Adventures in Odyssey: A Summer Staple!

Adventures in Odyssey: A Summer Staple!

by | Feb 25, 2023 | Theatre

Written by Maizie Ferguson | Edited by Evi Wheeler

One wonderful Greenleaf staple of the summer is Adventures in Odyssey®. Greenleaf has offered Adventures in Odyssey® camps since 2000, making this the twenty-third consecutive year of AIO. It is a summertime tradition that children look forward to from year to year! In this article you will find an overview of the typical AIO week, past camp testimonies, and this year’s camp offerings.

AIO is a fast-paced camp that not only teaches incredible acting skills, but also the virtues of patience and determination, and is the catalyst for many long-lasting friendships. Enrolled students will send in a video audition in order to be cast, then they will receive an AIO script. Students will be expected to have their lines memorized before the camp week. Over the course of the week, students will learn valuable theatre skills such as projection, stage terminology, memorization, and characterization; as well as life skills and virtues, such as time management, teamwork, cooperation, responsibility, humility, and confidence.

The day is set up into manageable sections, typically starting with theatre games, before rolling into rehearsal and blocking. All of our AIO instructors are year-round theatre instructors and are very knowledgeable and experienced in working with young actors. There are plenty of game breaks to ensure the cast gets to know each other, and by the end, many students have become fast friends. A showcase is presented to the families at the end of the week. 

Here are a few words from past assistants:

“It was amazing to get to see the directors being so joyful and patient with the kids. It definitely was a fun experience for me to go and see what it is like to direct a children’s show and to watch everyone encourage our future actors to grow in their talents.” – Daleigh Kelly

“AIO is a wonderful camp for growing knowledge, talent, and friendships. Some of my best memories of Greenleaf were made at AIO. I had the pleasure of assistant directing the camps this summer. It was incredible to see the kids’ phenomenal growth over the week and to see them make new friends. Greenleaf has made some fantastic young actors!” – Oliver Kelly

“I had the honor of serving as a stage manager at the Adventures in Odyssey (AIO) camp last summer. I was so blessed to watch the kids grow and put on a show with excellence, in only a week! The script had a moral that the kids understood and could relate to thanks to the amazing content from Focus on the Family. This camp is a great opportunity to grow in acting skills and in godly character.” – Lydia Wiley

And a quote from an AIO student:

“​​Adventures in Odyssey is a super fun camp! One of my favorite things about it is that each year the script is totally different. Settings go from modern times to the wild west to outer space! We not only get to put on a super fun play after a week of rehearsing, but we also get to play theatre games and bond with our cast and leaders. Mics, costume changes, memorizing lines… AIO has it all! It is a great camp to invite your friends to do with you. I love AIO because it has such a fun, positive, silly environment, and it is the perfect addition to your summer!” – Henley Ferguson

Current camp openings: 

AIO Afternoon camp at Cedar, boys (4), girls (2)
AIO Morning camp at Cedar, boys (3)
AIO Morning camp at KCK, boys (4), girls (4)
AIO Afternoon camp at South, boys (1)

We hope you can join us! Click here to register. 

WHY THEATRE? Theatre and Beyond

WHY THEATRE? Theatre and Beyond

by | Jul 2, 2022 | Theatre

Written by Maizie Ferguson | Edited by Sage Friedline

Theatre, like every other performing art, requires extensive practice and dedication, which trains students. Knowledge is not just restricted to books, and theatre is not just acting. Theatre is a way of comprehending yourself and the world. 

Oliver, a passionate actor, shared:

I started theatre at Greenleaf in 2016. God used Greenleaf in my life in so many different ways. I was never sure before what I was going to do for a career, but after all the uplifting and amazing experiences at Greenleaf, I feel like God is calling me to the performing arts. I’m excited to see what opportunities this will open up for me.

In conclusion, preparing for a performance and playing theatre games helps students get used to speaking in front of others and communicate well. It also builds empathy! By observing others, students learn how beneficial it is to make creative choices on stage—and in real life. By having a safe and nurturing environment to rehearse, students gain confidence. The ability for students to put themselves in other roles and situations transfers into the ability to come up with solutions to real-world problems. How does theatre apply to real life? It applies to everything! 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

We are excited to see how Greenleaf continues to be “the place to grow” for many years to come. 

Interested in joining this amazing art form? Click here to see theatre classes this fall, and register here. We can’t wait for you to join us!

WHY THEATRE? Theatre, Empathy, and Faith

WHY THEATRE? Theatre, Empathy, and Faith

by | Jun 21, 2022 | Theatre

Written by Maizie Ferguson | Edited by Sage Friedline

When a student participates in theatre, they receive or create a part to play. Whether that part is a person, an animal, or something else entirely, more often than not the actors are not playing themselves; they must believably act as someone else. This forces students to step into someone else’s shoes and “leave themselves” backstage. This practice builds empathy, as actors get to experience firsthand a different point of view, different struggles, different joys, different customs, and much more.

Two of our Kids’ Musical students — Haley, the youngest of many Greenleaf-involved siblings, and Joshua, an enthusiastic theatre lover— shared that their favorite part of Greenleaf was the show experience. Performing can cause stress, especially in the new or inexperienced actor, but presenting is a vital part of building empathy. While performing, actors share the story and characters with those in the audience, exposing them to the world of the show.

Theatre at Greenleaf also imbues the truth into a field that desperately needs it. In today’s world, art and media are distancing themselves from modesty and propriety, casting worldly shadows. Faith and theatre can easily go hand in hand. Watching or performing the stories we know so well on the stage can result in a profoundly spiritual experience, strengthening the faith of many in the process.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8

 

Interested in experiencing theatre for yourself? Click here to see theatre classes this fall, and register here. We can’t wait for you to join us!

WHY THEATRE? Theatre and Community

WHY THEATRE? Theatre and Community

by | May 9, 2022 | Theatre

Written by Maizie Ferguson | Edited by Sage Friedline

Greenleaf has built a true Christian arts community in the Kansas City metro over the past 23 years. I have seen, firsthand, how actively Greenleaf participants of all ages seek to include those who are new or feeling insecure, reminding all of He who loved first.

Jane, daughter of a Greenleaf alum, shared: 

My first theatre event at Greenleaf was in the autumn of 2018… Greenleaf has helped me grow so much and in part, this is because of the amazing kids here! Although I usually like to keep to myself, the people at Greenleaf make me feel wanted despite my quiet nature, and they kindly pursue me in conversation and friendship even today. I am so thankful for this, even though it can be difficult and scary at first, I’m still growing… and I am very grateful to God for giving me Greenleaf, it truly is the place to grow. 

Rebekah, a member of the Drama Performance Company, wrote:

I started Greenleaf about seven years ago. When I first came I didn’t have any friends and I didn’t know how to talk to people. At first, I started out doing voice lessons because I was too scared to do anything else. Then, I was convinced to do the musical, and I immediately made tons of friends. I’ve done every show since then! 

Peighton, whose family is also involved at Greenleaf, said:

I started Greenleaf in 2019. I have learned how to grow in my skills by watching the older actors and having amazing teachers. I have grown in this community, and I have made many friends that encourage me to be myself and to grow. I feel like I am a better actor because of Greenleaf.

Isaac, who will be graduating this year, wrote:

I started performing in shows through Greenleaf in 2017. So many of the people that I’ve met and looked up to in Greenleaf have had a huge spiritual influence throughout all the time that I’ve participated in it. Between the caringness and encouragement that comes from directors and teachers, to the love and the trust that comes from all my friends and fellow castmates, every single person that I’ve encountered through Greenleaf has been incredibly influential and more than I ever deserve. The work that Greenleaf is doing throughout so many communities is very outgoing and selfless, and I’m so thankful to be part of this group of family and friends! 

Ruby, a long-time participant and staff member, said:

I started theatre here when I was 9 years old and I’ve loved it since! God has used my theatre experiences at Greenleaf for growth and encouragement in so many ways- playing improv games, putting together shows and musicals, performing- I love all of it! I have gained so much confidence and have grown closer in my relationship with God and my fellow actors. I’m so grateful for Greenleaf and all the amazing memories I’ll cherish forever!

Ryan, an improv student and a member of the Performance Drama Company shared:

“My first theatre class was the summer musical, The Prince of Egypt, in 2010 when I was 4. Before that, I had taken Kindermusik classes at Greenleaf, starting when I was only 18 months old! Greenleaf really holds up to its motto: The Place to Grow.” I’ve seen people, including myself, grow into their full potential and change into amazing people. For example, over years of Greenleaf influencing my life, I can now proudly say that I can talk to people without worry of saying something wrong or embarrassing myself [although I am introverted]. Also, Greenleaf’s community is completely unmatched in my eyes.

We’re so happy to learn how theatre has benefitted these students! If you want to experience this for yourself, consider taking our Theatre Essentials camp or an Adventures in Odyssey camp this summer. You can learn all about that here. Feel free to contact us with any questions!

WHY THEATRE? New Blog Series!

WHY THEATRE? New Blog Series!

by | May 3, 2022 | Theatre

by Maizie Ferguson and Sage Friedline

Since 1999, Greenleaf Performing Arts Academy has been “the place to grow.” Director Evi Wheeler’s original vision was “to serve students with excellent training in music, dance, and theatre, while providing a family-friendly environment and holistic Christian perspective on the arts,” an idea that has blossomed over the years, has created a rich community, and has been an abundant blessing to hundreds of families. 

One of Greenleaf’s treasured art forms is theatre. Why do we love theatre? Aside from scientific benefits, our families have found that theatre has encouraged their personal growth in community, empathy, and faith.

We recently surveyed Greenleaf students, asking how they’ve been impacted by their experience in theatre at our school. Over the next two weeks, we’ll be posting some of these results. Stay tuned!

Want to jump into theatre right now? Check out our 2022 Summer Camps here, and view our list of upcoming shows here!

Build Learning Momentum with Summer Camps

Build Learning Momentum with Summer Camps

by | Mar 10, 2019 | Blogroll, Dance, Music, Theatre

School is finally out for the summer, and your child is so excited! But… now what? There are roughly two and a half months of free time; deciding how best to spend it can be tricky. As it turns out, fine arts summer camps can offer a fantastic alternative to summer boredom and idleness for your child.

Dance Lessons

During the lull of summertime, studies¹show that students often make poor health choices, like non-nutritious eating habits and inactivity. Enrolling in a dance camp over the summer deliberately counteracts these unhealthy habits. Additionally, it offers a dynamic and fun way to spend free time instead! Dance students often experience gains in flexibility, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness. Also, for students who normally dance during the school year, enrolling in a summer dance camp can prepare them to come back stronger and with improved technique in the fall.

Drama Lessons

Spending part of the summer in drama camps gives children an incredible creative outlet while building practical presentation skills they’ll use all their life. Creativity consistently tops the list of soft skills that employers desire. There’s hardly a more immersive way for students to flex these inventive muscles than when they’re acting out a scene or honing their improvisational skills. Additionally, the collaborative aspect of a drama camp lends itself to creating communities. Students often come away from drama lessons having made treasured new friends.

Music Lessons

For the musically inclined student, summer camps offer a wonderful opportunity to leap ahead in their proficiency. They don’t have the mental load of school on their minds during the summer, and they have extra time to devote to practice. Moreover, music lessons are tied to success in both reading and math outcomes in school – both of which often suffer²over summer.

Whether it’s private piano lessons, drama workshops, or a four-day ballet camp, fine arts summer camps are an excellent way to spend the summer! Learn more about Greenleaf’s summer offerings here.

Sources:

¹https://static1.squarespace.com/static/52eec360e4b0c81c80749630/t/590fae1be58c62a5ff7043af/1494199835890/AoW+1617_34+%28summer+learning+loss%29.pdf

²http://www.readingrockets.org/article/summer-loss