Create and Perform 2010

For the past two weeks kids from all over metro Detroit have been meeting at the Opera House for the Create and Perform workshop, one of this summer's Learning at the Opera House programs. The program was created by Karen DiChiera as a way to teach beginning composition, creative thinking, and cooperative problem solving to kids ages 10-18. I sat in on a rehearsal for their final performance, which takes place tomorrow, July 9th, at 4 pm.

The two-week program begins with a physical improvisation, where kids mime the use of an object and pass it on to the next person, who turns the object into something else, passes it on, and so on. The kids learn to express themselves through song cycles, skits, improvisation, and instrumental ensembles. Special guests local comedienne Fran Dent and members of the Audubon Society of Detroit stopped by to provide ideas and inspiration. I was surprised to see just how much material these kids have created in just two weeks! At the end of two weeks a performance is given for parents and friends to showcase all of the hard work that has been put in. Unfortunately the audience won't get to see everything; some material is cut to keep the program from getting too long.


One of the things I love about this program is that kids are allowed to create and explore without worrying about the 'rules' of composition. They are provided with an outline, then encouraged to be creative and improvise. Only after they've finished do they look back and figure out what they did. This approach quiets the inner critic and allows the kids to create and work without judgment, and the results are astounding! In just a short time I heard parts of an original song cycle, saw scripted skits, and a large group improvisation. The intense, focused environment provided by Karen DiChiera forces participants to push themselves creatively and work together with young people from different backgrounds.

I'm very excited to watch the final performance tomorrow at 4pm here at the Detroit Opera House, I can't wait to see the end product of all the hard work!