Once upon a time, in the sun-baked land of Arizona, where the cacti stand tall and the sand sparkles like gold, there is a group of kids unlike any other. They’re not cowboys or gold miners, oh no! These kids are the members of the Great Arizona Thespian Troupe! Now, these aren't your ordinary, run-of-the-mill kids. These kids can transform themselves like a chameleon changes colors. One minute, they could be reciting Shakespeare’s sonnets as if they were born in the Elizabethan era, the next minute, they're belting out show tunes that would make Broadway stars green with envy. Leading this troupe of talented tots is a character as unique as Arizona itself - Dusty the Drama Dingo. No one knows where Dusty came from. Some say he’s an old Hollywood star who lost his way, while others whisper he was once a shy coyote who found his voice through drama. With a twinkle in his eye and a script always in his paw, Dusty teaches the kids how to express themselves through the magic of theater. Under the watchful eyes of Dusty, the Arizona Thespian Troupe has staged plays in the heart of the desert, under the starlit skies, with the grand Saguaro cacti as their backdrop. Their performances are as enchanting as the Arizona sunset, and as electrifying as a summer thunderstorm. They’ve made their audience laugh, cry, and sometimes even howl at the moon! So, if you ever find yourself in the magnificent land of Arizona, come and watch the Great Arizona Thespian Troupe perform. And remember, in the words of Dusty the Drama Dingo, “In the desert, the world is your stage!”
Read moremore theater-drama programs near Chandler, AZ
Building Character with Martial Arts. The Black Belt Leadership Academy has a rich history that spans more than ten years, during which it has been pivotal in aiding students to sharpen their concentration, bolster their power, and enhance their self-assurance through exceptional martial arts instruction. Our branch in Wauwatosa is a welcoming space that respects and includes students of every kind, regardless of whether they're novices or seasoned martial artists. Each class that we provide is meticulously planned to challenge students at a personal level, while also creating a positive and rewarding ambiance. This individualized approach guarantees that all our students feel recognized and motivated, which leads to a more successful learning journey. At our academy, we're committed to fostering an environment that brings out the best in each student. Our classes aim to not merely impart martial arts techniques but also to instill qualities such as discipline, respect, and resilience. We are firm believers that the values learned at our academy extend beyond the training hall and will benefit our students in all their future pursuits.
The Rebel Shakespeare Company provides young people with an opportunity to be introduced to and explore the magic and power of Shakespeare's language and stories. Since its founding in 1990, the Rebel Shakespeare Company has been providing children and teens with an opportunity to explore the power and magic of Shakespeare’s language and stories. Founded by Artistic Director Keri Cahill, the company has been based in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Fort Sewall in Marblehead, and now calls Winter Island in Salem, MA home. Keri’s passion for young people and theater has spanned nearly 25 years, with experience from the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London to Massachusetts High School Drama Guild and many places in between. Through her workshops, private classes, school residencies, and drama therapy programs she has worked with over 10,000 children and teens. The Company’s directors are all experienced in various fields such as voice, movement, choreography, stage combat, and improvisation. Most importantly, they share a great love of working with children. With these talented directors, the Rebel Shakespeare Company provides children and teens with a platform to grow and explore the beauty of Shakespeare’s language and stories.