The Lied Center and USD 497 have been partnering to bring live performing arts experiences to every student in the district, free of charge for nearly 25 years. About 10 years ago, we create another program specifically for 3rd graders. 3rd Grade Theatre Arts Day gives every 3rd grader in the district a chance to spend an entire day at the theatre learning about drama, dance, make up, technical theatre (lighting, sound, etc.) as well as other theatre activities. Students rotate through six different stations. Each station lasts 30 minutes. We rotate through three stations and then all take a break for lunch which is eaten on the Lied Center stage. After lunch, the groups rotate through the next three stations.

The six stations are:

1. Technical Theatre: Lied Center technical staff will give the students a tour of the stage, a ride on the stage lift and learn about lighting and sound.
2. Drama/Theatre:
3. Dance/Movement: Students will learn about some of the basics of dance: Body, Space, Energy, Time. This session is very participatory.
4. Drumming/Percussion: This session is very participatory.
5. Makeup: The Makeup station is by far the favorite with the 3rd graders. Students will be taught how to apply make up for the best affects, reminding them that folks that are sitting in the balcony will be able to see the scar, or some other important feature to a character’s face. Each student will have time to apply their own makeup.
6. Puppetry: Each student to have a turn with one of the puppets and learn how to create a voice and an attitude for the puppet they chose.