SanTan
FAMILY FUN
June 6 - June 19, 2015
1
Theater can help bashful kids blossom
“An award-winning publication”
SanTan Sun News
Mary-Jo Okawa, artistic producing director for Copperstar Repertory Co. in Chandler, said that she has seen many quiet kids blossom and come out of their shells while on stage. Submitted photo
By Alison Stanton
What’s inside Page 2, 3 SanTan Family Fun Calendar
When people think of typical “theater kids,” they might describe them as outgoing, fearless and maybe a bit on the loud side. As Aimee Stewart, artistic director of Chandler Children’s Choir (CCC), said they can also be shy, timid and quiet. “We work with plenty of bashful kids who do really well in group performances,” Stewart said. “They may sing softly or sometimes they just stand there, but we’ve never had anyone who doesn’t want to get up on stage.” Later this month, CCC is offering a week-long Showtime Summer Camp that Stewart said is ideal for shy kids. In addition to performing in groups to avoid the stress of individual parts, the kids are divided into age groups, and solo singing and speaking parts are optional, she said. The camp, which is for kids ages 6 to 15, is held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday, June 22, to Friday, June 26, at Desert Cross Lutheran Church, 8600 S. McClintock Dr., in Tempe. The camp is $205 and a performance is scheduled for 3 p.m. June 26. “Each smaller age group has one number that they work on all week, and there
Page 6 Celebrate Park and Recreation Month with ’80s-themed events
Page 7 Where Kid’s Eat Free
Painting theater props with other children is one of the many activities offered in the Chandler Children’s Choir’s Showtime Summer Camp. Submitted photo
are three numbers that all of the groups work on together,” Stewart said. Each day includes group singing, group dancing and art classes. “It’s a really great thing for shy kids to learn that there is strength in numbers and that they are in a safe place where they will not be criticized. They all end up feeling really proud of themselves and their accomplishments.” Mary-Jo Okawa, artistic producing director for Copperstar Repertory Co. in Chandler, said that being involved with theater is definitely beneficial for kids who are prone to being bashful. “It helps to build self-esteem and if it’s the right experience it will definitely help them to feel more confident about themselves,” she said. “It’s good for those kids to start with a camp or class, because there are not as many high expectations.” Okawa said it’s very common for theater to help shy kids become more comfortable in social situations. “I’ve seen them come out of their shells and feel more comfortable. It’s all about trusting people and knowing that they will not be made to look foolish.” “Using a positive experience at theater camp to overcome shyness will ultimately help kids in other ways,” Stewart said. “There are so many benefits to developing their whole person to encourage them to be more confident. Kids will all have to give oral reports in school at some point, and they should have more experience talking in front of others beforehand.” Stewart and Okawa both recall numerous instances where a child arrives for the first day of theater camp acting extremely shy, only to blossom on stage. “One girl was very, very shy at first but has gone on to do many different performances; she really comes out on stage and does very well,” Okawa said. Sara Turley, whose daughter, Elizabeth, is part of the Chandler Children’s Choir, said that singing and playing an instrument has helped Elizabeth to overcome her shyness. “Communicating her thoughts and
feelings with others vocally has always been a struggle for Elizabeth, but when she is sharing her music, whether it is singing or playing an instrument, she has been able to find the courage to perform in front of others,” Sara said. In a recent concert, Elizabeth was given a narration part that required her to memorize quite a few lines, rehearse them with other singers and deliver them on stage in front of a large audience. “We weren’t sure how it would turn out, but she exceeded our expectations and delivered her lines with confidence and expression. Being a part of the Chandler Children’s Choir has helped her grow in skill and confidence,” Sara said. For more information about CCC’s Showtime Summer Camp or to register, visit www.chandlerchildrenschoir.org/ summercamp.html. For more information about Copperstar Repertory Co. and its upcoming summer performances, visit http:// copperstarrep.org. Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com
RESOURCES Websites: www.kdstudio.com/2012/09/20/howacting-classes-can-help-a-shy-childblossom/ www.nymetroparents.com/article/canshy-children-succeed-in-musical-theaterclasses-camp Books: “The Shyness Breakthrough: A No-Stress Plan to Help Your Shy Child Warm Up, Open Up, and Join the Fun,” by Bernardo Carducci “Too Shy for Show-and-Tell,” by Beth Bracken “Maya’s Voice,” by Wen-Wen Cheng