New theater course for pre-kindergarten kids begins at Constellation Stage & Screen

Something new, unusual and very young begins this month at Constellation Stage & Screen. Kids ages 3-6 will dance, read, make art and giggle in the brand new class "Creative Movement for PreK," taught by Indiana University Ph.D. student Callie Rekas. The enrollment deadline is Jan. 26, and the cost is $125 for Wednesday morning sessions Jan. 31 through April 10.

Constellation's classes for kids tend to fill quickly, and waitlists often form within a week or two after registration.

"It's as cute as possible," Rekas said on the phone. She knows cute, because she was not only a full-time nanny in Los Angeles but worked as a teacher's aide at IU's Campus Children's Center — where her charges were 6 weeks to 5 years old — and has worked with loads of kids elsewhere. Her IU Ph.D. will be in arts education, and her master's is from New York University.

Tykes need structure and speed  

Teaching tykes involves a few contradictions, Rekas said, in that they need structure, such as knowing what will happen next, but they also need to be kept moving quickly.

"Keep it short and sweet. After five minutes, they're done."

Rekas' education at New York University centered on dance education and "creative moment," the latter term getting lots of use lately but sounding vague. Rekas explained: "My creative movement incorporates things other than just dance. For instance, it's not just ballet or tap. It uses what a body naturally wants to do."

One  day during a class, snow began to fall, and Rekas had the children act out words for the snowflakes. Another day, she told them to "make your body really small. Now make it really big."

They'll use different types of music and discern which emotions a music selection is evoking. They'll also get experience in managing conflict and competition with peers. Kids with anxiety can just sit back and watch until they feel comfortable. No one gets forced, and everyone, Rekas said, eventually jumps in.

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3-year-old choreographers

Students will take on many activities in Constellation's course. They might work really hard on an art project for 15 minutes. "Then our reward will be getting to choreograph our very own dance. It's wonderful to watch a 3-year-old become a choreographer," Rekas said.

Of course like all teachers, Rekas usually ends up having favorite students. "There are always those extra-darling kids," she said. "But of course, you can't let anyone know." And she works at treating all her students fairly and equally. Sometimes she'll spend time getting to know a child better, asking something like, "What was something fun you did this week?"

"Of course, they all want to think they're your favorite, she said. And sometimes they are.

Constellation classes not just for the 'littles'

Eric Shelley, Constellation's education director, teaches several other classes each semester, mostly acting and musical theater for children, teens and adults. 

"My favorite aspect of teaching kids is seeing the lightbulb go off and watching — in real time — as they get the theater bug," Shelley said in an email. 

With adults, he enjoys dissecting a work and observing "leveling-up of confidence and performance skills, which is thrilling to watch."

When working with children, Shelley believes it's crucial to meet them where they are artistically, since some students have had more exposure to performing than others. 

"Classroom management is a skill that I honed during my years of teaching elementary, junior high and high school in a special education environment," he said.

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Eeek, get out! Constellation education director gets drama

A special guest has made one acting class stand out for Shelley.

"I was coaching a dramatic scene that called for a frightened, emotional outburst, which can be a tricky endeavor as an actor."

An agitated bat entered the studio. "People screamed," Shelley said. "People cowered. People ran for the door. Chairs were knocked over." 

After the bat was safely removed, the class resumed.

"'Let's talk about emotional recall,' I say to the class in my most serious, professorial tone. And that was it — we lost our heads. Class over. See you next week."

If you go

WHAT: Creative Movement for PreK (ages 3-6) at Constellation Stage & Screen 

WHERE: Constellation Studios, 411 E. Seventh St.

WHEN: 10-11 a.m. Jan. 31 through April 10. Deadline to register is Jan. 26.

COST: $125 for the session. A limited number of scholarships are available for students eligible for free or reduced lunch through the National School Lunch Program. Constellation Stage & Screen programs are not eligible for Ivy Tech employee fee remission.