It's Time to Support Community Theaters

Dear Winnie Watchers,

I discovered that I had another goal in mind when I featured Winnie Acts Up: supporting the value of Community Theaters across the US. Many towns have these local theaters that are run mostly by volunteers and feature volunteer actors.

Some also provide summer classes for kids or run children's programs during the school year, as suggested in Winnie Acts Up. I think these theater experiences offer support for kids in several growth areas by:

• Engaging not only socialites, but also shy children and screen-lovers;

• Stimulating curiosity and creative imagination through play-acting;

• Improving vocabulary and language skills;

• Promoting self-expression and building social skills;

• Building confidence and self-esteem.

For those of us Midwesterners who love live theater, it takes a lot of planning, time, and money, to go to New York City or Chicago to see a show. A family with several children might never have that opportunity. But with the availability of local theaters, comes greater access for families and children to learn about theater arts. So CHEERS to Community Theaters everywhere!!

Have a Thrifty Thursday!

Pat