Making the Arts Come Alive

by Maureen Cashin Bolog

Mariann Kramer (top center) with Actor’s Craft families in Music and Improv for Pre-School!

Mariann Kramer makes the arts come alive for Pre-Schoolers. For twenty-five years, she has engaged young minds and bodies in imaginative play, all while teaching lifelong skills of active listening, responsibility and self-control. Kindergarten readiness is part of her mission.

I first met Mariann when she was my daughter Theresa’s pre-school teacher at Kid’s Castle. I was impressed with how she managed to keep all the youngsters happily engaged in their activities — even cleaning up after themselves — while never raising her voice. As a mother with three children under 5, I thought I might learn something from her!

In 2002, Mariann started her own business, Magic Moments, which allows her to bring her special focus on Music, Movement and Arts to Kenosha area Pre-Schools and Home Daycare Centers. She also offers low-key dance and art classes in her home studio, exposing children to ballet, tap and modern dance. Two of my children have enjoyed her dance program. Stress-free fun for them and me!

I opened Actor’s Craft in 2005 to teach Professional On-Camera Acting Technique for Adults and Teens and Creative Drama for Children. Not every child will become an actor, but all children can benefit from the skills learned in Creative Drama. Talent agents complain some acting programs for children train the natural impulses and sense of make-believe out of the child, leaving them with a stilted performance. I share the philosophy that children learn through play. It is my goal to channel their creative energy into skills that can enhance their daily life and school experience, as well as help them imagine themselves in various roles.

Mariann Kramer is an important part of the Actor’s Craft Creative Drama Program. My daughter Mary Bridget enjoyed Music & Improv for Pre-Schoolers for three years before she became a big kindergarten girl this past year. Our Tuesday morning classes are a delight! I love to watch the children gain confidence and skills over the weeks and years. I also love watching the baby siblings become toddlers and join in the fun. Mariann has a huge variety of music and movement activities. Parents have fun laughing with their little ones. It is sheer joy.

If you think your child could benefit from Creative Drama for Children, you can sign them up for the Actor’s Craft six-week summer session on Tuesday mornings, June 24-July 29. Music & Improv for Pre-School (ages 2-5) is from 9:30 - 10 a.m. and costs $36. Stories & Improv (ages 5-8) is from 10:15 - 11a.m. and costs $54. Improv for Kids (ages 9-12) runs from 11:15 a.m-12:15 p.m. and costs $72.

Summer Classes for Teens 13+ includes Teen Improv on Tuesdays, June 24-July 29, from 1:30-3:00 p.m., $110 for six weeks. Also, we offer a one-week intensive Professional Acting Technique for Teens, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - Noon, June 16-20, for $200.

Classes are limited to 12 students, so register early to guarantee your child’s place. If you register by May 20, you save 10%. If three immediate family members register for classes, you receive half-off the third class. When you recommend your friends to Actor’s Craft and they list you as a reference, you will receive 10% of their tuition off of your future classes at Actor’s Craft!

Actor’s Craft is located in the Rhode Center for the Arts, Pollard Gallery Loft, at 518 56th Street in Kenosha. Checks and Registration should be mailed to P. O. Box 456, Kenosha, WI, 53141-0456. Check out the website at www.actorscraftwisconsin.com for more information. Call Maureen at 262-705-0194 with any questions you have about Actor’s Craft!