Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble

Kids Project: Philosophy

In our Kids Project classes, we use children’s literature as a vehicle to teach young students performing and visual art skills. Our process-oriented classes engage children and build on each child’s personality and inherent talents. By working to meet achievable goals, students become more self-confident, and begin to creatively explore more complex applications of new skills.

Theatre and Movement Classes

After reading specifically selected written works, children are asked questions about character, setting and author’s voice. Through a series of exercises, they deepen their understanding of the literature by acting out the stories, using tools from both acting and movement. All children are asked to play several different roles within the workshop of one story. To promote self-reliance, we ask open ended questions such as, “Why did the character do that?” or “What would you do if you were that character?” to help students think critically.

Moving beyond specific literary works, students may be asked to find movement and voices for inanimate objects such as colors, flowers and pencils, or to draw how anger or happiness might look. Older students improvise short scenes about their lives or hypothetical situations. Through these exercises, students begin to open their minds to more creative and independent thinking.

Visual Art

Using not only children’s literature but also famous works of art, our lesson plans are designed to allow children to express themselves through a variety of media. We allow children to work at their own pace while guiding them to complete projects. Projects include learning about artists and creating work in their style or images, exploring art from around the world, and personal exploration through collage type projects.

About Kids Project Kids Project Artists School Programs & Performances