Dance & Drama Workshops for Children
Children from 4 to 9 years-old will have the opportunity to participate in a six week Theatre and/or Dance Workshop for Children at Sonoma State University designed to have them experimenting in storytelling, improvisation, movement and dance. This is the 33rd year of this wonderful program for children. SSU Education and Theatre Arts/Dance students will student teach the children under the guidance of Theatre Professor Judy Navas and Dance Professor Nancy Lyons.
Theater
The Theatre classes will be broken down into two sessions. Classes begin on Wednesday, April 4, and meet every Wednesday through May 9. Youngsters ages 5 and 6 will meet from 4:15 to 4:45pm. The older group, ages 7 to 10, will meet from 5:00 to 5:45pm.
The purpose of the Theatre for Children class is to have fun, says Navas, but to also introduce youngsters to the art of storytelling, the creativity of improvisation, the enjoyment of puppets and artistry of masks. The instructors have established an environment where all the young students will be free to express themselves in a caring and nurturing way. The Theatre Workshop will be held in room 76 in Ives Hall.
Dance
The Dance classes will also be broken down into two sessions. Classes begin on Thursday, April 5, and meet every Thursday through May 10. Youngsters ages 4 and 5 will meet from 4:15 to 4:45pm. The older group, ages 6 to 9, will meet from 5:00pm to 5:45pm.
Dance for Children, according to Lyons, is a creative rhythmic movement class. Children are encouraged to jump, gallop, twirl and dance with each other in a large open dance studio. No prior dance background is necessary. The Dance Workshop will be held in room 80 in Ives Hall. Dress for the class is shorts and tee shirts, or skirt and footless tights, no shoes or socks.
The cost of either the Dance or Drama Workshop is $10 for the entire six weeks. If a second child in the family participates in the workshop, the cost is $15 for both of them for either the Dance or Drama Workshop. If a child takes both the dance and drama class, the fee is $15.
All the classes are held in Ives Hall at Sonoma State University, 1801 East Cotati Avenue in Rohnert Park, CA.
Parents are encouraged to participate in the last class with their children, viewing their performance and progress.
To register your children for the classes, contact the School of Performing Arts, 707-664-2235. Class enrollment is limited, so don't delay. Checks can be made payable to Sonoma State University, care of Shelley Martin, 1801 East Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928.
