Theatre for teenagers

Theatre for teenagers

The Theatre for teenagers course at Pionirski dom divides participants by age into relatively homogeneous groups led by a team of leaders. The common aims of all youth theatre groups at Pionirski dom are:
• Relaxed creative activity in the company of peers.
• Creation of a safe, trust-filled environment that allows various forms of expression.
• Development of the imagination.
• Games and exercises to help master the basics of theatre (use of the body, vocal apparatus, inhabiting different characters, stage orientation, acting in a group, pair or individually, expressing emotions, etc.).
• Creative problem-solving.
• Cohesion of the group and cooperation with different individuals.
• Reducing stage fright and gaining performance experience.
• Clear expression and formulation of ideas.
• Various forms of communication (verbal and non-verbal).
• Fun.

The aims of the Theatre for teenagers course are similar for all age groups, although the work in different age groups differs in terms of the content of the scenes. When working with adolescents, leaders focus on establishing relationships (both onstage and within the group), reflecting on various topics and issues facing young people, and confronting one’s own body. A key tool of theatre education is improvisation, which allows for different formats through which young participants test themselves in various areas and build a range of skills. The emphasis is on accepting mistakes as a key part of development and the process. Each theatre group prepares at least one performance per year (usually two – one halfway through the year and one at the end of the school year), where they present their creations to parents, relatives, and friends.