Troupe Studio is the brain child of Steven Schamrel, who believes that drama classes can make a difference in the lives of young and old.
“Drama has a way of helping children reach their full potential. It has the same benefits as sport, with additional benefits of building self confidence and communication skills,” Steven says.
He says not all children and adults taking drama classes dream of becoming actors. Some just want to benefit from the additional skills taught in drama class.
“Drama teaches children to work in groups and when they become a character, they learn how to put themselves into someone else’s shoes, learning empathy in the process.”
Steven Schamrel and Nina van Eeden.
He says drama classes also help students to get to know themselves.
He says that drama classes can be hugely beneficial to adults as a way to relax and get rid of frustrations.
“Improvisation can help them make sense of overwhelming situations and teach them to think creatively. Through roleplay they learn to understand themselves and others by putting themselves in others’ shoes,” Steven says.
Stevens says between four and five years of age is a good time to enrol children in drama classes.
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“As a result of social media, many children struggle with language and become almost non-verbal. Drama teaches confidence. It is my dream to start a drama programme for pre-schoolers to help teach these skills,” he says.
He has also recently offered a workshop for teachers who have to help children prepare for the eisteddfod or other performances.
Troup Studio is growing in leaps and bounds and already has close to 30 students. Nina van Eeden has recently joined Steven as facilitator and they already offer classes at Rob Ferreira High School and White River Primary School, as well as private classes for children and adults.
Steven also dreams of exposing people of the Lowveld to good drama productions.
For more information on Troup Studio, contact Steven on 071 418 4049.
