In this residency, students will invent and embody their own superhero and portray them in original scenes, songs, monologues, and/or dances. Our teaching artists will work directly with classroom teachers to provide students with a safe and joyful inventive process— helping students develop their singing, dancing, and acting skills while promoting listening, collaboration, storytelling, communication, and empathy. The focus is on exploring the creative process rather than a finished product.

The learning objectives for this project bridge four essential skills: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and flexibility. Students will investigate traditional, contemporary, and personal examples of heroism. They will be asked to work in groups and individually to explore the definition of heroism as well as themes of resilience, strength, perseverance, and justice. At its core, theatrical performance relies on strong collaborative and communicative abilities, so these skills will make up the foundation of this residency. Students will be encouraged to empathize both with their classmates as they embark on a new creative journey as well as with the people they portray. At a time when we are more isolated than ever, this project will help young people sympathize with those around them and more deeply appreciate the sacrifices each of us makes to keep our communities safe and strong.

Special thanks to former Weston Theater Company Artistic and Education Associate Rachel Liff for collaboration and guidance in this project’s early development.

Other available workshops and residencies

Heroes & Villains: Characters in Action
(Ages 8-12)

In this workshop, students will use their imagination to create their very own superhero or villain character from scratch while getting an introduction to theatre through character creation, blocking, and scene work.

Clowning Workshop
(Ages 8-12) 

Let’s tap into our inner clowns and have some fun! Students will work with teaching artist Monica Sallaway to learn about the art of clowning in comedy by playing theatre games, doing movement exercises, and practicing larger-than-life physical and vocal performance techniques.