New Tampa Performing Arts Center offers an array of programs to connect people with the arts
When Leala Moen first heard of the drama classes offered at New Tampa Performing Arts Center, she knew it was the perfect opportunity for her 12-year-old son, Logan. Logan had never acted before, but he'd shown promise in the skills needed to succeed in the performing arts - like winning a speech competition amongst his fifth-grade class and presenting his school's morning announcements. Leala would know, having studied music and the performing arts as a child.
She thought NTPAC's Acting C.S.I. class, which teaches storytelling through cold readings, scene study, and improv, would be the perfect environment for Logan to grow his presentation skills, confidence, and creativity. What she didn't expect was that the class would also bring them closer together.
Quality time
As a busy working mom, Leala is always looking for ways to spend time with her son. After seeing how much fun he had in class, she jumped at the opportunity to take the class alongside Logan when it was expanded to include adults in the following session.
Every Saturday morning, Leala and Logan would walk into Acting C.S.I., taught by NTPAC's Kathy Norman, to be creative and bond through games and group performances. They even performed a scene together in the final class performance.
"When we were about to do our final performance skit, we looked at each other like, 'We're going to do this and rock it!'" Leala said.
Today, Leala and Logan look back on their time together at NTPAC as more than just an acting class. "It gave us something fun to do together. That quality time is gold to me," she said.
Getting out of the comfort zone
Leala urges other parents to step out of their comfort zone alongside their children.
"Your child will be grown sooner than you know it! Take the time now to do something fun with them," she said.
As for Logan, he notes that the class proved valuable beyond the stage.
"It helped me to be a better public speaker, actor, and prepare me for future performances," he said.
Logan and Leala have continued to engage in NTPAC's programming both together and separately through other classes.
Learn more
To learn more about New Tampa Performing Arts Center and its education programs, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org.