T
The
Power Tools for Life Theater Program was created to provide youth
(grades 4-12), as well as adults and seniors, with activities that
encourage academic achievement, high self-esteem, and social
well-being. Through drama, improvisation, role reversal exercises, and
theater games, participants learn how to cope with peer pressure and
stress as they develop creative problem solving and conflict resolution
skills.
Power
Tools provides constructive and rewarding activities that increase
resiliency and can help forestall involvement in risky behaviors such as
skipping school, smoking, and experimentation with drugs and sex.
Through meditation, visualization and a goal journal,
participants are able to practice self-discipline and motivation to
achieve personal goals.
Power Tools provides an
ongoing forum for youth to bond as a group and to foster positive
relationships with adults and peers by producing opportunities for them
to be seen in a creative and positive light. They write and produce
plays, poetry, short skits, and participate in a weekly public access
television series. Although creative writing and public speaking are a
large part of Power Tools, those who have other interests like
photography, costume/set design, public relations, etc., are given a
unique opportunity to share special skills and talents they may have.
These performance
opportunities produce high expectations, a sense of self-efficacy, and a
culture of hands on learning for those who participate. They also
foster positive relationships with caregivers, adults and peers whether
they attend a live performance or watch televised performances.
Power Tools strengthens the
desire to achieve by inspiration, while developing an appreciation for
academic achievement, and the Arts. Students immediately recognize
their individual potential for success. They become pro-active in
pursuing new found goals, and actively involved in the overall life of
their schools and communities.
After-school and in-class programs are
implemented according to the Learning Standards set by New York State
and New York City for learning in The Arts.
The
Opportunity