“Bullying” is getting a lot of press these days despite the fact that children have always dealt with teasing and humiliation. What factors in our present day are contributing to this epidemic? Is stress and the over-usage of technology, detaching us from our bodies and empathetic emotions? How can we banish “bullying” with full-force, in the same way that the nation addressed the childhood obesity issue? Improvisation, role-playing and theater games can help stem this wave through the creative engagement of teachers, students and parents. Active listening and the focusing of attention on (the Other) is a non-invasive technique to help deal with stressful situations and even, potentially, turn them around! Girls and boys can unleash their own “hero” to deal more effectively with the circumstances that confront them. Imagine diffusing a perceived threat by acting unexpectedly with humor or compassion? These skills are worth developing and theater provides the playground to exercise these muscles. As a student of Alan Arkin, noted director and actor, I have explored this type of improvisation with parents, teachers, children, and college students. My background includes a M.S. in Education & Theater from S.U.N.Y. New Paltz, work as a Recreation Therapist at Harlem Valley Psychiatric Hospital, and Child Protective interventions as a caseworker in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. If you have an Artist-in-Residence program, a PTA or Arts Council Grant and would like to schedule a workshop, either one time or on-goingly, please contact:
Elyse April
928-710-5983
[email protected]
