What kind of "performing arts" activities can I do with older kids who are completely uninterested?

Question

I'm the performing arts specialist at a summer camp and with the younger kids, it's great. They love dancing around, learning songs and playing little theater games.

But the older kids are completely apathetic and don't even like to try the awesome improv games I have for older kids. I have some games that don't really involve acting and are just kind of focus games that some of the older kids like, but sometimes I have groups of only 2 kids, and I can't think of a good way to get such a small group of uninterested kids involved. I tried just plain charades, but it was excruciating-- they just didn't want to do it. Any ideas you may have will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

As a teen myself, I know what may get them interested. Try taking music that they listen to and incorporate it into what you want to teach them. Try the same with movies.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Aw teens, yes well that just about says it doesn't it?  Ok, if you have not done this yet I would actually ask the kids what they like about the performing arts and what they would like to try out.  Ask them what kind of characters they like in movies and TV and go further with if they would like to play as such a character in a theatre improv.  The answer about making the event teen run is a good one and your supervising/influencing indirectly the direction it goes is one way of addressing it.  

I don't think the students are apethic, I think there is a break in communication between what they like and want to do and what the activities have to offer.  In most classes the instructor makes the students share what they want to get out of a class.  It's no different with a group of teens.  I would try using some reverse psychology too here.  

When a group of people is down to two it is rather difficult to do an exercise which is why you would be better off doing something more suited for an individual exercise for both students together.

Again the idea of "advertising" your class to the campers is a good idea too.  Make flyers, have the two students when classes are small make them with you so you can go out together and recruit more class members.

Answer 3

I feel  your pain. My first thought was poetry, as in poetry slam. But, given that they don't want to do improv, I'm not sure. I'm curious about the "focus" games. Sounds like you have 2 willing participants. Maybe they can spread the word?

Here's an idea -- I sometimes volunteer at a great teen center. There is a lot of supervision, but the teens get to "run" the activities. Why not advertise your activity time as a place where the teens get to "run the show." That might bring 'em in. Then, use your talents to guide the process w/out them knowing it. Have some instruments handy (got any drums there at camp? -- I'm thinking drum circle with a teen leader leading the circle with your gentle guidance), some props, some rap lyrics, some poetry, etc. Get as many things as you can to inspire them. Then, see what happens.

I would definitely get some inspired teens to spread the word about your activity (that it is "'teen run").

Hope this answer gets you thinking about how to solve this. Good luck to you!