Community Corner

Hello and welcome to Drama Kids of Manasota! We began as Drama Kids of Sarasota in August of 2002. Then in 2004 we became Drama Kids of Manasota, encompassing classes as far south as Nokomis and as far North as State Road 64! This is our NINETH YEAR in the area and we now serve over 200 students! My name is Tamara Solum, and along with my husband, Michael, and my daughters, Kari and Lilianna, we want to welcome you to our "Drama Kids Family." We believe all children can benefit from Drama Kids and our fabulous curriculum. Not only does Drama Kids help build wonderful acting skills, but it also teaches children how to work well cooperatively toward an end goal. They also get so many wonderful opportunities in our Drama Kids classes to express themselves creatively and speak up clearly and confidently. These skills transfer over into their daily life at home and at school.

SPRING PERFORMANCES

ALL DRAMA KIDS CLASSES (EXCEPT KINDERKIDS) WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM ON STAGE AT THE GLENRIDGE THEATRE IN SARASOTA ON EITHER MAY 14TH OR MAY 15TH. PLEASE INVITE FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO ATTEND! NO TICKETS ARE NEEDED! THERE IS A $20 PRODUCTION FEE PER FAMILY TO OFFSET THEATRE RENTAL EXPENSES.

WHO ARE WE?

Tamara Solum - Director/Owner of this wonderful drama program here on the Suncoast. My background has been in social work and early-childhood education. I also hold a degree in Theatre from Occidental College in California and have been seen locally in many theatrical productions in Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice.
Natalia Mock - (Lead Teacher) holds a degree in Musical Theatre from Point Park University in Pennsylvania. She also teaches at Booker High School in their Visual and Performing Arts Acting program. Natalia has a great amount of stage experience both locally and in Pennsylvania as well. This is her sixth year with Drama Kids and we are so lucky to have her!
Sarah Poulos - (Teacher) holds a degree in Theatre from FSU, where she graduated with honors. At FSU she studied Acting, Set and Costume Design, Sound, and Directing. She also performed in many mainstage productions. Professionally, Sarah has performed internationally as a dancer and singer with The Cruxshadows. She is thrilled to join us as a new Drama Kids teacher this year.

*NOTE: All of our teachers receive background checks through the Florida Deptartment of Law Enforcement and have been trained in our Drama Kids techniques.

It is our honor and pleasure to work with your children on becoming stronger actors and more eloquent communicators. What a blessing to do what moves us emotionally and fills our creative spirit!

In the News

DRAMA KIDS AT ARTS DAY, 2007 - (2007-08-30)

DRAMA KIDS ENJOY HAMMING IT UP AT "THE GOLDEN APPLE" ON ARTS DAY. ENJOY THE TEEN PHOTO OF OUR "HIPPIES" IN THE GORILLA PIT.

Youths Perform Saturday - (2009-05-15)

Published: Friday, May 15, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 5:02 p.m.

From an island paradise to a day on the sea, Drama Kids will put their best feet and strong voices forward Saturday during their annual performance at Glenridge Performing Arts Center in Sarasota.

The show is free to the public and nonperishable food items are being collected for All Faiths Food Bank.

Carrying swords and fighting over jewels was common practice for children in an upper primary class Wednesday during a dress rehearsal of "The Bold Buccaneers" at Laurel Nokomis School.

"This is the life of a pirate bold. It's very rewarding we're told and that is no wonder because we rob and we plunder ships that are carrying gold," eight students sang in unison, raising their weapons to the sky.

Brimming from the sidelines, lead instructor Natalia Hanzivasilis has been with the program for four years and enjoys watching confidence blossom in her students' steps and speech.

"They are well-spoken, they have better vocabulary and can articulate what they want to say," she said.

Starting at age 6, Hannah Marks barely uttered a word on stage. Now 10, she sword-fights like the rest of her fellow pirates.

"I think that the hand gestures are pretty easy to do and memorizing is easy and usually I get the lines down," said Jason Gill, 9, who returned for a second year. "I pretty much enjoy Drama Kids."

The lower and upper primary classes will perform "Paradisia" and the "Bold Buccaneers" Saturday at 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. with another performance of Paradisia at 4:45 p.m., followed by a teenage class performance of "Jason and the Golden Fleece."

For more information on performances and summer camp, call 922-8121.

-- Kharli Rose

Real Stories from Sarasota/Manatee Counties

Parents Educators Students

Parents

Out-of-Door Academy Parent Testimonial

We selected Drama Kids because of its thought-provoking and unique approach. The classes are not all about rehearsing for one specific play. The Drama Kids classes focus more on public speaking, creative impromptu dialogue skills and working successfully with a team or
partner. Also, the students learn the proper names and techniques of such theatre approaches. All this while the kids have a blast! The benefits of this special approach are far superior to doing a typical “play” at other drama companies. The skills the kids learn at
Drama Kids will last a life lifetime through their years in school and in their careers.

Marla Whitmore-Parent

Gulf Gate Parent Testimonial

“In just a year our son William has earned great confidence in speech and acting skills. Mrs Tamara, as well as the other teachers are engaging and are doing a fantastic job. In a fun-loving atmosphere, the children get hands on acting, learning to interact with others on stage, as they finds their own actor within. We highly recomend Drama Kids!"

The Messina Family-Parent

Colonial Oaks Parent Testimonial

“When Camber first told us she wanted to join Drama, we had mixed opinions. Both Chris and I tend to like the athletic activities, and so we thought it was only natural Camber would head that route, like our son, Bailey. But she wanted to do her “own” thing – so we supported her and said we would give it a year. Well, three years later, both she and our family think it is one of the best programs she could have found. A few bullets include:- her vocabulary has grown tremendously with not only us, but her grandparents and teachers- she communicates her thoughts - she looks you in the eye during conversation- and of course there is more “drama” in every suppertime story

Thank you for introducing such a wonderful program to our daughter!”

Betsy Pecor, Sarasota, FL-Parent

Summer Camp Testimonial

“Blake had such a great time at the Comedy Camp! You were really able to bring out the side of him that he doesn’t often share with the public. Definitely a huge confidence booster! Hope you plan to do it again next year ~ Blake is looking forward to it!”

Debbie Eldridge, Sarasota Florida-Parent

Homeschool Student Love ODA Class

Dear Tamara and Drama Kids International,

Our seven year old son, Mush V, is really enjoying attending Drama Kids classes. he is home-schooled and your classes add a fun and educational facet to his school schedule. We like the emphasis on both speaking clearly and working with the group of children.

Sincerely,

Shawn Robbins and Euste Peets

Shawn Robbins-Parent

Wants Drama Kids Every Day!

Just so you know, Madison wishes she could go to Drama every day of the week. She always says the same thing when we get home from Tuesday's class...."I wish I could go everyday!" I'm glad that she loves to go, she really is great at all her "drama" she throws our way! :)

-Becky Egan, Drama Kids Parent at Imagine School

Becky Egan, parent of Imagine Upper Primary Student-Parent

Long-time Student, Isabella, Thrives in Drama Kids!

Dear Tamara,

Drama Kids had boosted Isabella's confidence each year more and more. She accomplishes other tasks better now than ever. There is a presence the children acquire through the drama experience. I just love having one more facet of life open to my child.

-Kathy Penkwitz, Bay Haven Upper Primary Parent

Kathy Penkwitz-Parent