|
|
  |
Emotional Intelligence provides the foundation for a full and meaningful life. Conflict resolution, team performance and individual confidence are all aided by the development of emotional vocabulary and skills. In theater, performers are trained to guide, control and express emotions effectively. Magical Rain Theaterworks uses techniques from theater training to help students recognize, analyze and share their emotions in a creative and safe environment. In our Anima theater arts workshop, students learn through mime and vocal exercises to express and identify different emotions. They then analyze further how subtle changes in gesture or intonation influence the emotional messages that are being sent. Role plays of situations/ life choices (that can be "rewound" and changed) are used to help students think about how different choices can lead to different results. Other exercises require students to "freeze" and hold poses for as long as they can, testing concentration and emotional control. In our Life Mapping workshop, students create symbolic maps of events in their lives, and then share stories from the maps with each other. Creating the maps helps them to interpret and express emotional experiences in an imaginative and positive way. Sharing the maps teaches them the proper protocol and etiquette for listening to and respecting the emotional experiences of others. Our production of "The Hero's Heart" displays a full range of the emotional repertoire of a true hero: compassion, self-sacrifice, courage, perseverance, humility and integrity. Stories from throughout the world are chosen for this show because of the character traits they illustrate. Each of our productions contain portrayals of emotional dilemmas and situations that stimulate curiosity and discussion about emotional choices. When possible, we enjoy having post-show discussions with our audiences, to help them go deeper into the emotions, lessons and messages from the stories. |
  |
| "You've inspired the children to use their senses not only to feel, to see and
to hear, but also to think, and to retain messages." - Teresa Lamarr, Coordinator, Burton Elementary Summer Migrant Program, Grand Rapids, MI "The magic of theater is a wonderful vehicle for introducing conflict resolution concepts, and Ike and Dan are effective guides. I would highly recommend Magical Rain Theaterworks to those interested in exploring the power and delight of theater to engage children in seeing for themselves the choices that can occur in moments of conflict." - Robin Pollins, member of "Kids & Conflict" committee, Kalamazoo, MI |
||
| Diversity | Emotional Intelligence | Cooperative Learning | Customer Responses | Press |
