Are the cast members grouped by age or ability?
All of our cast members are placed into age appropriate groups for their weekly rehearsals. An important part of this program is to develop skills that contribute to their socialization and the development of friendships they may never otherwise have if they were put in a school setting. We have found that a child typically finds it harder to speak up or feel free to be imaginative and creative if they are in a group with children who are not their own age. Our theatre games are geared towards age levels. We cannot expect a nine year old to be as open to a challenging improvisation game that even a fifteen year old is hesitant to attempt. No matter how talented that nine year old is, we feel they have more of a chance to reach their full potential when placed with their peers. In addition, every group needs to have some variety in age. The older kids in each group, whether they realize it or not, are directly helping fellow cast members in their group by setting the bar and encouraging
