A letter to a non-theater kid; take a risk

Dear non-theater kid,  
​Today is a great day, because you are reading this letter. I know theater can be scary, because who wants to put themselves in the spotlight all the time? Or memorize text to then trip over your words in front of everyone? The good news is you won’t have to go through this when you take a Masterclass at Seattle Children’s Theatre.  

the first day is always tricky. what if everyone already knows each other?

Everyone starts somewhere. We don't walk into a new space knowing everything and putting ourselves out there feels risky, but at SCT risks are chances for creativity to flourish. A friend, Walter who I met recently in Masterclass: Sketch Comedy shared, “I've never done theater or anything like that before so I’m just starting out” to his group’s surprise. In Masterclasses there is “no pressure to do or be anything” in specific. Sketch Comedy students make a point to say, “It's a pretty low risk of getting into theater” so why not risk a creative choice by trying a Masterclass?  

Pictured: Parker and classmates during Masterclass: Sketch Comedy

​Don't want to act alone? classes like Masterclass: triple threat are a group effort.
​

finding community is hard.

However, there are so many ways to find community at SCT with other teens. During summer Masterclasses, did you know some teens attend Masterclasses from out of state? No one knew each other beforehand at the beginning of the week and now there is a Triple Threat group chat with some great memes. Speaking about quality content, here’s August’s Masterclass: Triple Threat group picture!   

The amazing August 2021 Masterclass: Triple Threat group!

the entire group wants you, non-theater kid, to know "you're going to find friends for a week, ten days, a year or a lifetime."
​

Pictured: Eva in the front, left to right: Unknown, Wilson and Walter during Masterclass: Sketch Comedy

​As Hailey from Masterclass: Sketch Comedy mentioned, "it's [SCT] a very open space. There's no pressure to be able to do anything. People have one day, one, five or six years of experience." At the end of the day other teens, staff, and spaces are waiting for you to take a risk and be creative. 
​

So exactly what are masterclasses? and what does it entail?

SCT Masterclasses are for teens who have zero and some previous theater experience. Masterclasses give you the opportunity to explore class material in depth. Izzy, a student attending Masterclass Re-Imagine Audition Monologuez shared, "some of the teen classes are a little smaller so you get more time with the teachers to really look at an individual piece, work on it and feel confident in it for the future." Class sizes vary depending on interest. At the end of each session, you walk away with new materials and resources. 

Pictured: Izzy and Teaching Artist Samip Raval working on a Shakespeare piece during Masterclass Re-Imagine Audition Monologues.

---

There are so many class options!​

Check out all the opportunities:
​https://www.sct.org/education-programs/class-finder/ ​

---

Masterclasses at SCT are made for YOU. All you have to do is bring yourself to class. Be open to creating new experiences for yourself, others, and the space. Remember, you don't need previous theater experience so don't let anyone including yourself make you feel like you're behind or it's too late to try any aspect of theater. AT SCT we are all learning, growing, and creating ourselves as we go through different paths. I hope to see you cross paths with a Masterclass at Seattle Children's Theatre. 

Positive Vibes Always, 

Eliane Rodriguez 
A former non-theater kid
SCT Marketing Content Emerging Professional Intern 2021

---

P.s. financial need is not a hurdle

Explore options: https://www.sct.org/current-offerings/financial-assistance 
​Contact: dramaschool@sct.org or call (206)859-4079  ​