Bet Shalom Brings Drama Kids International to Hopkins

Bet Shalom Congregation hosts Drama Kids International every Tuesday evening beginning in October 2012.  Elementary school age developmental classes are open to the public.  

In a childhood that is increasingly spent with technology in front of screens, Bet Shalom Congregation is bringing the programming of Drama Kids International to Minnetonka and Hopkins Minnesota to kelp kids gain new skills in public speaking.  The new program is changing the “scene” of traditional drama programs.  

“The ability for children to practice public speaking is increasingly limited and yet it is a critical skill for success in their future,” said Executive Director, Flora Delaney.   

Bet Shalom is offering the unique program that does not so much focus on improving its students’ memorization and acting abilities as building confidence and self-esteem for any situation where they will need to speak in front of a group and think on their feet. The program combines improvisation, tongue twisters, mime techniques, scene creation and songs into an active hour program each week.  The Drama Kids curriculum utilizes fun, creative and interactive activities that aim to improve communication skills and build confidence and self-esteem.  Drama Kids maintains that drama is a fundamental part of education that teaches children to speak out clearly and relate confidently with peers. In a classroom environment, these skills improve a child’s ability to give book reports, speeches and actively participate in group projects. 

Drama Kids International is the largest after-school drama program in the world, with more than 40,000 students currently enrolled at 1,000 plus locations both in the United States and internationally. Its copyrighted curriculum features original, creative lessons with a built-in advancing scale of language development that enables students of different ages and abilities to relate to the program and progress at a their own rate.  Its curriculum differs significantly from traditional drama programs, with an emphasis on activities that focus on verbal dynamics, creative movement and dialogue development.

“At Drama Kids, children have fun learning important communication skills they will need to succeed in life,” said Delaney, who owns and operates Drama Kids of Hennepin County.  “The skills they learn in our program give them the confidence they need for basic activities required at school, in church or just interacting with teammates.  To me, the definition of a `quality after-school enrichment program’ is something that maximizes what is taught during regular school hours, yet be so enjoyable that children don’t even realize they’re learning. Drama Kids fits that mold perfectly.” 

Drama Kids offers age-appropriate classes for students age 5 through 12 years old. The classes start October 2 and meet once each week for one hour in the multi-purpose room.  The program is designed to allow new enrollment throughout the year, space permitting. Drama Kids also offers Summer Camps and an In School program that brings its innovative curriculum directly into the classroom.

“The bottom line is that the Drama Kids curriculum will enhance a child’s academic experience,” Delaney said. “Parents need peace of mind that after the school day ends, their children are involved in valuable activities that enrich their learning. With Drama Kids, they get that. We use proven, fun drama activities to focus the bold, outspoken child, and to draw out the quiet child, helping them reach into themselves and discover their full potential.” 

About Drama Kids 

For more information about Drama Kids and to enroll in classes at Bet Shalom, check out www.facebook.com/DramaKidsHennepin or www.DramaKids.com/MN2