Our Mission is to Help Youth Develop Happiness Skills
Happiness is a Skill. That’s one of our mottos at Take Note Troupe, and we aim to teach happiness through Play Theory in every interaction. The four Play Theory principles are Be Present, Let Go & Play, Accept & Build, and Look Outward, and we teach and practice these through games during each class and rehearsal. Play Theory is the biggest part of our mission and is at the core of all we do.
Happiness is a Skill That We Want Your Child to Have
Most theatre companies also offer skill-building classes, and many require that those who wish to participate in performances also enroll in one of these classes in acting, singing, dancing, etc. While TNT offers some theatre skill classes, the most important skills that we want to teach the youth in our program are the Happiness Skills of Play Theory.
Play Theory’s Happiness Skills Yield Great Results
TNT has found that performers who have been immersed in Play Theory and who truly strive to practice the four principles are easier to direct, are more collaborative with other cast members, and tend to have significantly less anxiety about performing. Our goal for those who begin our program while they are in elementary or middle school is to help them reach this level by the time they are in high school and audition for our mainstage shows.
Parents have also found that their children who have embraced Play Theory are more resilient in tough situations, more cooperative at home, and more likely to spend time with friends. Isn’t that something that we all want for our teens?
Our New Happiness Curriculum for Elementary and Middle School Will Build the Desired Skills At the Perfect Time
Happiness Playground: Elementary (3rd-6th grade, 8-11)
Happiness Skills: Middle School (7th-8th grade, 12-14)
Practice Happiness: High School (9th-12th grade, 14-18)
Our newly enhanced Happiness Skills curriculum is tailored for elementary and middle school students to allow them to gain a better understanding of and appreciation for the Play Theory principles. At the elementary school level, the Happiness Playground class will focus on individual principles, teaching and practicing them in playful ways while helping them see meaningful applications for these skills beyond the games.
For middle school students, we are creating a series of four classes. Each class will be a “deep dive” into one of the four principles. They are designed to be taken in any order with one each semester during 7th and 8th grade so that by the end of middle school, most participants have taken all four. These classes will deepen their understanding of what each principle means, ways they can practice it, and how it can truly help them Practice Happiness. Middle school is the ideal time for youth to really focus on developing these skills, as it is arguably the most challenging time socially and emotionally in the teen years. Our Happiness Skills classes will help your teens navigate these years with the tools to overcome the challenges they face and experience validation of self and others when they need it most.
As youth move into high school, all of our classes will be powered by Play Theory and will have a Play Theory component, but Practice Happiness class will focus exclusively on the games that help teach and practice Play Theory.
Happiness Skill Building Classes Will Be Required for Elementary and Middle School Participants Who Are in Productions
These Happiness classes will be required as “skill building” for those in elementary school and middle school who wish to participate in productions. We feel strongly that taking these classes will strengthen each child and give them the tools that they need for the challenges of the teen years and young adulthood. They will also help these youth be better prepared to practice and hone leadership and service skills when they are at the high school level.
High school students who participate in a production or On the Spot Improv are also expected to take an additional class of their choice. Those who have demonstrated maturity in understanding Play Theory will have the opportunities to coach a class in lieu of their concurrent enrollment. Those who are new to the program will be expected to take Practice Happiness or one of the Happiness Skills courses, though they are also welcome to enroll in additional classes if they desire.
Play Theory is an Investment in Your Child’s Happiness Now and in the Future
We know that families are busy and that your resources of time and money are valuable. We are passionate about helping your children, not just to become performers, but more importantly, to navigate life with generosity and joy in their hearts as they learn to Be Present, Let Go & Play, Accept & Build, and Look Outward. These classes will empower and transform youth and inspire them to leadership and service. They will also help them be better performers, stronger leaders, and valuable teammates (even in your home). The investment of time and money made now will pay off big dividends in their future!
