WHY THEATRE? Theatre, Empathy, and Faith

WHY THEATRE? Theatre, Empathy, and Faith

Written by Maizie Ferguson | Edited by Sage Friedline

When a student participates in theatre, they receive or create a part to play. Whether that part is a person, an animal, or something else entirely, more often than not the actors are not playing themselves; they must believably act as someone else. This forces students to step into someone else’s shoes and “leave themselves” backstage. This practice builds empathy, as actors get to experience firsthand a different point of view, different struggles, different joys, different customs, and much more.

Two of our Kids’ Musical students — Haley, the youngest of many Greenleaf-involved siblings, and Joshua, an enthusiastic theatre lover— shared that their favorite part of Greenleaf was the show experience. Performing can cause stress, especially in the new or inexperienced actor, but presenting is a vital part of building empathy. While performing, actors share the story and characters with those in the audience, exposing them to the world of the show.

Theatre at Greenleaf also imbues the truth into a field that desperately needs it. In today’s world, art and media are distancing themselves from modesty and propriety, casting worldly shadows. Faith and theatre can easily go hand in hand. Watching or performing the stories we know so well on the stage can result in a profoundly spiritual experience, strengthening the faith of many in the process.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8

 

Interested in experiencing theatre for yourself? Click here to see theatre classes this fall, and register here. We can’t wait for you to join us!

WHY THEATRE? Theatre and Community

WHY THEATRE? Theatre and Community

Written by Maizie Ferguson | Edited by Sage Friedline

Greenleaf has built a true Christian arts community in the Kansas City metro over the past 23 years. I have seen, firsthand, how actively Greenleaf participants of all ages seek to include those who are new or feeling insecure, reminding all of He who loved first.

Jane, daughter of a Greenleaf alum, shared: 

My first theatre event at Greenleaf was in the autumn of 2018… Greenleaf has helped me grow so much and in part, this is because of the amazing kids here! Although I usually like to keep to myself, the people at Greenleaf make me feel wanted despite my quiet nature, and they kindly pursue me in conversation and friendship even today. I am so thankful for this, even though it can be difficult and scary at first, I’m still growing… and I am very grateful to God for giving me Greenleaf, it truly is the place to grow. 

Rebekah, a member of the Drama Performance Company, wrote:

I started Greenleaf about seven years ago. When I first came I didn’t have any friends and I didn’t know how to talk to people. At first, I started out doing voice lessons because I was too scared to do anything else. Then, I was convinced to do the musical, and I immediately made tons of friends. I’ve done every show since then! 

Peighton, whose family is also involved at Greenleaf, said:

I started Greenleaf in 2019. I have learned how to grow in my skills by watching the older actors and having amazing teachers. I have grown in this community, and I have made many friends that encourage me to be myself and to grow. I feel like I am a better actor because of Greenleaf.

Isaac, who will be graduating this year, wrote:

I started performing in shows through Greenleaf in 2017. So many of the people that I’ve met and looked up to in Greenleaf have had a huge spiritual influence throughout all the time that I’ve participated in it. Between the caringness and encouragement that comes from directors and teachers, to the love and the trust that comes from all my friends and fellow castmates, every single person that I’ve encountered through Greenleaf has been incredibly influential and more than I ever deserve. The work that Greenleaf is doing throughout so many communities is very outgoing and selfless, and I’m so thankful to be part of this group of family and friends

Ruby, a long-time participant and staff member, said:

I started theatre here when I was 9 years old and I’ve loved it since! God has used my theatre experiences at Greenleaf for growth and encouragement in so many ways- playing improv games, putting together shows and musicals, performing- I love all of it! I have gained so much confidence and have grown closer in my relationship with God and my fellow actors. I’m so grateful for Greenleaf and all the amazing memories I’ll cherish forever!

Ryan, an improv student and a member of the Performance Drama Company shared:

“My first theatre class was the summer musical, The Prince of Egypt, in 2010 when I was 4. Before that, I had taken Kindermusik classes at Greenleaf, starting when I was only 18 months old! Greenleaf really holds up to its motto: The Place to Grow.” I’ve seen people, including myself, grow into their full potential and change into amazing people. For example, over years of Greenleaf influencing my life, I can now proudly say that I can talk to people without worry of saying something wrong or embarrassing myself [although I am introverted]. Also, Greenleaf’s community is completely unmatched in my eyes.

We’re so happy to learn how theatre has benefitted these students! If you want to experience this for yourself, consider taking our Theatre Essentials camp or an Adventures in Odyssey camp this summer. You can learn all about that here. Feel free to contact us with any questions!

WHY THEATRE? New Blog Series!

WHY THEATRE? New Blog Series!

by Maizie Ferguson and Sage Friedline

Since 1999, Greenleaf Performing Arts Academy has been “the place to grow.” Director Evi Wheeler’s original vision was “to serve students with excellent training in music, dance, and theatre, while providing a family-friendly environment and holistic Christian perspective on the arts,” an idea that has blossomed over the years, has created a rich community, and has been an abundant blessing to hundreds of families. 

One of Greenleaf’s treasured art forms is theatre. Why do we love theatre? Aside from scientific benefits, our families have found that theatre has encouraged their personal growth in community, empathy, and faith.

We recently surveyed Greenleaf students, asking how they’ve been impacted by their experience in theatre at our school. Over the next two weeks, we’ll be posting some of these results. Stay tuned!

Want to jump into theatre right now? Check out our 2022 Summer Camps here, and view our list of upcoming shows here!

Grand Opening: Greenleaf Cedar Creek!

Grand Opening: Greenleaf Cedar Creek!

We are so excited to announce the opening of our second location in Cedar Creek, Olathe!

Featuring two music classrooms, a drama + community room, and a sunny dance studio with soaring ceilings, this space is the perfect place for students to grow.

We are thrilled that this location will allow us to better serve Greenleaf families in West Olathe, Lenexa, Shawnee, DeSoto, and more!

To celebrate, we will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, June 29. Here are all the details:

  • June 29, 2019
  • 4pm-7pm
  • Greenleaf Cedar Creek: 1044 S. Green St. Olathe, KS 66061

Featuring…

  • Free 15-minute dance classes
  • Free 15-minute improv acting classes
  • Studio tour
  • Meet the teachers

“These short classes will be geared toward beginners and will give students a fun introduction to different styles of dance or a chance to try some improvisational acting. To participate, please wear easy to move in clothing and sign in at least five minutes before the session starts. If you have ballet or jazz shoes, that’s great! Otherwise, just bring a pair of socks.”

Check out the Facebook event page for more details! 

 

And don’t forget to review Greenleaf’s summer camps and classes at Cedar Creek: 

July 15-19

You Are My Sunshine (Music + Movement) | Ages 3-5

Take Flight (Ballet + Jazz) | Ages 5-9

Jewels Ballet Camp | Ages 9-14

Tapping Toes | Ages 6-12

Traveling Toes* | Ages 8-13

*for students who have had 2+ years tap instruction

July 8-12

Musical Theatre Revue Camp | Ages 7-12

July 22-27

Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. Theatre Camp** | Ages 13-17

**Auditions June 29

June 11-August 17

Private piano voice, guitar | All ages

Find more details about summer camps + registration here. We are looking forward to an exciting, educational summer together!

Embodied Education: Rhythm, Sensory Activity, and Language

Embodied Education: Rhythm, Sensory Activity, and Language

Throughout this blog series, we’ve looked at how embodied education can support your student in myriad ways, leading to improved behavior and better physical and mental health. For our parents of young students, we wanted to look today at how embodied education principles can even support early language development!

Rhythm + Beat

Studies are looking at the link between music and language. Interestingly, they are finding that both rhythm and beat are linked to language skill ability. In one study, researchers found that teenagers who struggled to maintain rhythm also tended to struggle in their language abilities. Dr. Kraus (of the Auditory Neuroscience Lab at Northwestern University) was involved with this study, and stated to BBC News that “in both speech and music, rhythm provides a temporal map with signposts to the most likely locations of meaningful input”¹. So, if your child develops a good grasp of rhythm, this will serve them well as they learn both language and music!

We can easily find the roots of the rhythm-language connection in early language development. Young children who are learning language are establishing “phonemic awareness”. This is an awareness that words, like beats, are discrete sounds. Music + movement and dance camps help children build these essential connections in a fun, accessible way.

Intentional Sensory Activities

Another way to support your child’s language development is by incorporating sensory activities. Experts have long been encouraging sensory activities for language learners because of how helpful movement is in developing language connections. In fact, “recent research demonstrates that similar brain areas are involved in constructing the meaning from linguistic and gestural input”².

So, when you constructively use gestures, there’s a good chance your gestures are helping your child make linguistic meanings, too. Intentional sensory activities can include everything from open-ended toys to music and movement dance and theater classes.

Are you interested in theater or dance camps for your child? If so, check out our Summer 2019 camps and classes to support your language learner. We now have offerings at both our Cedar Creek and South Olathe locations! Learn more here.

 

Sources:

¹https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-24124158

²https://www.mpi.nl/q-a/questions-and-answers/what-is-the-connection-between-movement-and-language