OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) -
Fifth graders in Owensboro are learning about the arts by going on stage.
It's not your normal classroom, but students are learning how to stay focused, project, use weights and measurements, and play with sound.
It's called Students on Stage. This a new program at Owensboro's RiverPark Center. Students are learning everything from acting to behind-the scenes work.
Instructor, Thad Mayhugh, says these skills go beyond drama.
"It's really great as far as getting their personalities out," says Mayhugh. "I emphasize, you're all not going to be actors, that's not the point of drama really. It's about all the skills in drama that you use in everyday life."
Mayhugh says teaching these skills at a young age will only help children develop into young, confident adults.
"Kids are fearless, I feel like when they get up and do things if it's easy now, it'll be a piece of cake for you when you're in high school. It won't affect you the way it affects those who don't have this experience," said Mayhugh.
Hosting these types of programs has really been a long term goal for the RiverPark Center.
"Children are very important in the arts," said Education Director of RiverPark Center, Linda Youngman. "Anytime we can come up with a program or work with the school systems in any way we can, we do."
Since the center is debt free, board members say directors can now focus on programs and reaching out to the community.
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