FAQs

1. What does a typical class look like?

• Every class starts off with high energy and fun warm ups to get the children feeling happy and ready for the creative challenges ahead. Our Teens will be concentrating on small pairings and group warm ups to facilitate a sense of fun and readiness to leave the demands of their week at school behind them!
• For the younger children's classes we progress to small and large group ensemble plays whereby the children choose or are coached to find their voice in playing a new character in a theme-driven scenario. They could be citizens stuck in the midst of a dilemma in their town or deciding what to do with the monster under their bridge; to capture it or to learn from it? To set it free or speak its language? The children ALL create their own character roles (bakery owners, physicists, police, business people, entertainers, parents, tourists )and are encouraged to give opinions and join together in purposeful scene work. The children help one another and critique each another with respect and commitment. Building self-confidence as they flex their creative muscles each and every week makes for excellent drama and comedy. The children also learn the criteria for a good scene, how to add emotional range and physical awareness. The children practice new Improv challenges each week. Boredom is never a concern.
• The Teens focus on creating small scenes in 2's and 3's and performing their original material for each other. Both Lisa and Ty add to the content of their scene work in a seamless manner as the entire group of teenager actors support and create as a whole. It is an incredible experience for the teen and the teachers. It is a unique approach to give this level of autonomy and confidence to one another as they find what makes them laugh - out loud! The teens give 100% each class and often comment that YSP is the one place where they feel they can forget about everything stressful, have fun and ACT! The side coaching adds to each scene as they Teens review their sketch comedy and add elements of drama and learn about physical comedy. They learn that silence can be powerful for a character and that listening is a key ingredient. They learn about the needs of an audience; they need to feel the acting is genuine and not forced. The Teens become strong for each other during brainstorming exercises; cliques are not an issue at YSP. The Teens learn the pillars of what makes a good scene and learn to add emotional range and physicality to their work. Our Players are some of the nicest and friendliest children and teens you'll ever meet! Donut Days, Improv Olympics & 'Check-ins' with each Player are great traditions!

2.  What will my kids get out of the classes by the end of the year?

• New friends, greater self-esteem and the ability ‘to think on their feet’ while thoroughly enjoying the process of Improvisation. They will have the most fun they've ever experienced in a drama class. In fact, many children come back year after year! The students learn how to create and execute original sketch comedy scenes. They will also learn how create the pillars of a good scene or story and perform it with confidence and their own imagination. They will learn to master the warm up exercises and create their own characters from Day 1. The class is high energy and fast paced...a great combination of fun and structured learning.

3. Will taking classes at YSP help my child or teen gain acceptance into an Arts School in the city?

• While we can make no guarantees, YSP classes do provide “group audition experiences” that will benefit potential art school candidates. These experiences include group transformations, taking direction and bringing creative energy to the group. Lisa will always have time to write reference letters for each art school applicant.

4. Is everyone outgoing at YSP? Do you have shy students? Do you have to have to be funny or have experience in Improv?

• There are all types of personalities at YSP: Outgoing, shy, intellectual, competitive, artistic and bright! We believe that all young people can benefit from Improv classes and flexing their ‘funny bone’.  Players do not have to have any theatre experience unless they are auditioning for our *Advanced Teen Classes. (*It’s easy- just book a visit)

5. Can my child try a class before we register and pay?

• Yes, in fact we insist. Since we opened our doors in 1987- we have only accepted payment after the student attends and loves the class! We guarantee they will love our classes! We will make every effort to make your child or teen feel comfortable and engaged from the moment they walk into our studio.

6. Do I have to sign up for all 3 sessions each year (September to June)?

• No.  Players register for each session separately: Fall, Winter & Spring (no summer classes )