Children's Theatre (CT) is a program of fun! Volunteers brainstorm, write and produce their own plays, and then perform them for children at various community centers in Boston. Volunteers are split into approximately 4 troupes to create their own performance catering to children aged 3-12. Performances range from storybook adaptations to improvisation and feature lessons and morals relevant to today's youth. The semester is spent working to perfect the masterpiece and the last few weeks are spent performing!
Please click here to download the Children's Theatre Program brochure.
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How big is the time commitment? |
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The time commitment is 2 hours a week from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays in room CAS 316. There will be a retreat and one prop making day that will occur over the weekend. Performances take place on weekends towards the end of the semester, and normally take about two to three hours each, including transportation to and from site and performance time. |
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Where does Children's Theatre perform? |
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In the past volunteers have gone to Franciscan's Children's Hospital, 2nd Step, West End House, Jackson Mann elementary, Joseph Lee elementary, Dorchester YMCA and other CSC program events. |
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Are there Auditions? |
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Yes. There will be auditions. However, they are simple and handled democratically. After writing the skits/performances, people will read a few lines and troupes will decide what part is best fit for each volunteer by voting. Usually, each person gets the part that he or she wants, especially if they would like a large role or prefer a smaller role. |
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Is there an attendance policy? |
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Yes! The attendance policy limits the number of meetings missed per semester to no more than two meetings. After the first missed meeting the volunteer will be given a warning, meaning frequent tardies or an absence without prior notification means dismissal from the program. This is not to discourage volunteers from the program, but to help everyone work together and be there for each other. |
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Are there any Leadership opportunities? |
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Of course! Children's Theatre is primarily organized by the Program Manager; however they could never do it alone! Each individual troupe will be lead by Peer Leaders who help organize and direct each skit. Also, each volunteer's varying talents will be needed for making props, choreographing our musical numbers and helping create and organize a fundraiser. |
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Why should I volunteer with CT? |
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CT completely opened me up. I remember how nervous I was at the first meeting-I hid in the back and didn't open my mouth at all. Luckily though, CT volunteers don't really let you remain that way. Everyone was so friendly that I had a hard time keeping quiet. What was amazing though was that my love of CT grew by leaps and bounds once performances came around. I think what people fail to realize at first is that the CT experience is two-fold - the first part is making friends and bringing the show together, and the second part is entertaining the kids, and brightening their days with our visits. CT is a truly eye-opening service experience-you help the community, meet all kinds of wonderful people, and put on a show somewhere in the middle!
Lauren DeGeorge '08 College of Communications
CT is a great place to meet and work with a fun bunch of people who are interested in bringing theater to kids.
Tracie Faulk '08 College of Arts and Sciences
CT is one of those programs that attracts the most amazing volunteers because of its open, friendly, and unique approach to service. The concept behind the program is on-of-a-kind and seeing the positive influence we had on these children's lives, especially at a JumpStart site April '05, was touching-after we finished performing the kids grabbed our hands and wanted to join in our festivities!
Chris Kim '06 College of Arts and Sciences
The best part about Children's Theatre has to be the kids. The whole semester builds up to going on site, and that's when you remember why you're doing it. Whether it's getting a hug or just lots of laughs, performing for the kids is completely fulfilling.
Lindsey Miller '07 College of Arts and Sciences
CT means to me ... Friends, fun, and acting like fools because we want to make kids laugh and dream and use their imagination. It's about teaching kids that they can do anything they want just by dreaming and experiencing.
Lauren Sanders '07 School of Management |
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For more information on volunteering with CT please contact:
Perrine Marcenac
775 Commonwealth Avenue
Fourth Floor
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-353-4710
FAx: 617-353-9424
Email: ct@bu.edu
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