The University of Montana Launches New After-School Program BRAVO! YOUTH THEATRE

The University of Montana's School of Theatre & Dance is proud to announce the start of its new community outreach program: BRAVO! YOUTH THEATRE. Directed and implemented by Teresa Waldorf, this new after-school theatre program for kids begins in September 2013 and run for two sessions, ending in mid-April 2014.

Enrolled students will engage in Creative Dramatics, improvisation, beginning-level acting instruction, story dramatization, musical theatre, movement, and short scene work, with the number-one goal being to have fun and play while taking a walk in someone else's shoes. Students will also have ample opportunity to develop their imaginations, think independently, cooperate, build social awareness, and gain self-confidence.

Director Teresa Waldorf earned her MFA in Acting and Directing in 1992 from the University of Montana. She is presently the Educational Outreach Coordinator for Montana Repertory Theatre and an adjunct assistant professor for the UM School of Theatre & Dance, where she teaches elementary-education majors how to use Creative Drama to teach any subject. Waldorf ran and directed her own "Acting Lessons for Active Kids" after-school program from 1996-2004. She is the creator and director of Teresa Waldorf's Summer Theatre Day Camp (in operation since 1996) and can frequently be seen performing on local area stages. Assisting Waldorf in the fun will be UM School of Theatre & Dance MFA acting candidate Kelly Bouma.

Acting classes will be available to children from kindergarten to middle-school age, Monday-Thursday (depending on grade level), from 4:00-5:00 pm. Classes will meet in the BRAVO! Acting Studio on campus (McGill 125). Showcase performances held in PARTV's Montana or Masquer Theatres will highlight each session's end.

For more information, specific class breakdowns, dates, and registration information, contact Teresa Waldorf at 243-2854 or email teresa.waldorf@umontana.edu.