WHY: In our Theater Studio children learn not only to play on stage, but also to create a script, to make scenery and props, to sing, dance, create a theater bill, and of course, they learn to speak (and read and write) in Russian. Theater classes teach students skills which influence all areas of study and performance. Theater students tend to have high levels of self-confidence and greater comfort speaking, making presentations, and reading aloud. Fluency in two languages and knowledge of two cultures encourage creativity and thinking. Various studies have indicated high test averages from bilingual children. Students learn to work well with others and adapt to new situations – theater is a team work of many people: actors, director, artists, musicians, and back stage crew. WHO: We accept students from 5 y.o. to our full complex program, from 3.5 to the complex for pre-schoolers, and from 2 y. to the program Mommy and Me in Russian. WHEN: The classes are on Saturdays If there are more students we may have groups on other days and/or time. WHERE: Kings Bay YM-YWHA, 3495 Nostrand Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11229. You may ask your questions by phone (646) 508-4450 and/or email azbuki1@yandex.ru. WHAT: All children are divided into groups according to their age and reading ability in Russian. The program includes Russian language (45 min. – not only speaking, reading, and writing, but also general humanities – basics of geography and world history, poetry, etc. – depending on level of the group) and theater basics (90 min. - declamation, diction, movement, music, creation of scenery, props, masks, puppets and costumes). There also is a break for snack (provided by the studio), during the break the kids enjoy the opportunity of free communication with each other (logically, in Russian). All the classes are held in RUSSIAN. If a child does not understand something we translate for him or her. All historical, geographical, theatrical, and literary terms are taught in two languages. In 2009/10 we did two performances in Russian and one bilingual show, in 2010/2011 we got a grant from the ACRJ and staged four shows. Please visit YouTube channels of AzbukaABC, RussianBklyn and Vickandboys to watch fragments of our shows. Prices