Salt Lake City, Utah Dec 30, 2020 (Issuewire.com) - Up With Kids is a non-profit staple of Utah children’s theater. They have been around for over 30 years and provide a unique experience in the theater. Every kid gets a speaking part. There is no division of the talented kids getting all the spotlight and everyone else getting to participate in the background. Every child gets the opportunity to stand up in front and say lines that they have memorized and rehearsed.
“It really instills self-confidence in a fun environment. [My child] was shy at first in class, but I am so happy to see she is coming along so fast. I truly think she needed this program and I think it will make a true difference in her life.’-Flavia, an Up With Kids parent
When the pandemic hit, Up With Kids was forced to rethink its entire model. They needed to figure out a way to keep kids engaged in the arts while maintaining the safety of their students and teachers. With singing and projecting while speaking at the core of musical theater it seemed that holding classes and performing in person would be impossible to do safely. The Up With Kids team thought they would have to give up until the pandemic was over.
Thankfully, they didn’t! They continued to brainstorm ideas and test out technologies until they realized that they could give their students an incredible learning experience and perform from the safety of their homes. The teachers have been holding classes over Zoom where the kids learn foundational lessons in singing and acting and learn choreography for dances. The kids learn songs and are cast in a show where, as per their All-Star Acting mission, every child gets a speaking part. The kids learn how to create their own costumes from items around their house, and how to set up lighting and create sets from within their homes. They are able to record their parts and perform over Zoom as though it was a movie. After hours of rehearsing, recording, and editing the kids receive a movie that they are the star in. This has given access to the arts to kids all over the country who have been unable to participate because of the pandemic and make new friends they never would have met otherwise.
“We are so thankful for Up With Kids. You have turned a sad no in-person plays situation into an amazing virtual experience!”-Rebecca a parent from Up With Kids Virtual Fall Session
Up With Kids is excited to announce another session of virtual classes starting January 2021! There are a variety of shows and days to choose from so every family can find what works for them. You can find more information about their program and register on their website, www.upwithkids.com.
About Up With Kids
Up With Kids has been active in Utah for over 30 years. The Up With Kids program emphasizes “All-Star” acting, where every child is a star. Scripts are tailored to accommodate the students, ensuring that every child is cast in their own unique role with speaking lines and a personality to develop.
Audition techniques are taught, but auditions are never held for our productions. We promote a spirit of cooperation and teamwork rather than competition. The All-Star acting approach promotes a positive experience for every student, where confidence and self-esteem are developed through involvement in the performing arts.
Up With Kids is a non-profit organization; as such, our primary function is community service and education rather than financial gain. Our teachers receive reasonable salaries as compensation for their time, talents, love, and devotion to their students.
Up With Kids welcomes all students, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, or parental status.
Media Contact
Up With Kids Musical Theater misskeaton.upwithkids@gmail.com 385-630-5261 https://upwithkids.com/
