4-H Performing Arts and Theatre Arts

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.

Theatre Arts – Imagination in Action Level 2:  Intermediate

Theatre Arts – Imagination in Action Level 3:  Advanced

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

Judging Public Presentations

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)

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.

Classics for Kids – Cincinnati Public Radio

Classical music educational resources and activities for kids from Cincinnati’s 90.9 WGUC, Cincinnati Public Radio.

National Theatre YouTube Channel

At the National Theatre in London, we make world-class theatre that is entertaining, challenging and inspiring. And we make it for everyone.  National Theatre Live is National Theatre’s ground-breaking project to broadcast the best of British theatre to cinemas in the UK and internationally.

Note that the National Theatre produces a large variety of productions, classical and contemporary, and not all of them may be appropriate for all ages.  Their productions feature professionals at the top of their careers and are excellent examples of what theatre can be when incredible talent combines their skills.  Leaders and adult helpers may want to screen videos before sharing to make sure they are suitable for the ages and interests of youth in their audience.