Superheroes win the day at Wimberley Playhouse

How about those young people glued to their smartphones – do they have any idea what’s going on in the world?

The Wimberley Players give that question a resounding “yes!” A group of energetic 10-to-14 year olds spent a recent Saturday at the Players’ third Discovery Theatre Workshop. They proved beyond a doubt that they are aware, alert and ready to solve problems.

Led by theatre experts Monica Michell and Laura Haygood, the kids responded enthusiastically to the theme, Spring into Action: Discover your Inner Superhero. And took the theme even further.

This workshop, like two previous sessions, was designed to help young people discover live theatre by creating their own original performance, or as their mentors call it, a work in progress. “Our goal is to create an atmosphere of openness that encourages the children to share ideas that are important to them,” Monica said. “The theme gives us a starting point, but we try to be flexible. Creative ideas come thick and fast from these students.”

The full day session began with stories, games and exercises that included movement and sounds to illustrate an idea, usually in pairs or groups. An early discussion centered on a superhero’s characteristics, i.e., what makes a hero “super?” Suggestions included: helpful to others, doing good works, makes the world better, may conceal identity and may have a side kick. And what situations might call for a superhero’s extra powers? Without missing a beat, the students called out answers: discrimination, addiction, pollution, basic needs like water and shelter, lies or deceptions, depression.

Then one student said “I think we should talk about antiheroes, too!”

When asked how an antihero differs from a villain, several hands shot up. “A villain does something bad, probably against the hero, or just because he or she wants to do it. An antihero does something bad or illegal but has good intentions, sort of a chaotic good.” Another student said, “Yes, the antihero wants to be like the hero, but feels like he’s in a morally gray zone.”

After a lunch break, the kids developed this idea as a theatre piece: A hero wants to preserve a forest. The antihero wants to cut trees to build houses for poor people. Conflict! Then the superhero arrives with a solution: cut down a section of trees for houses and plant a larger area with new trees to expand the forest.

Imagination in developing theatre skills is a key ingredient of the workshops. The students were given basic materials to create a superhero costume. Three large white shower curtains were cut as they requested for creating a tunic, a headband, a belt, a cloud hat—whatever worked for the character they would portray. Color markers and pipe cleaners were also available.

Working on the set that was under construction for the Players’ upcoming production, the kids improvised dialogue and action for four scenes. Lighting was managed by executive producer Adam Witko. At the end of the afternoon, they were ready to perform for families and friends, earning a well-deserved standing ovation from their audience.

To receive information on the next Discovery Theatre Workshop, parents may contact the Wimberley Players box office at 512-847-0575.