Local students have discovered a way to build speech skills and confidence. They're learning thru an after-school drama program called "Drama Kids International."

The reasoning behind the energetic feat is simple. The class builds skills that come in handy when kids are giving a report to class, reading aloud in a group setting or participating in classroom discussions. "I think it's really nice for kids that don't know how to project and everything cause you can learn how to treat other people in the same way, like you don't know that you're learning stuff but you really are while you're still having fun,"says 9 year old participant, Annie Wood.

Nine year old Katelynn Ellis who's also a participant in the class says, "If you're afraid to act it teaches you how to act and not be afraid."

Director of Drama Kids International, Valeria Marto says the program works. Her unusual style gets an "A-plus" from her students. "Our teacher, she's like really creative and she's just really fun to us and nice and all that,"says 11 year old Emily Dickmann.

The program is for kids between the ages of 5-to-12.

Not only is it geered at improving communication skills, it's also designed to improve a child's self-esteem. "If you're in here and you're very, very shy and you don't talk alot, it's good because you learn how to just come out of your shell and not worry about how shy you are,"says 10 year old Morganne Harper.

Ten year old Casper Geven says "It's really worth it because I'm just having fun and that's all that matters."

The classes last about an hour.

The cost is $55 dollars a month and about $400 for an entire year.

55,000 students are currently enrolled in the program around the world.

For more information about the program log onto www.dramakids.com or contact Valeria Marto at (706) 320-1980.

To watch the video, click on the link below:

http://wtvm.com/Global/story.asp?S=7166680&nav=menu91_2

Valeria Marto, who heads up Drama Kids, says that fun is their top priority. “Our focus is really for the kids to learn to speak with confidence in a fun, relaxed atmosphere where they are not judged.” Speaking and acting games are designed to help the children feel comfortable, having fun while gaining communication skills.

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