Scary equals Successful at the Players Workshop

It was Sept. 29, but the approach of the spooky Halloween season provided the perfect theme for the second Discovery Theatre Workshop at the Wimberley Playhouse. Students aged 10 to 14 were introduced to the process of playmaking and improvisation while building confidence and camaraderie.

The day began with the group seated around a make-believe campfire in the lobby of the theatre. They were invited to take turns introducing themselves and demonstrating through pantomime and improv a “thing” or item they might bring to an imaginary scary party. From there, with lobby lights alternately off and on, participants learned how suspense and tension and special effects can help create exciting theatre. “Feeling someone bump into you in the dark is a good way to demonstrate scariness, when you don’t know who it is!” said one.

The all-day event was lead once again by Monica Michell and Laura Haygood, both semi-retired theatre and theatre education professionals who also donated their energies to the inaugural workshop, held last spring.

“It was thrilling that enrollment virtually doubled, and we had several returning students as well as newcomers,” Monica said. “Each workshop has new activities built around its theme. Then it’s all about finding your voice, creative expression and having fun!”

Working in groups, the budding playwrights/actors devised scenes that could be translated later into a short performance. Next the action moved from the lobby onto the elaborate stage set for the Players’ Born Yesterday performances. “This is so cool!” was heard several times as the group opened and closed doors, tested seating, bounded up and down stairs and ventured back stage.

When families returned to see the work in progress at the end of the day, the students’ original scenes unfolded to applause from parents, siblings and friends. An audience talkback followed. When asked why this group was all girls, Laura said with a grin, “We talked about that and decided the boys were too scared to come!”

As for the day’s favorite activity, a student responded, “I liked the collaboration. Usually when you have small groups, one person sort of takes over. But this time, everybody’s ideas got heard.”

The concept of the discovery workshops is learning to share ideas and participate in a safe and supportive environment. Monica added, “Theatre offers so many magical possibilities, and our goal is to help young people explore them.”

Volunteer Sissi Baskin assisted the leaders throughout the day. Snacks were provided by Vittles’ Tiffany Paul, also a member of the Wimberley Players.

Please check wimberleyplayers.org in the spring for next workshop information.