Being entertained is reason enough for James McQueen Public School students to love the theatre games workshops offered this month by Lisa Du Fresne.
“It was lots of fun,” said Tyler, a grade 6 student.
Classmate Kelsy said students enjoyed using their bodies to spell out letters on the gym floor and to create a haunted house.
But Du Fresne, a Guelph artist who received a grant through the Ontario Arts Council, says the games offer much more than just fun.
“Theatre games are a non-competitive, game-based exploration of expression and creativity,” said Du Fresne, who trained at Jacques Lecoq Ecole de Théâtre in Paris, France.
She added the workshops are great for improving students’ self esteem, listening skills and public speaking ability.
Principal John Cassano called the workshops a “win-win” for the school and students.
“This is participatory … the children are actively involved,” said Cassano, explaining the benefits of the workshops over mere presentations. “[It helps] to develop self expression and social expression skills.”
He said he is very appreciative of the help from school council, which has been very supportive with a number of projects, including the theatre games workshops.
Du Fresne said she loves working with the students, and also feeds off the workshops herself.
“There’s truly a unique energy that comes from a child,” she said, adding she loves the family-like atmosphere at local schools.
“Fergus is a magical place … it’s so inclusive; it’s just wonderful.”
