Nashville Children’s Theatre Drama School
As families continue to adjust to last month’s “Safer at Home” order from Metro government, parents may be struggling to find ways to keep kids engaged and entertained. Fortunately, the Nashville arts community has stepped up in a big way, adapting existing programs and developing new content for online use.
“One of the things I love most about theater artists is that they’re creative problem solvers,” says Ernie Nolan, executive artistic director at Nashville Children’s Theatre. “We’re used to responding to changes and limitations in a positive manner, and I’m so proud of what our education team has been able to put together. It won’t ever replace the magic that happens in our own building, but we’re embracing the possibilities and redefining the ways in which we can serve our community.”
One of those ways is through online classes. The NCT Drama School is now offering several interactive classes for children ages 3 to 18, and it will continue to add new options as long as schools remain closed. Online classes include drama activities designed to spark the imagination and develop “actor’s toolbox” skills, such as movement and voice. Following each session, students also learn a couple of at-home activities, which they can do at their own pace.
“We’ve also created a series of two-minute ‘drama breaks,’ which we’re posting online,” Nolan says. “They’re just quick games and activities that incorporate movement and imagination. It’s a great way to take a break from schoolwork or screen time, and kids can enjoy them once or repeat throughout the day.”
Individual artists are also responding with creative ideas. Ginny Shockley has developed a four-week “Digital Drama” supplement for homeschoolers that covers everything from musical theater to comedy and improv. Each week, families receive five lessons, which include a video introduction and corresponding materials and activities. Lessons can be adapted to meet different schedules and age groups, with classes lasting 30 to 90 minutes.
“I wanted to make this as easy as possible for parents,” says Shockley, an independent teaching artist who works with Metro Parks and Recreation, the Franklin School of Performing Arts and Scales Elementary School. “Lessons can be broken down by age group, and tuition is $20 per household. So for families with kids at different levels, they’re able to organize accordingly.”
For families looking for more informal options, David Wilkerson has introduced a free YouTube series titled Corona Combat: Rapier Edition. The classes, which generally run about 15 minutes, cover the basics of rapier fighting and offer a great way for older kids — or even adults — to stay active.
“With so much uncertainty out there, I wanted to put something together that would be fun and just get people moving,” says Wilkerson, a respected actor/director/fight choreographer and lecturer at MTSU. “It’s really straightforward — you don’t need any stage experience, and you don’t actually need a rapier. You can just grab a yardstick or even a regular stick from the yard and you’re set. I’ve heard from a lot of parents and teachers, and response has been really positive. It’s a fun way to stay busy, pick up a new skill and blow off some steam — and that’s something we can all use right now.”
Jenna Pryor
Of course, younger kids need a break too. Jenna Pryor has been booking personalized, in-character princess videos for little ones. (Check her out on Instagram at @thenashvilleprincess.) The actor — who regularly performs at Chaffin’s Barn and has been doing children’s princess parties for six years — can customize videos to include birthday greetings, story times, songs and more.
“It’s a confusing time for little ones, with so much of their routine disrupted,” says Pryor. “And it’s especially disappointing for those forced to cancel birthday parties or Disney trips. So I’m happy to bring a little magic into their day. I talk with parents first, so I can customize my message. And because it’s on video, the kids are able to watch over and over again. It’s a nice way for families to connect.”
And connection is what it’s all about for Cori Anne Laemmel, artistic director of The Theater Bug — a youth arts program known for tackling important social issues. The Bug is currently putting together Quaranteened, an original virtual musical for writers and actors ages 13 to 19.
“I think social distancing is particularly tough for teens — so much of their world is wrapped up in school activities and friends,” Laemmel says. “So we wanted to provide an outlet for them.”
At the end of March, The Theater Bug invited teens to submit scenes, songs and monologues that center on “the teen experience of the current social distancing/quarantine culture.” Script development and casting will be directed remotely, with actors self-taping scenes and songs. Those pieces will then be edited together to create the final product, which should be available for download later this month.
“Art has the power to bring people together — even if just remotely,” Laemmel adds. “Kids have big, important things to say, and I’m thrilled that we can make sure those voices are heard.”
