Performing arts and theatre arts projects allow youth to creatively express themselves while gaining confidence in themselves and experience presenting in front of an audience. These project areas include clowning, dance, drama, stage production, musical performance, and other expressive performance fields.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Develop an appreciation for the talents of one’s self and others
- Determine appropriate goals for a performing arts or theatre arts project
- Participate in activities in communication, improvisation, pantomime, script writing, and more
- Learn elements and power of non-verbal communication
- Practice script writing, designing, and directing, depending on the youth’s interests
- Learn an understanding of cultural and historical influences on theatre arts
- Develop technical theatre design skills in one’s chosen area
4-H Theatre Arts Curriculum
Available from the Extension office or online.
Theatre Arts – Imagination in Action Level 1: Beginner
This curriculum opens the world of theatre to youth with exciting activities at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, this revised 4-H curriculum will help youth understand the power of non-verbal communication, improvisation, pantomime, script writing, cultural and historical influences, stage design, and costume design. Life skills and workforce development concepts are woven throughout the curriculum, as youth master more sophisticated theatre techniques and ideas.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
Getting to the Point: How to do a 4-H Public Presentation
Tips for demonstrations, illustrated talks, presentations, and how to get your message across.
For adult helpers and club leaders
To be used to judge public presentations in 4-H contests.
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
Drama Games and Theatre Activities
Here is a huge list of drama games and theatre activities that are perfect for teaching drama to kids and teens. Use in your classroom or drama club as warm-ups, ice breakers, or as as fun activities to start any class!
Washington Specific Reference Material
Washington Youth Arts Leadership Program
The Washington Youth Arts Leadership (WAYAL) Program is a yearly cohort of youth and young adults (ages 16-19) from across Washington State. Arts leaders in the program explore the arts and cultural field, creative careers, and related policy. Youth leaders participate in shared decision making and receive a stipend for their time and input.
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
Performing Arts Leader Guide – 4-H Canada, Alberta (PDF)
Texas 4-H Explore: Theater & Performance Arts, Act 1 (PDF)
This is 4-H: Performing Arts (YouTube video)
Your Guide to Success in the 4-H Performing Arts Project – Johnson County, Kansas 4-H (PDF)
National 4-H History Preservation Program: 4-H Plays, Skits and Drama
Offers an historical perspective on plays written and performed to reflect the values of 4-H and to recruit new families to the program. Includes a list of play titles and their summaries as well as information on if the play’s script is available.
From Higher Education Institutions
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
Educational Theatre Association Learning Center Curriculum Framework
Includes project and exhibit ideas.
- Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H
National 4-H Communications and Public Speaking Curriculum Collection