WARM-UP We begin with warm ups, stretching, or forms. Forms is a fun learning process whereby students learn performing arts techniques by copying the teacher’s movements done in the mirror. It is usally done to music, and one of our students favorite activities.

TECHNIQUE After warm-ups we move into learning physcial theater techniques, such as hand positions and motions, stylized marches, illusions (such as mime rope, mime wall, etc.), body control, characters, and more. After the students begin to grasp the technique we often ask them to apply it with their own exercise, done alone or in teams.

CHOREOGRAPHY After the students have learned and played with technique, we apply techniques in choreography. We will integrate all the students into one number where they will work together to tell a full story, usually to music. We help the students excel at their part so they can perform confidently. Students learn teamwork, application of technique, rhythm, performance etiquette and much more during our choreography session.

DANCE, STAGE CRAFT, & DEVOTION We incorporate many performing arts in our teaching. Stage Craft such as stage fighting, rolls, and sword play are integrated where appropriate. We also use dance in our choreography, such as kicks, jumps, turns, and even folkdance. We work to challenge and encourage students in all skill levels, well aware of dance techniques specific to male and female movers, so boys don’t need to worry about feeling silly. Incorporating movement in devotions, such as prayer, scripture reading, or worship, helps kids engage their faith. We integrate devotions at the beginning or end of class.

SNACK Halfway through class we will be providing students with a snack. We try to have a few gluten free and allergen free options. Water is always encouraged and available in our drinking fountains.

Please wear clothes you can move in (e.g. leggings, sweats, t-shirts, etc.) We suggest shorts be mid-thigh or lower unless wearing bike shorts underneath. Girls may wear leotards and tights with a skirt.

FOOTWEAR Ballet and jazz shoes are encouraged but not required. Barefoot is acceptable. Tennis shoes may be worn as long as it doesn’t inhibit movement.

JEWELRY Please keep jewelry to a minimum. Items such as dangling earrings and long necklances can get snagged on other participants and cause injury.

Theo & Jolie Williams

Theo and Jolie are proud parents of 5 beautiful children and as professional performing artists they have been touring and teaching across the world for over 20 years. As master teachers, they taught at Mimeistry College of Ministering Arts and Innovo Conservatory of Physical Theatre in Pasadena, California. They both received their Doctorate of Worship studies at Robert E. Webber Institute of Worship Studies, and they are passionate about teaching arts theology and performing arts to equip believers to create powerful art in ministry. Theo is senior pastor at Wooded Hills Church in Colgate, WI, and lead costume designer of Pantaloon Productions Entertainment. Jolie writes and publishes children’s stories that she uses in performance. Together they seek to share the heart of God through performing arts ministry.

Abigail Erickson

Abigail will be teaching our dance portions of the workshop, and is a skilled performing artist. She has trained with Steps of Grace Ballet School, Acts 17 Dance, and is currently completing the pre-professional program in Milwaukee Ballet. She has toured with Arrows International and loves to minister through dance.