The energy of young people was contagious on Saturday, January 23, when the Karshner Museum and Center for Culture & Arts hosted a day of drama. Children learned to use their whole body to show emotions and feelings.
The Karshner Center was filled with actors of all ages experimenting with pretend characters and imaginary settings. Participants learned from professional actors and professional educators.
You could feel the nervous excitement from all who attended the workshop, “Drama is Fun,” in which participants learned how to audition for commercials. Children learned about the craft and business of auditioning in front of a camera, then 
recorded their own audition. Words came alive through facial expression, body language, and expression in the voice.
Talented actors entertained the audiences with a performance of A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin. The family theatre performance was presented by Book-It Repertory Theatre, an award-winning theatre ensemble from Seattle.
Audience members learned that Horace Pippin was an African American painter born in Pennsylvania in 1888. As a child, he loved to draw pictures for his sisters, his classmates, and his co-workers. Even during World War I, he filled his notebooks with drawings from the trenches . . . until he was shot.
Children watched with rapt attention as they witnessed Pippin’s incredible true story of triumph when not even an injured arm could keep him from his art.
Dedicated to inspiring people of all ages to read, Book-It Repertory Theatre actors and staff led reflection conversations following their performances. They asked questions, exchanged ideas, and answered questions the students shared. Children were amazed with the time actors would spend with them, and engaged in thoughtful chatter about the story they had just experienced.
Throughout the day, participants were encouraged to make masks when workshops were not in session. The Karshner Center’s day of drama wouldn’t be complete without time for creative make believe. The art room was buzzing with activity as children designed and crafted their own masks.
The next Culture & Arts Festival will be A Gathering of Families on Saturday, March 19, 2016. We will celebrate the spirit of Indigenous People with exhibits of Native American artifacts, native dancers, storytellers, and an art show of modern native artists. Family activities are being planned and will include a drum circle. We hope you will join us at the Karshner Center for this free event.
From Under The Cupola 