go over the details of the class breakdown.

Teachers are given two hours for *Preparation*. This is the time for teachers to work together, read through the Text Book, make copies of hand-outs, read the play, and become familiar with the class procedures and materials. Once this preparation is done, teachers will have an easier time staying organized and knowledgeable of all Play-Ground Theatre practices.

Teachers will have 10 weeks of classes with students. These weekly classes will guide students to produce a play for their families and friends.

Weeks one, two and three are *Introduction to Drama*. These first three classes give students a taste of acting, movement, singing and exploring performing arts. The first three weeks are set up for fun and lay the foundation for trust, respect and learning the format and rules of drama class.

Weeks four, five and six are *Character Development*. Students and teachers focus on developing characters, expressing ideas to the group about what types of actions they want to do and how they want to speak as those characters. These weeks also encourage students to feel confident and as the Play-Ground Song is rehearsed each week, the class begins to work together as an ensemble.

Weeks seven and eight are spent *Creating the Play* and polishing up the song for the performance. These two weeks focus on students learning their parts for the show, understanding and rehearsing scenes, and preparing the class to entertain an audience. This is also valuable time for teachers to become comfortable on stage and set a powerful example for the class to follow.

Week nine is the *Dress Rehearsal*. The students will wear their costumes to class and rehearse the entire performance from beginning to end. Teachers may have to work out any rough scenes or practice the song more than once to ensure the show's success. At the end of class students will be given invitations to the performance to take home.

Week ten is the FREE *Performance*! First, students have a final run through of the show. This warms up the students and focuses their attention on their stage presence, lines and having an exciting time performing. When the students are ready, the parents are invited to take their seats and the show begins shortly after.

Play-Ground Theatre Creative Dramatics Programs also include separate books and music for summer camps, vacation days and vacation weeks. Teachers receive all class handouts, emails to update parents and costume accessories for the performances