|
|
|
"Works well with others" is one of the first criteria we are evaluated on as young children- and throughout life it remains a critical factor in determining the success of our endeavors. Team efforts, partnerships and group events come together or fall apart, depending on the cooperative learning skills of the participants (including compromise, trust, listening skills, group problem solving and collaboration). Theater productions are a team effort, so they provide an excellent laboratory for developing cooperative learning skills. Magical Rain Theaterworks uses ensemble building in its rehearsals and workshops, emphasizing group movements, sound and improvisations (as opposed to putting a spotlight on individual stars). This style of theater makes cooperative learning a must. Magical Rain's blacklight student productions provide an intensive experience of cooperative learning. In two to five days of rehearsals, a group of participants learns to become a team, supporting one another in pursuit of a common dream. The end result (a choreographed ensemble production with expressive movements, special effects and a well told story) is only possible if 100% of the ensemble pulls together with a strong spirit and a solid focus. The process to get there can be both fun and tough - but seeing it all come together is a great reward for all involved. The students walk away with a conscious sense that they have gained a skill that will last beyond the experience of the play. They have a tangible experience to demonstrate that problems can be solved, disagreements can be reconciled, and people who have never worked together before can pull together for a common goal. On a smaller scale, the same ensemble theater training is provided in our Anima workshops. Many of the exercises are team drills and contests, where the group is rewarded for their performance as a whole. The lesson here is that there are real rewards for cooperation and collaboration, both in theater and in life. |
 |
 |
|
 |
| "You've done an impressive job with a challenging group of kids. I am impressed
with your ability to use that raw energy and turn it to creative expression. I witnessed a lot of growth. You had
students up and acting that had only wanted to watch. You had groups problem solving and working cooperatively."
- Eva Kendrick, Vine St. Alternative School,
Kalamazoo, MI "Your activities really set the stage for the youth to help them understand the risks, responsibility and joy that are part of contributing to the community: As the night progressed we went on to discuss visions and goals both personal and global." - Janet Jones, City of Kalamazoo Recreation, Leisure and Cultural Services |
| Diversity | Emotional Intelligence | Cooperative Learning | Customer Responses | Press |
