Activities

Creativity flourishes in a rich environment of integrated arts and nature.  Children choose freely from many artistic experiences offered daily.  A talented staff nurtures and guides each child in the techniques and disciplines of the various arts.  No previous experience is necessary for participation.  Performance opportunities are available to every child.

ART CENTERS

  • Fine Arts, 3 - 18 yrs: painting and drawing, and fine art techniques
  • Arts & Crafts,3 - 18 yrs: a hands-on experience with varied media
  • World Arts, 8 - 18 yrs: learn international and folk arts from around the world
  • Japanese Art, 8 - 18yrs: experience traditional and contemporary arts and crafts
  • Native American Arts, 8 - 18 yrs: learn indigenous crafts, stories, and music
  • Weaving, 3 - 18yrs: create fiber artworks usinghand and loom weaving
  • Basketry, 8 - 18 yrs: use natural materials to create traditional and modern baskets
  • Stained & Fused Glass, 12 - 18 yrs only: create beautiful glass art and jewelry
  • Stagecraft, 8 - 18 yrs: contribute to stage set painting and make theatre props

CERAMICS ~ Clay is used to create functional and artistic objects.  Hand building techniques are taught in coil, pinch, and slab construction for every level, from 3 - 18 years.  Ages 5 - 18 may learn to throw on potter's wheels.  8 - 18 year olds learn methods for finishing, glazing, and firing clay.  Advanced Ceramics provides instruction for more proficient 12 - 18 year-old students, including advanced hand and wheel skills, finishing, firing, and glazing.

Note: Clay pieces will be fired for students only upon request for those who will be able to come back to pick up their finished pieces by Aug. 7.

PUPPETRY ~ Students have the opportunity to construct a variety of puppets.  Using art, storytelling from around the world, and drama, they breathe life into the inanimate. There are also opportunities to create and perform puppet shows.

CREATIVE WRITING ~ Through writing of original stories, poetry, books, scripts, and interviews, students become more powerful observers, explore their imaginations, and develop greater awareness of themselves and others.  They also create Willowbrook’s own publication, “The Babbling Brook.”

NATURE ~ Discovering beauty and wonder in the natural world is an integral part of the Willowbrook experience.  Through the study of nature and science, children become aware of our responsibility in maintaining the sensitive balance on earth.  Included are nature walks, projects, and hands-on experiments.

PHOTOGRAPHY ~ Visual art through the photographic processes reveals an exciting way to view the world, using varied media and photographic techniques.  Darkroom processes are also introduced. DRAMA AND THEATRE ARTS ~ Drama for all ages includes drama games, creation of stories that become plays, production of favorite fairy and folk tales, legends and myths.

FILMMAKING ~ Students are given opportunities to learn the art of visual storytelling, and are taught the skills needed to create their own films.

DRAMA AND THEATRE ARTS

Drama for all ages includes drama games, creation of stories that become plays, production of favorite fairy and folk tales, legends and myths.

Theatre is an integration of the arts, drama, dance, music, and stagecraft.  Theatre allows a child to become many things.  It opens doors to an understanding of self and life situations, other people and other times.  Theatre experiences begin in the Squirrel’s Nest for 3 & 4 year olds, and continue in the Village for 5 -7 year olds.  Intermediate and Advanced Theatre provides dramatic experience for 8 - 18 year-old students.  Special productions are arranged for each age and experience level.  Some major productions welcome all ages and levels.  For roles in major productions, plan to attend 2 weeks prior to performance.  Daily individual and group rehearsals are required.

The Performing Arts area for Artisans incorporates daily activities, music and dance as an integral part of the drama experience.

MUSIC ~ Instrumental and vocal instruction is offered at every level.  Younger student groups (ages 3 - 7) use rhythm instruments to learn basic music and improvisation skills.  Individual lessons are arranged in their areas with their own or visiting staff.  Artisan students (ages 8 - 18) may also explore theory, dynamics, arranging, composition, choral and vocal techniques, and a variety of instruments in the Music Conservatory.  Group and individual lessons are offered on violin and cello at all levels; guitar, piano, and recorder for 5 - 18 year-olds; woodwinds, brass and percussion for 8 - 18 year-olds.

DANCE ~ The dance program is offered to all ages and skill levels, from the 3 & 4 year-old beginners to advanced students.  The program includes classical ballet, creative movement, jazz, tap, ballroom, contemporary and world folk dance.  Many major theatre productions also include dance.