The Acting Out Playhouse builds life skills, one scene at a time

WARWICK — The Acting Out Playhouse in Warwick opened its doors with a pilot program during the summer of last year. A recent highlight of this year’s Children Summer Series was the production, “Once On This Island, Junior.” Artistic director and former elementary and special education school teacher, Terry Odell, described The Acting Out Playhouse as “Colorful and full of life, changing all the time to meet the needs of students and their performances.” The Playhouse is designed to help develop confidence and the communication skills children need in every aspect of their lives while teaching age appropriate theatre skills. The supportive and nurturing environment at The Acting Out Playhouse encourages risk taking and helps foster individual strengths. Classes encompass educational strategies and techniques to teach and reinforce gross, fine, verbal and listening skills, while encouraging creativity, trust in self and others, sharing, generosity and the use of imagination. “Although we are a non-competitive school, we strive for excellence and personal best,” Odell said. The Acting Out Playhouse offers a multitude of classes including Parent/Child Wee Act Out, for children ages 2-4, and Music Together, an intercultural folk music program, aimed at children ages 2-4. Specific workshops for children in grades K-1 and grades 2-3 are offered, emphasizing acting techniques, terminology, costumes, pantomime and improvisation, Broadway songs and choreography. Students in grades 4-8 can enroll in the Star Kidz class, a simulated “American Idol” program culminating with a concert and a possible trip to a professional recording studio. A costume design class for 4-8 graders is planned, as well as Kid Prov and Scene Study classes for 4-8 grade students. Scout troops are invited to spend time at The Acting Out Playhouse to earn Scout theatre badges. An Adult Improv Class is offered, which helps build life skills, and helps unlock your “Inner Actor.” The Acting Out Playhouse is located at 6 High St., at the old Firehouse, formerly Lovey’s Restaurant, in the village of Warwick. Its instructors and technicians include Eilleen Gagliano, Ted Odell, Freddie Maas, Carrie Garloch and Dave Garloch. For more information on any of the workshops offered, call 986-2629 or e-mail act1@warwick.net. Registration dates are Aug. 20 through Sept. 8. Call for a registration form or print one via www.theactingoutplayhouse.com.