Pilot Dramatic Arts Program Seeks to Expand Accessibility of Arts Education in Macon | Arts & Culture

by Jonathan Dye
Knight Arts.org

The dramatic arts just became more accessible in Macon. Beginning in March, Macon-Bibb County Parks and Recreation (MBCPR) will begin offering dramatic arts classes for free in local community centers and park facilities. The program is a pilot effort, and MBCPR hopes to offer a full line of cultural arts programming soon.

“The purpose of this pilot program is to test the waters and plan for a more traditional six-week class format beginning in April. We also plan to add all facets of the arts including; music, dance, visual art, creative writing and additional drama classes, as well as broaden our scope and offer courses for children and adults,” explained Ellen Banas, recreation programmer for MBCPR, in an email.

Courses offered in the pilot program include:

Monologues–Children ages 10-14 will be learning about monologues and how they play a role in the spoken word. This fun course teaches proper reading, writing and speaking skills through recording and reciting monologues designed specifically for children ages 10-14. This process has been proven to assist students with developing good study habits and increasing standardized test scores.
Mondays, 5-6 p.m. at the L.H. Williams Community Center
Instructor: Y-O Latimore

Playwright–Children ages 8-12 will have fun while they learn basic theater concepts around developing a character, ad-libbing and performing on stage. Each theater activity helps develop critical thinking, writing and memorization skills, team building, leadership and improved socialization/communication skills (i.e. eye contact, diction, etc.).
Playwright: Mondays, 5-6 p.m. at the Round Building, Central City Park
Instructor: Shelton Land

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