Lessons of Laughter offers help for kids with speaking disabilities.
Maryann Kaminsky of In Plain English, and Christine Walters of Lessons Of Laughter and ComedySportz, are teaming up to provide a series of improv programs to help students with speaking disorders increase confidence and learn theatre tips and techniques to aide in speaking with ease.
Maryann is a speech therapist, and president of In Plain English LLC. She teaches clear, confident communication skills. Christine is an improviser, director, and founder of ComedySportz Improv Theatre of Richmond and president of Lessons Of Laughter. Over the past 18 years of improv, Christine teaches acceptance, commitment, teamwork, trust, and how to fail, and fail big.
Both women worked with students at Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School in Richmond, Virginia during the 2010 – 2011 school year. A student of Maryann’s demonstrated dramatic improvement in her speech in the early spring of 2011. When asked what was different, she replied; “I have confidence”. When asked what made the difference she stated; in my improv class here at school my teacher expects me to do what everyone else is doing”.
After connecting with Christine and realizing how complimentary the goals of their individual programs were, they decided to create programs, weaving both speech therapy and improv techniques together for people who stutter. This Fall three “LOL In Plain English” programs will be launched. Each class will offer 6 weeks of improv training and will conclude with a performance by the students for their family and friends.
Classes will be held at the new ComedySportz Improv Theatre 8906 West Broad Street, Richmond VA, 23294. Each class is two hours. There will be three programs offered; for Elementary, Middle and High School age students. A program for adults is in the planning stages. Please contact us for more information.
Dates of Programs:
Elementary Program: grades 2 – 5 October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, and 8
Middle School Program: grades 6 – 8 October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, and 9
High School Program: grades 9 – 12 October 6, 12, 19, 27, November 3, and 17
Program cost: $250.00
Classes are limited to 12 students per session. Scholarships are available for each program series. To register for the program contact [email protected] or call 804-539-8843.
Contact: Christine Walters
Phone: 804.833.2067
email: [email protected]
The Kids Speech
Improv Classes Designed For Young People Who Stutter
