Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Harbert.
Kimberly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Parents tell us all the time that they wished they had this type of developmental program when they were growing up. They want to help their children gain the skills we teach in a non-pressure environment that is fun and beneficial. We agree, our goal is to outreach to School Districts and Principals to establish more classes, so that all students will have access to this type of development. There is a direct correlation between a student’s confidence and their overall school performance. Tomorrow’s leaders are confident, articulate, creative, and solution makers. We are thrilled to be part of a solution to help students be the best they can be when it matters the most.
After working in the corporate world for Marketing for over 15 years, I began exploring other career opportunities that may bring a different kind of fulfillment and purpose in my life. I daydreamed about how I could be more involved in making an impact in the lives of children and their future successes. It was to my delight I found a program that struck a strong cord in my heart! I recalled immediately many times in my life struggling to express my ideas at school or a leadership group. Even in college and in my career, I distinctively remember the terror of having to present a speech or a project to an audience. Even though public speaking is among the biggest fears in the world, it is a teachable skill. I taught myself to ignore my sweaty palms, shaking hands, the heat and red glow coming from my neck and chest, the pounding heart beat… I learn to plant my feet firmly, take a deep breath and just say what I had to say despite my quivering voice. Finding a developmental drama program whose goal was to teach students to express their ideas with conviction and confidence, was a dream come true!
My daughter and I make a great team running the local Drama Kids program, which is generally held after school and in community centers throughout the San Diego area. Although the programs are offered worldwide, we were the first to bring this unique self-development program to CA. Each one-hour class uses Drama Kids’ copyrighted original curriculum and features up to six different activities that involve speech development, creative movement, improvisations, scene starters, and whole class plays. But no class ever repeats a lesson — even if a child is enrolled from age 4 to 17.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the challenges that we work to overcome is the message that Drama Kids is less about acting and more about life skills for all students. Whether they are shy, outgoing, reserved, analytical… all students are empowered with confidence! Acting is the “tool” used to teach practical skills that benefit our students in their everyday life. Most of our students won’t be professional actors, they will be entrepreneurs, scientists, nurses, doctors, webmasters, sports athletes, parents, etc.…. and everyone who wants and needs to communicate well.
There are many charter, private and public schools in San Diego that we simply run out of time or lack the contacts to reach the right school officials at the district and local school levels. Of course, we don’t let that stop us. Although I am originally from Ohio, I have been enjoying San Diego since 2007 and look forward to meeting more of our school community leaders. Since this is my first experience with the San Diego school community, we work diligently to get the word out to Principals and School officials. We all share the same goal of helping students achieve. Giving children and teens a competitive edge for their college and career goals is a win win win for our community.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Drama Kids San Diego – what should we know?
The difference between us and other programs is that we fulfill a void that students need more now than ever: in person communication and social skills. Students face high pressure situations both off and on-line and must learn how to adapt at a very young age. Their confidence levels change as they experience positive and negative interactions; we teach children adaptable skills and to keep an optimistic perspective. Drama Kids empowers students (age 3- 17 yrs.) with confidence and life skills to be the best that they can be when it matters the most. Students participate in drama-based activities that are non-pressure, highly interactive, and thought provoking. Parents tell us that they see the difference in their student’s articulation and initiative. Strong academics is not enough for students to be successful in this competitive world. They also need to have strong communication and social skills. Each week students experience a different lesson which is fast paced, creative and full of imagination. Activities include fun mini skits, creative movement, speech activities, improves, character building and more.
Empowering workshops and occasional performance are highlights. There are no auditions. Students are cast in roles that best show off their individual skills. We encourage our students to do their very best, we challenge them to try new things, to take risks, and provide them with a safe and supportive environment to do it in.
Our programs including: classes, camps, anti-bullying workshops, are offered as after school enrichment and in school rotation programs. Let your school know you would like to have a Drama Kids program. We are happy to provide your school with a free demo!
Want to know how Developmental Drama started? Focusing on children’s speaking, acting and social skills is how this new concept of developmental drama was created. Whereas, performance drama focuses on entertaining an audience, developmental drama is focused on each individual child’s skill development. Helen O’Grady, a popular TV actress in Australia, is the originator of this popular program and since 1985 it has spread worldwide! Today her program has over 45,000 students in over 1,500 locations throughout the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Southeast Asia and Europe. Many students discover the joy of acting and decide to pursue further stage work; most students attend because Drama Kids helps them build important skills that are used in whatever future endeavors they pursue.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Our determination to create more possibilities for today’s youth is the heart of our success. Our annual program is designed to grow with a student. Facing fears and speaking with confidence may not happen overnight, yet these skills are teachable. We encourage our team, parents and students to reach for the stars and create their success with self-confidence and conviction.
Our structure compliments the concepts of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and the Common Core Standards. In fact, we are the ONLY drama program permitted to attend the STEAM Maker Fair and are considered a STEAM developmental program. It is our aim to give students one of the greatest gifts possible – the ability to believe fully in themselves and their future in our world.
Pricing:
- 10% Military and Teacher discount for life. We Honor and Thank our veterans, teachers and their families by offering a 10% discount for life
- 10% Sibling discount
- New Student Guarantee as listed on registration form. Go head jump in!
- Approved Vendor for Home School & Charter Organizations
Contact Info:
- Address: PO Box 80957, San Diego, CA 92138
- Website: dramakids.com/ca1
- Phone: 619-846-2407
- Email: sandiegodramakids@gmail.com
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