Opportunities for the Silly
By Melissa Brenner
If you're looking for a place where your dramatic child can create scenes and participate in games and activities that will encourage them to think off the top of their heads then IMPROV might be your answer. Improv is great for the creative kid who is looking for an outlet for their acting skills. My name is Melissa Brenner and I've been providing improv classes and camps for children and adults over the last 2 years. My motto is “Show Up. Be Fearless. Have Fun!” Improv encourages kids (and adults) to think spontaneously in a positive environment where one can only “fail spectacularly.” We play games that encourage teamwork and have a lot of fun.
I am a former preschool teacher and early childhood director of training for Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Masters in Early Childhood Education. I’m a member of Screen Actors Guild and have worked on various film and television projects in the Baltimore-Washington-Philadelphia area. I’m also the mother of three children ages 10 to 14. I continue to participate in local community theater but it can be difficult with 3 kids at home. I decided to create an improv group for my adult theatre friends where I could play without committing to “a play.” A few months later several kids and young adults approached me with the idea of doing some Improv for younger people. “Off the cuff kids” was born and FIRST STATE IMPROV became a business last year. I’ve provided many improv camps, classes, homeschool series and many other opportunities for kids and adults in the community to participate in Improv.
Improv is not only fun but there are valuable skills to be learned in participating in these spontaneous and creative exercises. It forces you to think outside of the box and react in ways that you might not ordinarily. Kids and adults who participate in improv are fearless and funny and they have a great time playing with one another in a safe non-judgmental atmosphere. Improv can be used in schools and other places where it is important for kids and adults to be team players and work in a positive manner with one another.
These upcoming classes are scheduled at THE ROCKSHOP PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 3395 South Dupont Highway, Camden, DE (next door to B&B Music and Sound). To register please email melissabrenner9@gmail.com or call 302-359-8088. All class sizes are limited so you must reserve your spot.
*Camp for Kids 8 and up begins June 25th and ends on June 29th. Camp will meet Monday through Friday, 4:00-6:00. The cost is $60.
*Weekday Improv for kids that are homeschooled (ages 7 and up) begins on May 7th. This class will meet Monday’s from 12:30 until 2:00 on May 7th, 14, and 21st and the cost is $30.
*FOR ONE DAY ONLY: “Peewee Improv” is for 3 to 7 year olds who enjoy being silly and would like to perform on stage. Cost is $5.
*For very young children, 16 months to 6, there is “Giggle School.” We will meet each week, May 7, 14, and 21, 11:00-12:00. We start with a traditional Circle time where we sing theme related songs. Using books, puppets and other props I introduce topics in a fun, interactive way. The children have a chance to play with age-appropriate materials. The goal is for kids to take turns and participate and activities that encourage social and cognitive development. The cost is $12 for this series.
Finally, don’t miss FREE GIGGLES AT THE ROCKSHOP on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00. This fun, interactive show is great for young children ages 0 to 6.
Join the First State Improv Facebook Group for details on upcoming fun!
