EDUCATIONAL AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES

Sumter Little Theatre is excited to provide theatre education opportunities through SLT's Youth Theatre Program.

Theatre training for youth is an integral part of the SLT mission. In our youth theatre programs we practice active learning. Classes will combine product- and process-centered learning structures and introduce students to creative dramatics, improvisation techniques, and show productions. Classes are available for elementary, middle, and high school students. At each level, students learn that good actors must work hard and commit to every challenge. In addition to the culminating showcases of each class session, Sumter Little Theatre offers an on-season youth production.

APPLY

Click here to apply for youth theatre classes.

OPEN AUDITIONS

Auditions for season Youth productions are OPEN TO ALL members of the community.

AGE & CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Elementary Classes
(Ages 7-11)

In this class students will explore several aspects of theatre by engaging in activities and exercises that focus on stage presence, vocal projection, character development, pantomime, the 5 Ws of a scene (who, what, where, when, and why), improvisation with a partner and in small groups, and the telling and creating of stories focusing on beginning, middle, and end. Students will learn songs and choreography and develop the confidence to sing and dance in front of an audience. Students will work collaboratively to accomplish tasks and to problem solve. Students will perform in a final showcase at the end of each session.

Middle School Classes
(Ages 12-14)

In this class students will explore several aspects of theatre by engaging in activities and exercises that continue to focus on stage presence, vocal projection, and character development. They will learn to identify a character's objectives and motivations. Students will explore various themes through improvisational activities that incorporate the 5 Ws (who, what, where, when, and why). Students will explore movement as it relates to motivation and blocking. Students will work collaboratively to create and to problem solve. Students will perform in a final showcase at the end of each session.

High School Classes
(Ages 15-18)

In this program students will learn techniques for character development through physical and vocal exploration. They will learn to identify a character's objectives, motivations, and subtext in order to justify their behaviors. Students will learn the importance of listening and responding honestly in a scene. Students will explore movement as it relates to motivation and blocking. Students will explore various universal themes through improvisational activities that incorporate the 5 Ws (who, what, where, when, and why). Students will learn to analyze a script and divide it into beats. They will learn to recognize the impact of setting, culture, and time as it affects the characters and the plot of a play. Students will perform in a final showcase and the end of each session.