Creative Workshops offered this Summer for Youth & Teens

Published on May 18, 2023

Youth singing at music workshop.

Kzoo Parks and the Kalamazoo Civic will host a series of creative workshops this summer for youth and teens ages 10 to 18. The workshops are free to attend and will be held on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. from May 24 to July 19 (excluding July 5) at the Kalamazoo Civic (426 S Park St). Pre-registration is required and is available online at www.kzooparks.org/creativeworkshops

The workshops will be taught by creative professionals covering topics like music, improv, poetry, and dance:

May 24 – Empowerment Workshop: This beginner workshop uses poetry to teach participants about empowerment and self-confidence. The workshop is facilitated by This is Fire, a youth driven space with a mission of encouraging authentic expression and social justice.

May 31 – Raise Your Voice: This beginner singing workshop allows participants to learn different vocal techniques and stage presence to express themselves. The workshop is facilitated by Dylan Tolbert, a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Kalamazoo.

June 7 – Music Creations: This workshop focuses on melody, harmony, rhythm, improvisation, and lyrics. Participants can develop individual style by applying various concepts and techniques to express themselves when creating music. It is facilitated by Megan Dooley, a Kalamazoo artist specializing in powerful vocals, versatile performance styles, genre-bending techniques, songwriting, and professional whistling.

June 14 – Rhythm and Motions: This beginner dance workshop allows participants to explore ways to create and learn different dance techniques. It is facilitated by Rootead, an organization that offers youth enrichment programs that use healing arts, focusing on African roots and culture through drum and dance, mindfulness, social-emotional learning, indigenous history, and community support. 

June 21 – Think on the Spot: This workshop teaches participants creative ways to think on the spot, create characters, test their memory, and build confidence with stage presence and public speaking. The workshop is facilitated by Shannon Hill a multi-faceted theatre artist who teaches acting, stage combat, improv, and voice for the theatre.

June 28 – Expressions Through Poetry: This workshop teaches creative poetry structures and rhythms for participants to express their thoughts, feeling, and emotions in a story. The workshop is facilitated by This is Fire, a youth driven space with a mission of encouraging authentic expression and social justice.

July 12 – Music Creations: This workshop focuses on melody, harmony, rhythm, improvisation, and lyrics. Participants can develop individual style by applying various concepts and techniques to express themselves when creating music. It is facilitated by Megan Dooley, a Kalamazoo artist specializing in powerful vocals, versatile performance styles, genre-bending techniques, songwriting, and professional whistling.

July 19 – Rhythm and Motion: This dance workshop for beginners explores techniques from different dance genres, tips on stage presence, and simple choreography with energy and fun. It is facilitated by Trinity Prep Center, a dance studio in Kalamazoo with a mission to use positive influence to help youth reach their maximum potential.

"These workshops help youth explore their talents and creativity, and connect them with professional artists for instruction, encouragement, and inspiration," explained Kya Mitchell, Special Events Coordinator for Kzoo Parks. "The workshops cover different types of expression, and the leaders all have great experience and insight to share. We're so excited to make this opportunity available again this summer." 

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