Hope & Wonder Theater Classes focus on learning and literacy through the theater arts. Our goal is to teach children about the wonder of make believe and ultimately to lead them to develop into intellectually curious, verbally spontaneous, and empathetic human beings. 

We proudly taught
Theater & Improv classes at

Hope & Wonder Theater classes seek to improve learning and literacy through the theater arts. We utilize Viola Spolin’s improvisation and Paul Sill’s story theater techniques to teach children the wonders of story telling, improvisation, shadow puppets, playwriting, public speaking, brain-storming, team work, and critical thinking skills.  

Hope & Wonder theater classes are all about the child. The children become co-creators in the process, giving them a sense of accomplishment. Our goal is not only to teach children about theater, but also to teach children empathy through character work. In this way we hope to create not only better students, but also  more empathetic citizens.

In our Improv classes students learn the basics of improvisation enhancing their impromptu speaking skills, listening skills, and team building skills.

Hope & Wonder Theater classes can also help children with ADHD and Dyslexia. Through rhyming exercises, classic theater games that utilize executive regulation, and good old-fashioned fun, children gain confidence and a sense of hope and wonder about their world.

ABOUT

Praise for Hope & Wonder Theater Classes

“Hope & Wonder Theater Classes have a been a wonderful addition to our Extra-classes at Hamilton Park Montessori School. The children really enjoy them.”
— Justine Daggett - Teacher/Coordinator of Extra Classes, Hamilton Park Montessori, Jersey City, NJ
“My son loved the class and he is interested in learning more about performing and expressed interest in us taking him to see some plays this summer as a result of Natalie’s classes. I heartily recommend her classes and her teachers!”
— Nilka Dunne - Mother of an 8 year old boy named Everett
“We had a great spring semester and Hope & Wonder Theater Classes were a big part of that.”
— Myrna Perez - After School Director at P.S. 5, Jersey City, NJ

CLASSES

BUILDING A CHARACTER

The class is designed for students to gain a deeper understanding of theatrical play by exploring either characters from classic folk tales such as Chicken Little or co-creating original stories. By defining who they are, what they do, and how other characters relate to them, students get the opportunity to learn acting in a hands on way. We utilize Story Theater tradition and with minimal props and sets, students discover how to create a character using their faces, bodies, and voices. The students experience the character's point of view. In every sense they get a chance to walk in another person's shoes and have tremendous fun doing it!

Ultimately this class helps to increase attention span, enhance language skills and build self confidence.

Grades: K-2nd or 3rd-5th

TELL ME A STORY

Students learn to tell their own original stories in a theatrical format.  Through writing exercises paired with improvisations designed to help students get in touch with their own creativity students write original plays and one person shows to be performed in front of an audience. Students participate in all aspects of creation, from character development, to script writing, to scenic creation.

Grades: 9th- -12th

THEATER GAMES & IMPROV

This class is for kids who want to act by improvising. These students want the quick wit of comedians on stage. They want guidance and support to really learn improv skill. We teach these skills using theater games and improvisation techniques. The class is loosely based on Viola Spolin’s book “Improvisation for the Theater.” Students will learn the basics of comedy improvisation and they’ll enhance their impromptu speaking skills, listening skills, and even team building skills.

Grades: 3rd -6th or 9th-12th

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