Administrative
Office of the Courts/Juvenile Services: Theater in Diversion
Kenton County Building
Room
606
303 Court StreetCovington
KY41011
606-292-6421606-292-6611
Program: Theater in Diversion Year Started: 1993 Focus: Theater Youth Served: 20 Ages: 8-17 Budget: $15,000 This program is designed to divert teen offenders from the formal court system, reduce delinquent behavior, increase positive peer interaction, enhance critical thinking abilities, bond youth to the community, develop in youth an appreciation for the arts and increase their understanding of the legal system through dramatic interpretation of concepts such as authority, justice and responsibility. Program goals are met by engaging youth in role-playing and improvisational theater techniques in classes conducted by professional actors over a 10-week period, culminating in a final production. Youth continue to be involved by training to be junior facilitators or technical production staff. Other youth participate in the program through creative-writing classes leading to script development and through visual arts classes involving set design. The program, originated by Peg Phillips, an actress of recent Northern Exposure TV fame, can be summed up best in her words: "It went over with a 'bang' right from the first. Kids are in love with the drama exercises and theater improvisations taught in the program. The kids' enthusiasm and the way they respond is all we need to justify our presence in their lives." |