Why Theater?
The benefits of theater go well beyond what you’d imagine. Performing on stage is a creative activity that builds self esteem and poise, but what you learn along the way is equally important.
At Lights, Camera, Acting! we have fun while developing the following skills:
- cooperation and teamwork
- self control
- goal setting and focus
- empathy for others
- communication skills
People with these characteristics have a presence, and others naturally look to them for leadership. With this gift, you will become a stronger person who can accomplish just about anything you set your mind to.
And, theatre has that extra something you don’t find often enough in life– imagination. Albert Einstein once said that, “Imagination is more important than knowledge” and he certainly proved that to be true! So why are so few of the things we and our children do rooted in imagination?
The theater offers this imaginative ability to tell a story with our voice and our bodies, to travel to another time and place, and to be another person. We get to step outside of our daily routine and express ourselves in different ways. The wall flower is suddenly the class clown, and the one who never speaks up is the center of attention. We move in new ways, use our voices differently, and have more fun than we usually do.
Why choose this particular program — Lights, Camera, Acting! Theater Fun for Everyone?
In our classes, we will definitely discuss and learn theater skills, but getting a part in a soap opera or on a commercial is not the primary objective. The purpose of taking part in this program is to have an experience with theater that teaches us about ourselves and all of the things that we can accomplish.
In class, we’ll play theater games, practice improvisation, and have tons of fun. In some of our classes, we’ll also get ready for a production that we have completely created as a class. From the costumes, to the set, to the acting itself, everyone has a hand in it all. Throughout the year, we offer many different programs that will appeal to children and adults with lots of different interests.
Not everyone that takes part in this program will want to become a professional actor. In fact most won’t. We’re not here to create the next Meryl Streep or Tom Hanks, we’re just here to have fun!
About Me — Aviva Meyrowitz
I’ve been involved in theater and education for twelve years and there’s a reason I feel so passionately about Lights, Camera, Acting! Theater Fun for Everyone. I was extremely shy and introverted when I was younger. My parents sent me to a speech therapist because I barely even opened my mouth when I spoke. Then, I made a spontaneous decision at summer camp that changed my whole life. I got up on the stage at talent night and sang “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. To this day I have no idea why I did that (and I was probably awful) but the way I felt afterward was something I’ll never forget. If I could do that, I could do anything!
I received a B.A. in theater arts and an M.A. in Education from Rutgers University and acted in small theatres and independent films in New York City. But during every class I took, every play I did, and every scene I shot, I imagined creating a fun and accepting environment for others to gain confidence and experience too. I’ve taught children’s theater classes, run theater programs at summer camps, and worked with up-and-coming stars of all ages. Lights, Camera, Acting is the fulfillment of a dream, and I hope you and your family will join us in becoming the best we can be!