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Years ago, I was very fortunate to be asked to teach a creative dramatics class at a summer camp in Mount Dora, Florida, an adorable little town not too far from where I lived in downtown Orlando.

I taught six, one-hour classes - Monday through Friday. My contract for the job was six weeks. The children ranged from 4 1/2-years old, to 12. And I have to admit, the younger ones were definitely my favorite. I've never had the desire to have children of my own, but I absolutely adore them. It's funny, I think they can sense how much I love them because whenever a client comes into my store and has a stroller with a baby/child in it, they always smile at me. Sometimes I'll wave at them, and they'll wave back with their tiny little hands and fingers. And it makes my heart melt. 

Anyway, getting back to the creative dramatics class...

The whole experience opened my eyes to things I never realized. And even though I was hired as a teacher, I walked away feeling that "I" was the one who had been taught. 

And let me tell you that I now have the utmost respect for anyone who teaches because it's not easy.  

I came home everyday from my classes feeling totally fulfilled, but exhausted. 

The energy expended from teaching is by far more than any amount of energy I’ve ever used to do anything physical.

Also, I now know what it’s like to have your attention stretched in ten million places as a teacher. 

Through teaching, I discovered the art of multi-tasking.

From an acting point of view, kids are the best teachers because an actor must become like a child.

To watch the kids in my class execute an acting exercise that I asked them to do, was mind-blowing to me. They would literally throw themselves into it without an ounce of self-consciousness.

What I noticed is that whenever I gave the class an exercise, such as pretending to be happy, sad, surprised, or scared, they would just do it. They didn't process it through a mental filter; they simply became happy, sad, surprised, or scared. 


It was incredible to watch. 

Children have the amazing ability to abandon themselves and “just be.”

They freely express their feelings and emotions.

And that's truly what acting is. It's a process of leaving yourself open; stepping out of the way; and allowing everything to be expressed through you.   

Another thing I learned from children was about love and affection. 

They would come up to me throughout the day and just wrap their arms around me, and say, “I love you, Mr. Ron.”

That was perhaps my favorite thing about the job, the spontaneous hugs I would get. 

If a child feels love and affection, they purely express it. They don't even think about it.

So, yes, that opportunity not only taught me about acting, but also about holding on to my inner child.

And keeping a part of me, childlike...💗


"The best actors, I think, have a childlike quality. They have an ability to lose themselves."
-Kenneth Branagh

Have a grrrrreat rest of your week, everyone!


28 comments:

  1. So true, Ron! I don’t remember you ever sharing this experience, so thank you. And omg, isn’t it exhausting? My only experience teaching was Sunday School for many years when my kids were young and Vacation Bible School every summer. That week always knocked me on my butt and it was only for 3 hours/day!!!

    I don’t think I ever told you that Middle Child was part of our local children’s community theatre for a few summers when she was in high school. As a person with autism, I wasn’t sure how she would do, but it was EXACTLY as you described . . . She was able to freely express her emotions and come out of her shell onstage. Unfortunately, there were some kids (and parents) who were not so kind, so she gave it up after two summers. She went back as a helper the following year, but that was just not her thing.

    Hope you’re enjoying the cooler weather! XO

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  2. You are so welcome, my friend! For some reason, I was suddenly reminded of this experience several days ago, so I thought I'd post about it. It may have been because I had seen something online about Mount Dora, which caused me to remember. I used to do a lot of theater there because they have a faaaaaaabulous little theater called, The Ice House Theater.

    "That week always knocked me on my butt and it was only for 3 hours/day!!!"

    OMG, now that I've done this, I can TOTALLY relate your feelings. Yes, it's exhausting!

    "I don’t think I ever told you that Middle Child was part of our local children’s community theatre for a few summers when she was in high school. As a person with autism, I wasn’t sure how she would do, but it was EXACTLY as you described . . . She was able to freely express her emotions and come out of her shell onstage"

    That's AWESOME! And no, I don't think you ever told me that, but I'm not surprised because acting/theater is a very helpful form of therapy because it frees you to express emotions that you may have never expressed. I always said that I could do things onstage that I could never do offstage.

    And you're right, some kids (and adults) can be not-so-kind. That's why I preferred working with the younger ones because the older kids who I taught could (at times) be very ornery.

    Thanks for stopping by. And yes, I am sooooo enjoying the cooler weather. Yahoooooo!

    X

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  3. Oh my god Ron, I LOVED this post! Like you, I've never had the desire to have children of my own, but I so enjoy being an auntie to my nieces and nephews. I adore them!

    What a great experience that must have been for you (and the kids) teaching them acting! I forgot that you had been an actor?! Do you ever miss it or think you'd return to the stage?

    And what you said about how kids express love and affection freely is so true. I get the best hugs and kisses from my nieces and nephews. You're right, it's important to keep a part of us childlike.

    Wonderful post, Mr. Ron! xo

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  4. Morning, Candice!

    Aren't kids WONDERFUL? I learn so much from being around them because they remind me how to be a better adult. LOL!!!

    Yes, it was a fantastic experience, and one that I feel fortunate to have had. Like I said, I came away realizing that they were the ones who taught "me." And yes, I sometime miss it. And yes, I sometimes think that perhaps one day I might return and do some community theater, just for the enjoyment. My time in the theater taught me so much about life.

    Keeping a part of me childlike is so important.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice. Hope you're having a fantastic week!

    X

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  5. Ron, I could hear it in your voice what a special experience this was for you! I smiled when you shared about children smiling at you and waving at them. I have such an affection for kids (especially babies). At one point in my education, I seriously considered being a pediatric nurse.

    I found this so interesting - "And that's truly what acting is. It's a process of leaving yourself open; stepping out of the way; and allowing everything to be expressed through you. "

    Even though I've never acted, I can believe that. And I love that quote by Kenneth Branagh!

    Thanks for sharing this chapter in your life. I enjoyed it!

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  6. Hey there, Daniel!

    Yes, it was a very special experience indeed. And what I found most special was HOW MUCH the children taught ME; not only about acting, but life as well.

    "I have such an affection for kids (especially babies). At one point in my education, I seriously considered being a pediatric nurse."

    Oh that's wonderful! If I ever went into the medical profession, I too would specialize in pediatrics. Either that or geriatrics.

    Isn't that quote fabulous? Through my journey in acting, I discovered that it's very beneficial to keep a childlike quality because it frees you from all things that make you self-conscious as an adult.

    Always great to read your comment, Daniel! Have a terrific rest of your week!

    X

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  7. I can't really add more to what you have already mentioned. Children of all ages (young ones) are teachers themselves. We adults should take heed and bethe young at heart...always.

    Great write-up this time around dear friend!!

    http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com

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  8. This is a great reminder, Ron! I think as we grow, we let the creative/childlike part of who we are go by the wayside -- and what a tragedy that is for the world at large! It's only through being free to let the child come out and play that we're able to do anything of worth, whether it be writing, acting, playing music, doing art, or whatever!


    Sadly, too often school is what destroys that "child," too. Perhaps too often educators need to rein kids in -- they can be pretty exuberant! -- but I've found that things like critiquing another's work or grading something that doesn't have a right or wrong can be damaging. It can destroy a person's self-confidence to the point that they refuse to "put themselves out there" again. I guess that's why they say you need a tough hide to be a writer! (Probably goes for anything creative, huh?)


    You can see you've touched a nerve with this post, my friend. Thank you for writing it! Thank you, too, for sharing your experiences from teaching -- what a wonderful teacher you must have been! I'm sure the kids loved you! xx

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  9. Oooooo Anni, I LOVE what you said...

    "Children of all ages (young ones) are teachers themselves. We adults should take heed and bethe young at heart...always."

    AMEN! How true that is!

    Much thanks for stopping by, dear friend. Hope you're having a faaaaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  10. Debbie, you're entire comment was filled with so much passion and truth!

    " It's only through being free to let the child come out and play that we're able to do anything of worth, whether it be writing, acting, playing music, doing art, or whatever!"

    I've got to remember that saying because it is SPOT ON! And it should be something that everyone should be retaught throughout life because as we age, we often forget that. The 'child' is very often told to "Grow up and be an adult."

    And I also identified with what you said about how too often school is what destroys the child. I experienced that with certain acting schools I attended because they wanted to TELL me how to act instead of ALLOWING me to do it my way.

    "I've found that things like critiquing another's work or grading something that doesn't have a right or wrong can be damaging. It can destroy a person's self-confidence to the point that they refuse to "put themselves out there" again."


    YUP...that's exactly what happened to me. However, I'm pretty stubborn because I took those critiques and proved them wrong. HA!

    I can't thank enough for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings. You've added MUCH to this post topic.

    Have a superb rest of your week, my friend!

    X

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  11. Ron, that's one of the things I've always loved about you. For as long as I've been reading your blog, I could always sense your childlike, playfulness. So it's no surprise to me that the kids love you! And I bet you were an excellent teacher too.

    How WONDERFUL that you had this experience. Both you AND the children benefited from being with each other. And isn't it the truth about teaching? We so often learn more by teaching.

    I'm curious, what kind of acting exercises did you have the kids do? Did you do scenes?

    As always, enjoyable read, Ron! You've had so many interesting experiences throughout your life. xo

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  12. Hola, Denise!

    Thank you for your sweet, kind words. And even at work I can be very silly and childlike. I like having fun when I work, so I try to make it enjoyable. I believe that you can do your job well, but also mix it with some fun. And I truly think it creates a more enjoyable environment for the customers.

    Yes, through teaching, you LEARN. I'm grateful to have had this experience because it taught me a lot about acting AND life.

    No, we didn't do any scenes. We did things like improvisations, sense memory exercises, pantomime, physical movement exercises, and I even had a class in face painting. Sometimes I would even put a CD on and we would just dance!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaabulous rest of your week!

    X

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  13. Oh Ron, those things sound like so much fun. Especially the face painting!!! I bet the kids really enjoyed it!

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  14. Sometimes if I had an all-girl class, I would have them paint their faces and then I would put a 'Spice Girl' CD and have them dance around the room, pretending to be their favorite Spice Girl. SO. MUCH. FUN,!!!!

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  15. The longer I read your blog, the more I learn things about you, Ron! I knew you acted, but did know about being a teacher. I can only imagine how much fun you had. And the kids too! Isn't it sad how when we were kids, we were more spontaneous and didn't processes everything through our brain? We were more free and open. Yes, as we age, we have to learn that we can't just act out on every impulse by saying and doing whatever we want. But I think it's important to hold on to a childlike quality because it leaves us open and curious to life. Both my girlfriend and I love to act like kids. We sometimes like to go to a park by our apartment and play on the swings, jungle gym, and sliding board. And just LAUGH!

    "From an acting point of view, kids are the best teachers because an actor must become like a child." ---- so true!

    Great post, dude!

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  16. Hiya Matt!

    I freaking LOVE what you said here...

    "Yes, as we age, we have to learn that we can't just act out on every impulse by saying and doing whatever we want. But I think it's important to hold on to a childlike quality because it leaves us open and curious to life."

    Yes! Yes! Yes! There has to be a balance. A middle ground. But It's sooooooooo important to keep hold of our inner child and see things fresh and new. And be silly sometimes.

    "Both my girlfriend and I love to act like kids. We sometimes like to go to a park by our apartment and play on the swings, jungle gym, and sliding board. And just LAUGH!"

    Oh how faaaaaaaaaaaabulous is that! That's awesome! I wish we lived closer because I'd be there with you!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt. Have a most excellent rest of your week!

    X

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  17. Thanks, Ron, for sharing this experience and it seems that you got as much enjoyment and fulfillment as the children attending the classes, which was wonderful to read. Like yourself, I never chose to become a parent, but have enjoyed my husband's daughters and now grandchildren. And you are so right in that adults can learn much from children especially as many seem to have forgotten the delights of childhood.

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  18. Hellooooooooooo there, D!

    You're absolutely right, I DID get as much enjoyment and fulfillment as the children. What a great experience it was!

    "Like yourself, I never chose to become a parent, but have enjoyed my husband's daughters and now grandchildren."


    Throughout my life I've meant many married people, like you, who chose not to become a parent and I think it wonderful. To each his own. I truly believe that some people are not meant to have children. They love children, however, never wanted to be a parent.

    "...many seem to have forgotten the delights of childhood."

    Amen!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, D! Hope you're having a fantastic week!

    X

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  19. OMG Ron, that is not only hilarious, but a BRILLIANT idea!!!!! And can you believe that I still have several Spice Girls CD's. I loved them - girl power! LOL!

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  20. You and I have something in common, Ron! a bond. We both ACTED! I took acting classes myself, but never taught acting. How wonderful that must have been for you. And just from the way you expressed yourself, I can tell you thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I too, love children. And I hope some day to have 1 or 2. One of each. LOL!

    You're right, to be a good actor, you have to let go of your self-consciousness and let go. ABANDON as you said. Like a child. That's the perfect way to say it.

    Tell me, did you just do theater, or did you have any film experience? I was strictly theater. I feel the most comfortable onstage.

    Delightful post, Ron! I enjoy hearing about your life experiences.

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  21. Greetings, Clair!

    Wow....I didn't know that about you, how COOL is that!!! I mainly took classes too, but when this opportunity came along I decided to try it. I have to be honest though, I was nervous about teaching. But it warmed me up for future experiences because I ended up be a trainer, instructor, teacher in various other careers that I've had.

    I think having one of each it IDEAL! If I ever had kids, that's what I would hope for. However, that's not something you can make happen. And I think you end up being very happy with whatever you get.

    I was strictly theater too. Yet, I did do a very industrial films and one TV children's show pilot that never aired. Like you, the stage is where I feel the most comfortable and the most excited about. I also prefer the process of doing theater. I don't like the process of film However, I LOVE to watch film. I'm a big film buff.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend, and for sharing that! Have a faaaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X

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  22. "...and just wrap their arms around me, and say, “I love you, Mr. Ron.”

    Ron, my heart melted just hearing that! And I bet they did love you. And I bet you were a great teacher because you're a kid at heart!

    My eldest daughter is a teacher (elementary school) and she too loves the younger ones. And you're right, it's so important that we all hold on to our inner child so that we enjoy moments of silliness and see things fresh, like a child.

    Did you ever go back and teach again at the summer camp? I bet you had so much fun and left an unforgettable impression on the kids.

    Thanks for sharing another "clip" from your life, Ron. Made me smile! xo

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  23. Hey there, Elaine!

    Thank you for your sweet words. I had such a great time with this experience; feeling as though I learned more than I taught.

    OMG, I didn't know your daughter was an elementary teacher. How FABULOUS is that! Tell her that I applaud her because now I know what goes into being a teacher, and it's hard. But oh-so enjoyable too!

    " it's so important that we all hold on to our inner child so that we enjoy moments of silliness and see things fresh, like a child."

    You said it! It's so important and beneficial to see things through your "childlike eye" because you see things fresh!

    No, I only taught that one summer. I can't remember if they discontinued the camp or what?! But I would have done it again had they asked me.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Happy Monday to you! It's supposed to be a bit cooler this week. Looking forward to it.

    X

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  24. Yup, I sure do. And sometimes I put them on and do the Spice Girls moves to "Stop." HA! My favorite Spice Girls were Scary and Sporty.

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  25. What a fantastic experience! It would have been amazing to see them light up and become their emotions. But, that's what younger children are.....100% emotion!! Love the closing quote! X

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  26. Isn't that quote wonderful, Lisa? I am so happy to have found it online because it was perfect for this post topic.

    As I shared, I have such respect and admiration for teachers (like yourself) because even though it's so fulfilling, it hard work.

    So, BRAVA to you!

    X

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  27. It's wonderful that you were able to receive something so positive from your experience teaching children. I worked a few years in our school district doing both food service, and child care. While some of the kids were a little challenging (OH, but some of the adults were as well) the sweet memories are so nice to have. One part of the child care job was doing arts/crafts with them. OMG, how fun that was! Some were just soooo excited to finish a project and be so proud of themselves when we'd praise them and tell them how beautiful their art was. And, yes, they would come up to me and other workers and hug us. Some would touch my jewelry, and want to play with my hair, etc.
    Sweet post, Ron. And a good quote at the end.

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  28. Mary, I feel so fortunate to have had this experience because it taught me so much about not only acting, but life as well.

    Yes, and some children CAN be challenging (for me, it's the older ones), but I still found it so rewarding because it taught me patience and tolorence.

    "One part of the child care job was doing arts/crafts with them. OMG, how fun that was! Some were just soooo excited to finish a project and be so proud of themselves when we'd praise them and tell them how beautiful their art was. And, yes, they would come up to me and other workers and hug us. Some would touch my jewelry, and want to play with my hair, etc."


    OMG....that is sooooooooooo AWESOME! And wasn't it the most incredible feeling? And to witness the joy and excitement in their little faces must have been so special!

    When I'm around kids, it automatically makes ME feel like a kid. LOL!

    I love that quote too. So glad I found it online!

    X

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