By Peter, Thailand
During the Renewal we had the blessing of being able to organize a special drama articulation workshop for a group of teens and adults. For two days, Denise, a professional trainer came in and worked with us, showing us how to better project ourselves using our voice, eyes, body language, and overall stage presence. Denise was able to give us a lot of fresh input and ideas on exercises and games to use with an audience, to inspire teaching and make learning fun.
On the first day we learned how to command attention and control crowds with simple exercises; how to use ice-breakers and make introductions easy for all; how to create a tableau to make presentations/skits more attractive; how to make use of team members in a story-as props, and as background support; how to create stories and use simple props-masks, hats, cloth.
There was so much to learn, but Denise made it easy and fun. We worked in teams, and it was inspiring to see even the shy ones coming out of their shells and trying their best.
On the second day the focus was on personal presentations. First off, we all learned the skill of listening. Then, we learned the different kinds of speeches and the basics of making a speech. At the end of the day, everyone had to play the part of a professional, including dressing up to look the part, making a personal presentation before an important audience. It was scary for most to stand before their peers to present their opinions on homeschooling, communal living, or selling Activated subscriptions, seek out sponsorships and explaining our cause.
To see even the youngest teen participants project their speeches with conviction was reward enough that the workshop was worth every bit of sweat, brainwork, and creative energy that had to be put out.
We closed our two-day course with a graduation party with dancing, fun games, and some hilarious participation from our now-enthusiastic budding starlets. We were all so glad for the way the Lord worked out such a fun learning/skills experience for us that all generations could participate in together.-It was renewing!
Courtesy of Kidland 57
