The Double Life of Ignats, by kids and for kids

category:Arts and Entertainment posted:July 29th, 2008

Baltimore, MD:  With so much buzz today about High School Musical – being the best, and never failing – where does teamwork and fun with the arts fit in to a child’s development?  Susan Adler George, founder of Create Visions© [a program by which she as a storyteller guides and inspires children to be more creative] asserts that teamwork and collaboration can be key to balancing the need for a competitive edge and still room for failing. The arts can instill the ability to manage issues and find unique solutions. The children do not immediately realize they are learning these high-altitude concepts while they are having so much fun being creative. George sees great potential in the process of creative thinking, improvisational acting, and collaboration among children of all ages to better be prepared for handling the world around them.

Starting last week, with an imaginary character, Ignats, George guided the children, ages 9 – 14, to open their minds to the possibility of an invisible character invading their space. To watch George is to believe that she actually sees Ignats. By the second class – the students saw Ignats as well.  In fact, one child returned mid-week explaining that Ignats went home with her and fell in the pool.  Of course everyone knows Ignats is not real – or is he?

Through both traditional and contemporary drama exercises, George inspires, motivates and teaches the children. They in turn designed their own performance in less than 10 days– from basic story line – to costumes and even the name – The Double-Life of Ignats.  At the end of the 10-day workshop – the children will show off their talents for the public in a free semi-improvisational performance on the nationally recognized Baltimore Theatre Project’s stage.  Donations will gladly be accepted.

• Performance open to the public, free: Saturday, August 2nd, 2008, 11 – 11:30am
  
  
• Dress Rehearsal on Friday open to the press – please call to confirm for photo opportunity or to interview teacher and students. Best time is between 11 – 11:45am
  
  
• Baltimore Theatre Project.  45 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

About the performance:

Ignats never feels like he fits in. He has two gigantic feet and has two sides to his personality– one that is drawn to very bad things – the other compelled to do good in the world.  Spirits, wizards and other beings help to guide Ignats to one side. The semi-improvisational storyline, costumes – some made from found art, names and even the performance’s title was all dreamed up by the students. To help these students acquire the skills and to tap into their creativity, George used her unique story-telling techniques and encouraged the children to explore each other’s visions. They learned to work together for a final outcome – in spite of any challenges that come along with putting together a performance in less than 10 days.

“Broadway it’s not – but inspired and creative it is,” says teacher Susan Adler George, as she watches the children develop into their characters.

About Susan Adler George:

Create Visions© was developed by Susan Adler George.  She currently teaches Art, Drama and Dance at an after school program for Baltimore City students. In addition to this – George offers Art workshops for both adults and children in her home studio. She paints, sculpts and is a published writer.

Her works have been exhibited at galleries and museums regionally and is in private collections throughout the states as well as in Ireland.  More can be found at: http://www.susanadlergeorge.com


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