Purple Arts Production’s Children Drama Workshop commenced on July 2 and will run until August 28, with over 20 children learning the various skills in drama.
The workshop teaches skills such as costume and stage management, playwriting, directing, acting and property or props management to children between the ages of 9 to 16. The venue is the Theatre Guild Playhouse in Kingston.
Purple Arts Production Founder Simone Dowding noted that owing to COVID, the company did not host the class for two years. “Purple Arts Production is a company that works primarily with children teaching them the basics of drama… This is actually the 9th workshop. It would have been the 11th had it not been for COVID,” Simone said.
She said a small fee is required and the workshop not only teaches drama, but is also a form of therapy for children. It helps to build self-esteem, so that a firm foundation can be initially set. They are also taught other life skills.
“These children will also be taught how to manage the art of listening, stage breathing and stage geography, along with bits or poetry and open words,” she related.
“At the end of the workshop we have the grand production ‘Emerge’… The children will participate in a grand concert which will consist of plays, poetry and spoken words.”
Simone said although a certificate is not issued at the end of the class, the children have the skills and discipline of drama which are of importance.
She also noted that based on the training, the children are usually asked to perform in advertisements and other plays for noble institutions, and that’s where a recommendation from the company becomes necessary.
Parents who are interested in the workshop for their children can contact telephone numbers, 223-9495 or 685-0743.
