Acting classes can teach life skills

Joyce Rudolph

Youngsters may improve their life skills through a new program at

Grove Theater Center, organizers say.

“GTC KIDS -- Kids With Imagination Doing Shows!” offers youngsters

12 to 17 the opportunity to learn about acting from professionals and

then perform for the public on stage at GTC Burbank, said Charles

Johanson, theater executive director.

“Youngsters develop skills that transfer to life skills,” he said.

“They learn about cooperation and team work. You can’t do an improv

scene without good teamwork.”

The classes also help develop a child’s self-esteem, Johanson

said.

“We hear from college students who participated in the program at

13 at our Garden Grove theater,” he said. “They tell us how it helps

them now in their public-speaking classes.”

Improv-O-Mania is from 1 to 4 p.m. over six days beginning Monday.

Performances are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Aug. 24. It is limited to 15

students with or without improv experience. The instructor is Pat

Battistini, who has more than 15 years of improv experience.

Shakesperience focuses on short scenes and monologues and begins

Aug. 23. It meets from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 27 (no

class Sept. 6). Performances are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sept. 28. It

is led by Jane Macfie, who has appeared in or directed GTC’s last six

Shakespeare productions.

The cost for each program is $125. To register, call 238-9998.