‘Play Power’ creative dramatics classes for K-5 engage students in active learning

Marin Shakespeare Company has launched Play Power, a series of free creative dramatics video classes for grades K-5. All 36 videos and lesson plans are available to elementary schools at no charge.

Skilled teaching artists engage students’ creativity, imagination, and curiosity through theatre games, exercises, and active exploration of poems and stories from around the world. There are six video lessons for each K-5 grade level that integrate with classroom curriculum.

“We’re so thankful to the hard-working, resourceful, brave classroom teachers who have been going above and beyond for their students during the challenges of a pandemic,” said Marin Shakespeare Company Managing Director Lesley Currier. “We’re excited to be able to help by bringing the joys of performing arts to their classrooms.”

Play Power provides schools with video learning materials that will give students the opportunity to use their bodies, voices, and imaginations as they explore a diverse selection of poems and stories. Videos for grades K-3 are also provided with Spanish subtitles, with subtitles coming soon for grades 4-5.

Marin Shakespeare Company is able to provide these classes at no charge to elementary schools thanks to generous funding from the Buck Family Fund of the Marin Community Foundation and the California Arts Council. Educators interested in using these classes for their school can email Marcia Simmons at marketing@marinshakespeare.org to gain access to the materials.