DM Playhouse to Offer Winter Break Theatre Workshops, 12/23-31

For young people who love theatre, the Des Moines Community Playhouse is holding five days of workshops over winter break. Students in grades 1-6 will have opportunities to explore different aspects of the theatre, including movement, improvisation, and even Shakespeare. Students in grades 7-12 will have a unique opportunity to work with Playhouse professionals to receive technical theatre certification. Workshops are 9:00 AM-4:00 PM daily, Dec. 23, 26, 27, 30, and 31. Before and after care are available. For registration and more information, contact The Playhouse education department at 515-974-5365 or visit dmplayhouse.com.

It's "I HeArt Theatre" for grades 1-2. Young theatre students will have a day of special theatre activities all introduced through play and exploration. Days are themed to various aspects of the theatre, including movement (Shake Your Sillies Out on Dec. 23), scenic design (Build It Bigger on Dec. 27), and music (Disney Singing on Dec. 30). Students can come for one day or all five! There will be a brief show-and-share for parents at the end of each day.

Students in grades 3-6 will participate in I Geek Theatre. Young people will come to the theatre and immerse themselves in a complete day of specialized instruction, including pantomime (Dec. 23), stage craft (Dec. 27), and Shakespeare for Beginners (Dec. 31). Students can come for one day or all five! There will be a brief show-and-share for parents at the end of each day.

Students in grades 7-12 can participate in The Playhouse's PIP (pre-intern program) workshop. During winter break, Dec. 23, 26-27, and 30, PIPs will work with Playhouse designers Tim Wisgerhof, Angela Lampe, and Kevin Shelby as well as Nathan Coon, Mainstage technical director, to receive technical certification. Teens will learn backstage skills including basic carpentry, painting, sewing, and lighting techniques, in addition to practicing the responsibilities associated with a variety of run crew positions. Over lunch, teens will pick the brains of guest directors, stage managers and designers. Emphasis is placed on establishing safe, effective ways to perform successfully behind-the-scenes through hands-on experience, problem-solving games, and collaboration.

The Playhouse is Iowa's oldest and largest producing theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For more information on the Winter Break workshops, winter classes, and other Playhouse educational offerings, contact The Playhouse education department at 515-974-5365. Workshop registration is available online at dmplayhouse.com.