Inner-west theatre company Wit Incorporated will hold weekly drama classes at Braybrook Community Hub from February 1 for a cost of $20 a term.
Artistic director Belinda Campbell, who designed and will deliver the Wit Kids Braybrook program for children aged five to 12, says that having space to create, pretend and socialise in a supportive environment is an important part of children’s development and learning.
“There’s a level of camaraderie and closeness that’s necessary in drama class that the children don’t experience in many other places,” she said. “Sport is competitive, school is about grades, but in drama class we all work together to create stories.”
Classes will include vocal and physical warm-ups and games, theatre sports, mime, improvisation, storytelling and script work.
Ms Campbell, who has a performing arts degree from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art, has taught at Melton council’s children’s drama workshops since 2014.
She said drama provided support for every aspect of children’s lives. “Literacy, communication, physical fitness, emotional release, social skills, confidence, co-operation – the list goes on and on,” she said.
The classes, subsidised by Maribyrnong council, will be held on Monday and Friday in two age groups – five to eight-year-olds from 3.45-4.45pm, and nine to 12-year-olds from 5-6pm. Details: www.witinc.com.au/wit-kids
