NWA Kids Guide

When Kassie Misiewicz and her cast of trained teaching artists opened the doors to Trike Theatre last year, they were convinced northwest Arkansas was prime for a professional theatre for youth.

    Their hunch was proven correct with well over 250 children of all ages pouring through the Trike Theatre doors at 120 S. Main St. in downtown Bentonville in 2008. So Trike opens its second year next week with a slew of new classes and programming for children ages four years old through eighth grade, in addition to taking its show on the road.

    Teaching artist Jason Suel will spread Trike Theatre’s reach to the cafeteria at Bentonville’s own R.E. Baker Elementary School. From Sept. 2 through Oct. 7, R.E. Baker kindergarten through second graders who register will retell the story of “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe,” while exploring the characters, environments and plot through dramatic play, creative movement and puppetry. Third through fourth graders who register for this after-school program will explore the same play Oct. 28 through Dec. 9, but with the addition of dramatic improv, tableau and stage combat. Staff plans to extend a similar program to Bentonville’s Walnut Farm Montessori as well.

    “We’re integrating arts and education with this program by bringing what we have to offer to the schools,” Suel said. “With R.E. Baker, it’s almost like we have a permanent residence there.”

    Meanwhile, opportunities for expression and exploration abound within the physical walls of Trike Theatre for all northwest Arkansas kids. From four- and five-year-olds exploring a different story each week through acting, imagination and interactive multi-sensory props to sixth through eighth graders using comedy as a springboard to strengthen their core acting skills, Trike Theatre plans to take the fun to the next level in its second year of existence.

    Trike is even taking registration for its Academy Players program, where third through twelfth graders audition to be in an ensemble that writes and performs two original plays this fall.

    “During our first year, we really saw how elements of drama opened up new avenues for kids: building life skills through stage skills,” said Christa Davis, Trike Theatre managing director. “It was a rewarding and inspiring experience for so many families as well as our own staff.”

    The fall 2009 slate of Trike Theatre classes begin on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Register soon, as classes are filling fast. For a full breakdown of programming by age category or to register, go to www.triketheatre.org, call 1-866-331-3681 or pick up a form at Trike Theatre, 120 S. Main St. in Bentonville.