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GAELC Introduces New Theatre Program


Through The Fine Arts Association

By Meg Cosgriff and Molly Lorek

In an effort to grow the partnership between GAELC and FAA, a new program was introduced to the 4-year old classes this fall. Theatre for Healthy Living, an 8-week program, was offered to our 27 Junior Angels, starting on October 1 and culminated with a recorded performance on November 19. This program was led by Mr. David Malinowski, The Roger and Anne Clapp Chair of Performing Arts at FAA. “Mr. Dave” is active in theatre as a teacher, actor, director, and stage manager.

A partnership with Lake Health, this program was developed to engage school-based students in a theatre project that provides them an opportunity to participate in creating, writing, producing, and acting in their own play. These plays are designed to address pertinent social and health related issues. As the world adjusts to the COVID-19 pandemic, our littlest learners are dealing with many changes in their day-to-day life. Along with these changes come new emotions to recognize and regulate. In light of these events, GAELC chose to focus the content of the Theatre for Healthy Living program on naming emotions and recognizing how they feel in their bodies. Music classes taught by Mrs. Raddell during the duration of this program coincided with the theatre education content.

Although we could not gather our families and friends to see the fruits of our labor, we wanted to be sure that everyone could enjoy the performances that our students worked so hard to create. The final performance was recorded and uploaded to the Parish’s YouTube channel.

While so much is changing around the world, especially in regard to education, GAELC is committed to offering opportunities to our students that align with our philosophy of enhancing and stimulating development in all areas: spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and
cognitive. GAELC is proud to continue, and grow, our partnership with FAA so that our students may grow in the freedom of expression to strengthen their own individual personalities.