Press

Former San Francisco 49er Ray Norton autographs a photo for a student at the Stead Community Center on Wednesday. Norton gave a pep talk to youths involved in the KidScape Productions theater club.

Former San Francisco 49er Ray Norton visited about 30 local kids on Wednesday evening at the Reno Housing Authority' Stead Manor Community Center.

A guest of KidScape Productions, Norton spoke about confidence and self-esteem in sports and in life. He also provided a signed picture for each student to take home.

"While KidScape Productions uses drama to instill self-esteem and presentation skills, we are well aware that this is done through sports as well as other activities," said Christiana Frank, founder and program director of KidScape Productions. "When approached properly, kids can really benefit from experiencing first-hand stories on how this comes together."

The top sprinter in the world in 1959 and 1960, Norton won gold medals in the sprints and sprint relay at the 1959 Pan-American Games. He won the NCAA 220-yard dash in 1959, and he was the Amateur Athletic Union outdoor 100- and 200-meter champion in 1959 and 1960 and participated in the Rome Olympics in 1960.

A graduate of San Jose State College, Norton was a fourth-round draft pick in 1960 and became a 49er running back and receiver for the 1960-1961 team.

KidScape Productions uses speech, movement, improvisation, character and plot development and other dramatic techniques to teach students acting, communication and verbal and social skills.

For more information about the program, call 787-3900 or visit KidScapeProductions.com

Improv acting class teaches children drama, confidence

CARLA ROCCAPRIORE
RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL
Posted: 11/8/2007

Thinking on one's feet and performing without rehearsing are among things that many children are doing in an after-school program, and some say it's helped increase their creativity and confidence.

KidScape Productions offers developmental drama workshops around Washoe County that involve dramatic play, theater games and story enactment, among other things.

Founder and program director Christiana Frank said the program also develops skills in social interaction, verbal communication, concentration, problem solving, teamwork and coordination.

"It sits close to home because I wasn't confident (as a child)," said Frank, 34. "This is especially great for kids because it gets them on their feet and allows them to practice skills with games."

Gain self confidence

Mary Kupec of Reno said she's seen positive changes in her 13-year-old daughter Charlene since Charlene began taking part in the program.

"Charlene gained an amazing amount of self confidence that has showed up in every part of her life," Kupec said. "Her grades have improved, as well as her desire to take on more activities before and after-school hours."

Ryan Costello, 14, of Sparks , said he's been in the program about two years.

ANDY BARRON/RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL   Zoom +

From left, Cassi Searle, 9, and Miranda Sternlicht, 10, act out a part in a KidScape Productions class at Trinity Episcopal Church. The class uses beginning theater games that help students create imaginary circumstances and characters.

Riley Brown, 12, standing and Austin Andyelin, 6, act out a part in a KidScape Productions class. The class uses beginning theater games that help students create imaginary circumstances.

Ajay Faulstich acts out the part of a doctor in a KidScape Productions class.

Sami Faulstich improvises during a recent KidScape Productions class.

"No other program can really compare to it in this area," said Costello, who is active in drama at Spanish Springs High School .

Jacob Roberts, a member of the drama club at Reed High School , agreed.

"It's a place you can have fun and learn," said Roberts, 14, of Sparks . "There is no judgment, so it's just a place to have fun. It also helps stage presence massively."

Frank said she started the program two years ago but has been running the curriculum locally for five years.

She also conducts programs with foster children, the Reno Housing Authority, local scouting troops, the Washoe County School District and with senior citizens at Classic Residence by Hyatt.

The open sessions for children ages 10 to 16 are scheduled from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays at Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 Island Ave. in downtown Reno by the riverwalk.

A donation of $8 per child is re q uested (which goes to the church for use of facilities), but Frank said no child will be turned away.

Frank is a 1991 graduate of Reno High School who attended The Juilliard School in New York City and Yale University 's School of Drama in New Haven , Conn.

Six years ago, she created the KidScape structure while working with the New York City Police Department's at-risk youth division.

"That gave me a lot of training," Frank said.

She returned to Reno because, she said, she wanted to give back to the community in which she grew up. Frank said she hopes to make KidScape a nonprofit organization by February.